Lenovo offers two K12 models, one globally as the K12 Pro and another specifically for the Chinese market. While visually similar, the core difference lies under the hood: the chipset. This comparison dissects the performance implications of the Snapdragon 662 in the K12 Pro versus the Snapdragon 460 in the K12 (China), helping you determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lenovo K12 Pro is the superior choice. The Snapdragon 662 offers a noticeable performance boost over the 460, making it better suited for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications. While the K12 (China) is more affordable, the performance trade-off isn't worth it for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 172.1 x 76.8 x 9.7 mm (6.78 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 165.2 x 75.7 x 9.2 mm (6.50 x 2.98 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 221 g (7.80 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 109.8 cm2 (~83.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 64 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.2, 1.0µm | 8 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired
2.5W reverse wired | 10W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Electric Violet, Metallic Sage | Navy Blue, Gray |
| Models | XT2091-8, XT2091-7 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lenovo K12 Pro
- Faster Snapdragon 662 processor
- 20W fast charging for quicker top-ups
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Likely higher price point
- May not offer significantly better battery life despite faster charging
Lenovo K12 (China)
- More affordable price
- Sufficient for basic smartphone tasks
- Acceptable battery life for light usage
- Slower Snapdragon 460 processor
- 10W slow charging
- Limited gaming performance
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, the chipset's graphics processing capabilities will influence the smoothness of scrolling and animations. While specific display specs (resolution, refresh rate) aren't provided, the K12 Pro's more powerful GPU will contribute to a more fluid visual experience. The impact of the chipset on display rendering is significant, even if the panel itself is identical.
Camera Comparison
Without specific camera sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive comparison. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 662 is more advanced than that of the 460. This means the K12 Pro will likely exhibit better image processing, resulting in sharper images, improved dynamic range, and more accurate colors, even if both phones share the same camera sensors. The 662’s ISP also supports faster image capture and more sophisticated features.
Performance
The core distinction is the chipset: the K12 Pro boasts the Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662, an 11nm processor with an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver). The K12 (China) utilizes the Snapdragon 460 (11nm) with a similar octa-core setup (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240). The 662’s higher clock speeds on its performance cores, and the newer Kryo 260 architecture, translate to approximately 20-30% faster CPU performance in benchmarks. This difference is noticeable in app launch times and multitasking. The GPU in the 662 is also significantly more capable, offering a better gaming experience.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 2.5W reverse wired charging, a useful feature for topping up accessories. The K12 Pro’s 20W wired charging is a significant advantage over the K12 (China)’s 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time – potentially cutting it in half. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging speed of the K12 Pro mitigates any potential disadvantage from a slightly smaller battery, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 Pro if you need a phone capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly, enjoy occasional gaming, and appreciate faster charging. It’s ideal for users who prioritize responsiveness and future-proofing. Buy the Lenovo K12 (China) if you primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and light social media use, and are on a very tight budget. It’s best for users who prioritize affordability above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 460 in the K12 (China) struggle with popular apps like TikTok or Instagram?
While the Snapdragon 460 can run these apps, you may experience occasional lag or slowdowns, especially when multitasking or using the apps for extended periods. The K12 Pro’s Snapdragon 662 provides a much smoother experience for these types of applications.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the K12 Pro compared to the K12 (China)?
The K12 Pro’s 20W charging is twice as fast as the K12 (China)’s 10W charging. This means a full charge will take significantly less time on the K12 Pro, potentially reducing charge times from over 3 hours to around 1.5-2 hours, depending on battery capacity.
❓ Is the K12 (China) suitable for playing mobile games like PUBG or Call of Duty?
The K12 (China) can technically run these games, but you’ll likely need to lower the graphics settings to the minimum to achieve playable frame rates. The Snapdragon 460 is not optimized for demanding gaming, and you may experience stuttering and lag. The K12 Pro offers a much better gaming experience.
