The Lenovo K12 and Nokia G20 represent the ultra-budget end of the Android spectrum, targeting users who prioritize affordability above all else. Both devices rely on MediaTek’s Helio series of chipsets, but subtle differences in processing power and design choices create distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G20 edges out the Lenovo K12. While both offer similar 10W charging and basic functionality, the Nokia G20’s Helio G35 chipset, with its slightly higher clock speeds, provides a noticeable performance boost in everyday tasks and light gaming, making it the more responsive option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | Not announced yet | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2021, May 17 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 75.7 x 8.9 mm (6.49 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 76 x 9.2 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 197 g (6.95 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | - | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, (wide) |
| 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 | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mineral Gray, Aqua Blue | Glacier, Night |
| Models | XT2095-4 | TA-1336, TA-1343, TA-1347, TA-1372, TA-1365 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.49 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Lenovo K12
- Potentially lower price point
- Reliable basic functionality
- Acceptable for essential tasks
- Slower processor than Nokia G20
- Less responsive user experience
- Limited gaming capabilities
Nokia G20
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly better gaming experience
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by 10W charging
- Camera performance likely similar to K12
Display Comparison
Neither the Lenovo K12 nor the Nokia G20 are display champions. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for basic viewing. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on functional usability. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a budget-friendly form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and the provided data doesn't indicate any significant advantages. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to assess image quality. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Lenovo K12 utilizes the MediaTek MT6762G Helio G25, featuring an octa-core CPU clocked at 2.0 GHz and 1.5 GHz. The Nokia G20 steps up to the MT6765G Helio G35, with a slightly faster configuration of 2.3 GHz and 1.8 GHz. This 10-15% clock speed increase translates to a tangible improvement in app launch times and overall system responsiveness on the Nokia G20. While both use the same Cortex-A53 architecture, the higher clock speeds of the G35 allow it to complete tasks more quickly. Both phones will struggle with demanding games, but the G35 will offer a marginally better experience.
Battery Life
Both the Lenovo K12 and Nokia G20 are equipped with 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones are designed for all-day battery life with moderate usage. The slower charging speed means a full charge will take several hours. The slightly more efficient Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 *may* translate to marginally longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K12 if you need a reliably basic smartphone for essential communication and minimal app usage, and are prioritizing the absolute lowest possible price. Buy the Nokia G20 if you prefer a slightly smoother user experience, anticipate using more apps concurrently, or occasionally engage in light mobile gaming, and are willing to spend a small premium for the improved performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia G20 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
Yes, the Helio G35 in the Nokia G20 is capable of running social media apps smoothly. The increased clock speed compared to the K12’s Helio G25 provides a noticeable improvement in app responsiveness, minimizing lag during scrolling and content loading.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed on either phone sufficient for overnight charging?
Yes, 10W charging is adequate for overnight charging. While it's a slow charging standard, it will fully charge the phone while you sleep, provided you plug it in before going to bed. Expect a full charge to take approximately 4-6 hours.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile, and if so, at what settings?
Both phones can *technically* run PUBG Mobile, but expect a very limited experience. You'll likely need to play at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to achieve playable performance, and even then, expect occasional stuttering and lag. The Nokia G20 will offer a slightly smoother experience due to its faster processor.
