Nokia's C-series phones are known for offering reliable performance and durability at affordable prices. The C12 Plus and C32 are two recent additions to this lineup, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C32 edges out the C12 Plus thanks to its slightly improved features, particularly the inclusion of 10W charging. Both phones share the same chipset, but the C32's charging and potentially slightly better build quality make it the preferable choice for most users.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| 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 | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Lowest price in the series
- Reliable Nokia build quality
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Slow 5W charging
- Basic camera performance
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Nokia C32
- Faster 10W charging
- Potentially improved build quality
- Higher resolution 50MP camera (rumored)
- Reliable Nokia build quality
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Slightly higher price than C12 Plus
- Still limited performance
- Camera still likely struggles in low light
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch HD+ displays, offering adequate viewing for everyday tasks. Expect decent color accuracy but limited brightness. The C32 might have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance.
Camera Comparison
The C12 Plus likely has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the C32 is rumored to have a 50MP main camera. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing, but the C32's higher resolution sensor *could* offer slightly better detail in good lighting conditions. Both will struggle in low light.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1, performance will be adequate for basic apps and light multitasking. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly on either device. The shared chipset means performance will be very similar.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the C32's inclusion of 10W charging is a significant advantage over the C12 Plus, which likely only supports 5W charging.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The Nokia C32 is a better choice for those who want a slightly more refined experience, including faster charging and potentially a more robust design, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C12 Plus and C32?
The main differences are the charging speed (10W for C32 vs 5W for C12 Plus) and the potential for a higher resolution camera on the C32. Both share the same chipset and similar display.
❓ Which Nokia phone is better for gaming?
Neither phone is ideal for gaming. Both are powered by a budget chipset that struggles with demanding games. Stick to simpler games or casual titles.
