Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely compromise on features? The Nokia C12 Plus and C31 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering reliable performance and the Nokia brand's reputation. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 Plus edges out the C31 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (22nm vs 28nm). While both offer similar performance, the C12 Plus's improved efficiency translates to potentially better battery life and slightly smoother operation. Both are solid budget options, though.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless 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 | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| Models | - | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Potentially better battery life
- Nokia brand reliability
- Likely lacks fast charging
- Camera specs unknown
- Basic design
Nokia C31
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially slightly larger screen (unconfirmed)
- Durable build quality (typical Nokia)
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially shorter battery life
- Camera specs unknown
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.3 inches. The C31 *may* have a slightly higher resolution, but without confirmed specs, it's difficult to definitively say. Expect adequate brightness and color reproduction for everyday use, but don't expect flagship-level visuals.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are currently unavailable for both devices. However, based on the typical Nokia C-series, expect a single rear camera setup on both, likely in the 13-16MP range. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will likely be subpar.
Performance
The Unisoc SC9863A1 in the C12 Plus (22nm) has a slight advantage over the SC9863A in the C31 (28nm). This means the C12 Plus *should* offer marginally better performance and efficiency. Expect both to handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without significant issues, but demanding games will struggle.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both devices. The C12 Plus's more efficient chipset gives it a potential edge in battery life, although real-world usage will vary. The C31 includes 10W wired charging, which is a welcome addition for faster top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, affordability, and potentially slightly better battery life. The Nokia C31 is a good choice for those who value a slightly more robust design and the convenience of 10W wired charging, and potentially a slightly larger screen (though this is unconfirmed without further specs).
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Nokia C12 Plus has a slight edge due to its more efficient chipset, but neither phone is designed for demanding games. Both will handle basic games adequately.
❓ Does either phone have NFC?
NFC availability is currently unknown for either device. Check the official Nokia website or retailer listings for confirmation.
