The Nokia C-series is known for offering reliable, affordable smartphones. The Nokia C12 Plus and C12 are two recent additions, both targeting the budget market. But are they truly identical? This comprehensive comparison will highlight the differences and help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 Plus offers a slightly improved camera and potentially more RAM (depending on the variant), giving it a marginal edge. However, the core performance is virtually identical due to the shared chipset. The C12 remains a strong contender, especially if price is a primary concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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, April 01 | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Slightly better camera (13MP vs 8MP)
- Potentially more RAM variants available
- Nokia's build quality and reliability
- Slightly higher price than C12
- Performance still limited by chipset
Nokia C12
- Lower price point
- Nokia's build quality and reliability
- Decent battery life
- Less impressive camera (8MP)
- Performance limited by chipset
- Fewer RAM variants potentially
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, likely with similar color accuracy and brightness. Expect adequate viewing for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or exceptional outdoor visibility. The C12 Plus *might* have a slightly improved panel, but this is not consistently reported.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C12 Plus generally boasts a 13MP main camera, a step up from the C12's 8MP main camera. Both likely include a depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. The C12 Plus should offer slightly better detail and clarity.
Performance
The Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset and octa-core CPU are identical in both devices. Expect basic performance suitable for light tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging. Demanding games and heavy multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. RAM configurations vary, which could impact multitasking performance.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance, and both devices likely run a streamlined Android version to conserve power.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia C12 Plus? Users prioritizing a slightly better camera and potentially more RAM for smoother multitasking. Who should buy the Nokia C12? Those seeking the absolute lowest price point without sacrificing essential Nokia reliability and build quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the Nokia C12 Plus and C12 run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for lower-powered devices.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Nokia C12 Plus nor the Nokia C12 support 5G connectivity. They are 4G LTE devices.
