The Lenovo K series consistently delivers affordable smartphones packed with essential features. But with multiple models, choosing the right one can be tricky. This article dives deep into a comparison of the Lenovo K13 Pro and the Lenovo K12 (China), highlighting their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Lenovo K13 Pro clearly takes the lead thanks to its superior Snapdragon 662 chipset, offering significantly better performance and smoother multitasking. While the K12 boasts reverse charging, the K13 Pro's faster charging and overall power make it the better choice for most 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September | 2020, December 09. Released 2020, December 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, September 29 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 |
| Quad | 64 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/1.97", 0.7µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm | 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 | Unspecified | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | 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, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired
2.5W reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Navy Blue, Gray |
| Models | XT2129-3 | - |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Lenovo K13 Pro
- Significantly better performance (Snapdragon 662)
- Faster 15W charging
- Likely slightly better camera processing
- More responsive user experience
- May lack reverse charging
- Potentially slightly higher price
Lenovo K12 (China)
- Very affordable
- Reverse wired charging
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance (Snapdragon 460)
- Slower 10W charging
- Less responsive user experience
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.5 inches with a resolution of 1600x720 (HD+). The K13 Pro *might* have slightly better color accuracy or brightness due to its higher-tier chipset, but this is not definitively confirmed. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. However, the K13 Pro's more powerful processor should allow for better image processing, resulting in slightly improved photo quality, especially in low light. Video recording capabilities will likely be comparable.
Performance
This is where the K13 Pro shines. The Snapdragon 662 is a substantial upgrade over the Snapdragon 460. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and better performance in games on the K13 Pro. The K12 will handle basic tasks adequately, but will struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a battery capacity around 5000mAh. The K13 Pro's faster 15W charging will allow it to recharge quicker than the K12's 10W charging. The K12's 2.5W reverse charging is a unique feature, allowing it to charge other devices, but it's a niche use case.
Buying Guide
The Lenovo K13 Pro is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother user experience, even on a budget. It's great for light gaming and everyday tasks. The Lenovo K12 (China) is a good option for those seeking a very affordable phone primarily for basic communication and media consumption, and who value the added convenience of reverse charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Lenovo K13 Pro worth the extra cost?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The Snapdragon 662 offers a significant upgrade over the 460, making the K13 Pro a much smoother and more enjoyable device to use.
❓ What is reverse charging and do I need it?
Reverse charging allows your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using its battery. It's a convenient feature, but not essential for most users.
