The Nokia C12 Plus and Infinix Smart 7 HD represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more refined software experience and potentially better long-term support, the Nokia C12 Plus edges out the Infinix Smart 7 HD. While the Infinix boasts 10W charging, the Nokia’s Unisoc chipset, though modest, offers a more clearly defined architecture for consistent performance.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | - | X6516 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Defined CPU architecture (Unisoc SC9863A1)
- Potentially better software support from Nokia
- More predictable performance
- Likely slower charging speeds
- Limited RAM capacity (expected)
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Larger brand presence in some markets
- Unspecified CPU architecture
- Potentially less efficient chipset
- Android skin may include bloatware
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Details regarding panel type, resolution, and brightness are scarce for both, suggesting basic LCD panels. The focus here is purely functional. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within their budget constraints. Color accuracy is expected to be limited, prioritizing power efficiency over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Details are limited, but both are likely to feature a primary sensor paired with a low-resolution depth or macro lens. Given the price point, image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions but will struggle in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light performance. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing are far more critical, and information on these is unavailable.
Performance
The Nokia C12 Plus utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A1, an octa-core processor built on a 22nm process. This chip features a heterogeneous core configuration with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. This split aims to balance performance and power consumption. The Infinix Smart 7 HD simply lists an octa-core 1.6GHz CPU without specifying the architecture. This lack of detail suggests a potentially less efficient or less capable chipset. The Nokia’s defined architecture provides a slight advantage in predictable performance, even if overall processing power is similar. RAM details are missing for both, but expect 2GB or 3GB, limiting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range, typical for this segment. The Infinix Smart 7 HD includes 10W wired charging, offering a slight convenience advantage over the Nokia C12 Plus, which likely relies on slower charging speeds. However, the Unisoc chipset in the Nokia may offer slightly better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slower charging in real-world usage. Expect a full charge to take several hours on both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Plus if you need a phone with a cleaner, more streamlined Android experience, potentially benefiting from Nokia’s commitment to software updates (even if limited). It’s ideal for users who value simplicity and reliability. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if you prioritize having some form of fast charging, even at a modest 10W, and are comfortable with a potentially more customized Android skin. This phone suits users who need a basic device with a quick power boost option.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C12 Plus receive Android updates?
While Nokia promises software support, updates for the C12 Plus will likely be limited to security patches and minor improvements. Expect Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-spec devices, which may receive a single major version upgrade at best.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Infinix Smart 7 HD fast enough?
10W charging is relatively slow by modern standards. Expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. However, for a device in this price range, it's a welcome addition, offering a quicker top-up than standard 5W charging.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic social media apps?
Yes, both phones can handle basic social media apps like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. However, expect some lag and slowdown when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps due to the limited RAM and processing power.
