Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C12 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A04e are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the Nokia C12 Plus thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better software support. However, the C12 Plus might appeal to those prioritizing a cleaner Android experience and potentially a slightly lower price point.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 90 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Clean Android experience
- Minimal bloatware
- Reliable brand reputation
- Potentially lower price
- Less powerful processor
- Slower performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance
- Slightly better camera
- Samsung's One UI
- Good battery life
- More bloatware
- Potentially higher price
- Plastic build quality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. The A04e might have slightly better color accuracy due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is minimal at this price point. Expect similar brightness levels and viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A04e typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro) while the Nokia C12 Plus often has a 13MP main camera. While megapixels aren't everything, the A04e's image processing and potentially better sensor generally result in slightly better photos, especially in low light. Both phones offer basic video recording capabilities.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04e's MediaTek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) holds a noticeable advantage over the Nokia C12 Plus's Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The A04e's faster CPU cores (2.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz) translate to smoother multitasking and app loading times. The C12 Plus will feel adequate for basic tasks, but struggles with demanding apps or games.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day.
Buying Guide
Who should buy the Nokia C12 Plus? Users seeking a clean Android experience, minimal bloatware, and a reliable, basic smartphone. Who should buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e? Those prioritizing a bit more performance, a potentially better camera, and the familiarity of Samsung's One UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e is likely to receive longer software updates and security patches due to Samsung's commitment to supporting its A-series devices.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Plus good for gaming?
The Nokia C12 Plus is not ideal for demanding games. It can handle basic games, but performance will be limited.
