Looking for an affordable smartphone? Nokia's C-series offers budget-friendly options, and the C02 and C12 Plus are two contenders. But which one delivers the best value? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 Plus is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and more modern chipset offer significantly better performance than the C02's quad-core setup. While both are budget phones, the C12 Plus provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 23 | 2023, April 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | - |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
Nokia C02
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable Nokia build quality
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Outdated chipset
Nokia C12 Plus
- Better performance than C02
- Improved camera (likely)
- More modern chipset
- Slightly better battery efficiency
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera still not exceptional
- May lack advanced features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.1 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles but limited brightness. The C12 Plus *might* have slightly improved color accuracy due to its newer chipset, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The C12 Plus is expected to have a slightly better camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and improved image processing thanks to its newer chipset. Both will likely offer basic camera features and struggle in low-light conditions. Expect typical budget phone camera performance.
Performance
This is where the C12 Plus shines. The Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset with its octa-core processor provides a substantial performance boost over the C02's quad-core CPU. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user interface on the C12 Plus. The C02 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a battery capacity around 4000mAh, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. The C12 Plus's more efficient chipset *could* translate to slightly better battery life, but it will be marginal.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C02 is ideal for users needing a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. The Nokia C12 Plus is better suited for those wanting a slightly more responsive experience, occasional gaming, and a better camera.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C02 and C12 Plus?
The main difference is the processor. The C12 Plus has a significantly faster octa-core processor compared to the C02's quad-core, resulting in better performance.
❓ Which Nokia phone is better for gaming?
The Nokia C12 Plus is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, don't expect high-end gaming performance – it's still a budget phone.
