The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Lenovo K13 and Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price. However, they take drastically different approaches to achieving this, with the K13 prioritizing efficiency and the A12 leaning towards a more powerful, albeit less refined, experience. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly faster charging experience, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Lenovo K13’s Unisoc SC9863A, despite the K13’s lower price point.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 30 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 30 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | Water-repellent design | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Lenovo K13
- Lower price point makes it extremely accessible.
- Unisoc SC9863A offers decent efficiency for basic tasks.
- Potentially longer battery life due to efficient chipset.
- Significantly slower performance compared to the A12.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Likely lower quality display.
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- Faster and more responsive performance with the Exynos 850.
- Faster 15W charging.
- Samsung’s brand reputation for software and support.
- Higher price compared to the Lenovo K13.
- Exynos 850 consumes more power, potentially reducing battery life.
- May experience some thermal throttling under sustained load.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. While specific display specs (resolution, panel type) are missing for the K13, it’s reasonable to assume a basic LCD panel given its price point. The Galaxy A12’s display details are also absent, but Samsung typically employs PLS LCDs in this segment, offering slightly better viewing angles than standard LCDs. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power impacting UI smoothness. A faster processor like the Exynos 850 will make scrolling and animations feel more responsive, even on a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, leaning towards basic functionality on both devices. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, the A12’s brand reputation suggests slightly better image processing algorithms. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Lenovo K13’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 8nm node allows for higher transistor density and improved power efficiency, translating to better sustained performance and less heat generation. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with Cortex-A55 cores, the A12’s cores clock at 2.0 GHz versus the K13’s 1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz split, providing a clear speed advantage. This difference will be most noticeable when multitasking or running demanding applications.
Battery Life
The Lenovo K13’s 10W charging is a significant drawback compared to the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified for either device, the K13’s more efficient Unisoc chipset could potentially offset the slower charging speed with longer battery life during typical use. However, the Exynos 850’s higher power draw will likely result in a shorter overall runtime, despite the faster charging capability. The 15W charging on the A12 will still provide a quicker top-up when needed.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lenovo K13 if you need a supremely affordable device for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and light social media use, and value long-term efficiency over raw speed. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you prefer a smoother multitasking experience, occasional gaming, and a faster 15W charging solution, even if it means slightly reduced battery life due to the more powerful processor.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
While the Exynos 850 is a capable chip, it's not known for exceptional thermal performance. Expect some degree of throttling during extended gaming, which may lead to frame rate drops. However, it's unlikely to reach dangerously high temperatures, and the throttling will help maintain stability.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Lenovo K13 and Samsung Galaxy A12 are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often blurry and lack detail. They are best avoided for serious photography.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
The Galaxy A12 can likely run PUBG Mobile, but achieving a consistent 60fps experience will depend on the graphics settings. Lowering the settings to 'Smooth' or 'Balanced' is recommended to maintain a playable frame rate. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially during intense firefights.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Lenovo K13 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% on the Lenovo K13 will likely take between 3 to 4 hours. This is significantly slower than the Samsung Galaxy A12's 15W charging, making it less convenient for users who need a quick top-up.
