The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Nokia C12 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two compelling options, but cater to different priorities. The Nokia focuses on affordability, while the Samsung attempts to balance cost with a more modern chipset and improved display characteristics. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, provides significantly better performance and efficiency than the Nokia C12 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A1. The A05s also boasts a brighter, higher-contrast display and faster 25W charging, making it a more well-rounded device.
| 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 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 168 x 77.8 x 8.8 mm (6.61 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 13, up to 2 major Android upgrades, One UI 7 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | - |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.64µm, AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30/60fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/3.X", 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.1, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, QZSS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 25W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Black, Silver, Light Green, Violet |
| Models | - | SM-A057F, SM-A057F/DS, SM-A057M, SM-A057M/DS, SM-A057G/DSN, SM-A057G |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Lowest possible price point
- Simple and uncluttered Android experience
- Potentially more durable build quality (Nokia reputation)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Lower display quality
- Slow charging speeds (likely)
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Superior performance with Snapdragon 680
- Brighter and higher-contrast display
- Faster 25W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Samsung’s software bloatware
- Potentially less durable build quality
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s clearly leads in display quality. Its measured peak brightness of 468 nits is substantially higher than what we’d expect from the Nokia C12 Plus, making it far more usable outdoors. The 1418:1 contrast ratio on the A05s also contributes to a more immersive viewing experience. While the Nokia’s display resolution is likely 720p (typical for this segment), the Samsung’s superior brightness and contrast make a noticeable difference in everyday use. We lack PWM frequency data for both, but the A05s’s higher brightness may mitigate flicker perception for some users.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’s camera is likely to offer better image quality due to the more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Snapdragon 680 chipset. While specific sensor details are missing, the A05s’s processing capabilities will likely result in more detailed and dynamic range in photos. The Nokia C12 Plus will likely rely heavily on software processing to compensate for its less capable hardware. We can assume both phones include a 2MP macro camera, which offers limited practical benefit due to its low resolution.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Samsung Galaxy A05s’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a far more capable chipset than the Nokia C12 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Snapdragon 680 features a combination of 4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores, offering a substantial clock speed advantage over the Nokia’s 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 configuration. The 6nm fabrication process of the Snapdragon 680 also translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, crucial for sustained performance. The Nokia will struggle with multitasking and demanding apps, while the A05s provides a smoother, more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a significant advantage in charging speed with its 25W wired charging capability. While the battery capacity isn’t specified for the Nokia C12 Plus, the A05s’s active use score of 11:32h demonstrates excellent battery life. The faster charging on the A05s means less downtime and quicker top-ups, a crucial benefit for users who rely heavily on their smartphones throughout the day. The more efficient Snapdragon 680 also contributes to the A05s’s impressive battery performance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Plus if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize a simple, uncluttered Android experience. It’s suitable for basic communication and light tasks. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A05s if you value performance for social media, streaming, and casual gaming, alongside a more vibrant display and faster charging capabilities. It’s the better option for users who want a more responsive and feature-rich experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Snapdragon 680 in the Galaxy A05s handle popular games like PUBG Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 680 is capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. While it won't deliver a flagship gaming experience, it provides a playable experience for casual gamers. The Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Nokia C12 Plus will struggle with PUBG Mobile, likely requiring very low settings and experiencing significant frame drops.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
While not specified, both phones likely offer 32GB or 64GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is typical for devices in this price range. Checking the specific retailer listing is crucial to confirm the storage configuration.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s support VoLTE and VoWiFi calling?
The Samsung Galaxy A05s *should* support VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi) depending on your carrier. These features provide improved call quality and the ability to make calls over Wi-Fi when cellular signal is weak. Confirm compatibility with your specific carrier before purchasing.
❓ What version of Android do these phones ship with, and will they receive updates?
The Nokia C12 Plus likely ships with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware. The Samsung Galaxy A05s likely ships with a recent version of Android with Samsung’s One UI on top. Update support is limited on both devices, but Nokia generally offers a more consistent (though still limited) update schedule than Samsung in this price segment.
