The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Nokia C12 Plus, known for its clean Android experience, faces off against the Realme C51s, which prioritizes faster charging and a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects the key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Realme C51s is the better buy. Its Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset delivers noticeably improved performance over the Nokia C12 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A1, and the 33W charging is a significant advantage, reducing downtime. While the Nokia offers a simpler software experience, the Realme’s performance edge is more impactful for daily tasks.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2024, March 15 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2024, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 167.2 x 76.7 x 7.5 mm (6.58 x 3.02 x 0.30 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 182 g (6.42 oz) |
| 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) | 6.74 inches, 109.7 cm2 (~85.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 560 nits (peak) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, Realme UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, 27mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 28mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes, 360˚ (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 33W wired, 0-50% in 28 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Shiny Green, Mighty Black |
| Models | - | RMX3765 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Clean, near-stock Android experience
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Potentially longer software support (Nokia's reputation)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Extremely slow charging speeds
- Limited performance for demanding apps
Realme C51s
- Faster and more capable Unisoc T612 chipset
- 33W fast charging for quick top-ups
- Larger display for a more immersive experience
- Potentially more bloatware (Realme's history)
- Software updates may be less frequent
- Camera performance likely similar to Nokia
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, common in this price bracket. The Realme C51s doesn't specify resolution, but the Nokia C12 Plus has a 720x1600 resolution. The Realme's larger size (6.56” vs 6.3”) offers a more immersive experience. However, without brightness data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility. Color accuracy is likely similar on both, leaning towards the basic side.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones focusing on basic photography. Neither device’s specifications suggest advanced features like OIS or particularly large sensors. The Realme C51s’s camera setup is unspecified, but the Nokia C12 Plus features a single 8MP rear camera. Image quality will be adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions, but expect struggles in low light. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The Realme C51s’s Unisoc Tiger T612 is the clear winner here. Built on a 12nm process, it features a more modern CPU architecture with 2x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x 1.8 GHz Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Nokia C12 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A1 with 4x 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to significantly faster app loading times and smoother multitasking on the Realme. The A75 cores provide a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for responsive UI interactions. While both likely have limited RAM options, the chipset difference will be the dominant factor.
Battery Life
The Realme C51s shines in the battery and charging department. While the battery capacity isn’t specified, the inclusion of 33W wired charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 28 minutes, is a game-changer. The Nokia C12 Plus lacks fast charging, relying on standard 5W charging, meaning a full charge will take several hours. This difference in charging speed significantly impacts usability, especially for users who need to quickly top up their phone throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Plus if you prioritize a streamlined, near-stock Android experience and absolute simplicity. It’s ideal for first-time smartphone users or those who prefer minimal bloatware. Buy the Realme C51s if you value performance for social media, light gaming, and multitasking, and if quick charging is a must-have feature. It’s better suited for users who actively use their phones throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C51s struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset in the Realme C51s is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram smoothly. The A75 cores provide a performance boost that the Nokia C12 Plus’s chipset lacks, resulting in a more responsive experience.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Plus a good choice for someone upgrading from a feature phone?
Yes, the Nokia C12 Plus is an excellent option for first-time smartphone users. Its simple interface and clean Android experience make it easy to learn and use. However, be aware that its performance is limited, so it may not be suitable for demanding tasks.
❓ How much does the charging speed difference *really* matter between these two phones?
It's substantial. The Realme C51s can gain 50% charge in 28 minutes with 33W charging, while the Nokia C12 Plus will take several hours to fully charge with its 5W standard charging. This means less downtime and more usability throughout the day with the Realme.
