The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Nokia C12 Plus aims for rock-bottom affordability and basic functionality, while the Lava Blaze 5G attempts to deliver 5G connectivity and a more responsive experience. This comparison dissects the core differences between these two devices, focusing on where each excels and who will benefit most.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Lava Blaze 5G is the better choice. Its Mediatek Dimensity 700 chipset provides a substantial performance uplift over the Nokia C12 Plus’ Unisoc SC9863A1, enabling smoother multitasking and a more enjoyable 5G experience. While the C12 Plus is cheaper, the performance gap is too significant to ignore for all but the most basic users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | - | SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2022, October 3 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, October 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 165.3 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.51 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 207 g (7.30 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MC2 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, (wide), 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
0.3 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Green, Blue |
| Models | - | LXX503 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer standby time (depending on battery capacity)
- Extremely limited performance
- Poor multitasking capabilities
- Outdated chipset and inefficient process node
Lava Blaze 5G
- Significantly faster performance with Dimensity 700
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More responsive user experience
- Slower 10W charging
- Higher price than the Nokia C12 Plus
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, details like brightness and resolution are missing for the Nokia C12 Plus, suggesting a focus on cost reduction. The Lava Blaze 5G, while also basic, benefits from the more modern Mediatek chipset potentially offering better display processing. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will likely be standard for budget phones.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both phones are expected to feature basic sensors. Details are sparse, but the Lava Blaze 5G likely has a more capable main sensor due to the chipset's image signal processor (ISP). The Unisoc SC9863A1’s ISP is less sophisticated, limiting the C12 Plus’ ability to process images effectively. Any 2MP macro or depth sensors on either device should be considered marketing filler; image quality will be limited.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Lava Blaze 5G’s Mediatek Dimensity 700, fabricated on a 7nm process, is a clear upgrade over the Nokia C12 Plus’ Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Dimensity 700 features a more powerful CPU configuration – 2x2.2 GHz Cortex-A76 cores alongside 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the C12 Plus’ 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. The 7nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load. The C12 Plus will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the specific mAh capacity of the Nokia C12 Plus is missing, it's likely around 4000-5000mAh. The Lava Blaze 5G includes 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards, but adequate for a phone in this price range. The more efficient Dimensity 700 in the Blaze 5G may offset the slower charging, providing comparable or even better real-world battery endurance despite potentially having a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use the phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage like WhatsApp. Buy the Lava Blaze 5G if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding tasks, enjoy faster download speeds with 5G, and appreciate a more fluid user experience, even if it means spending a bit more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Blaze 5G get noticeably warmer during extended gaming sessions?
The Mediatek Dimensity 700 is relatively efficient, but it's still a mobile processor. Expect some warmth during prolonged gaming, but the 7nm process should prevent significant throttling. The Nokia C12 Plus, while less powerful, might also heat up due to the inefficient 22nm Unisoc chip working at its maximum capacity.
❓ Is the 5G connectivity on the Lava Blaze 5G actually useful in most areas?
5G coverage varies significantly by location. While 5G isn't universally available, it's expanding rapidly. Even in areas with limited 5G, the Lava Blaze 5G will fall back to 4G, providing a faster and more reliable connection than the Nokia C12 Plus is likely to offer due to its weaker modem.
❓ Can the Nokia C12 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag?
The Nokia C12 Plus will likely be able to *run* these apps, but expect noticeable lag and slow loading times, especially when scrolling through image-heavy feeds. The Unisoc SC9863A1 simply lacks the processing power for a smooth social media experience.
❓ Does the Lava Blaze 5G support VoWiFi (Wi-Fi Calling)?
Support for VoWiFi varies by carrier and software updates. While not explicitly stated, phones with more modern chipsets like the Dimensity 700 are more likely to support VoWiFi, offering improved call quality in areas with poor cellular reception. Check with your carrier for compatibility.
