The Nokia C12 Plus and Tecno Spark Go 2023 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly low cost, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware approaches. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on how the chipset choices impact everyday use and long-term value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing sustained performance and potentially longer software support, the Nokia C12 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A1, despite its lower clock speed, benefits from an octa-core configuration and a more efficient 22nm process, offering a smoother experience than the Tecno's quad-core Helio A22.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2023, January 19 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, January 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.4 cm2 (~84.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/1.9, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| 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 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Unspecified |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Endless Black, Nebula Purple, Uyuni Blue, Skin Orange |
| Models | - | BF7n |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Octa-core processor for better multitasking
- Potentially more efficient chipset (22nm)
- Nokia's brand reputation for software updates
- Charging speed is unknown
- Older chipset architecture
Tecno Spark Go 2023
- 10W wired charging for faster top-ups
- Higher clocked CPU cores (on paper)
- More readily available in some markets
- Quad-core processor limits multitasking
- Less efficient chipset (12nm, but fewer cores)
- Potentially less frequent software updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720x1600. However, display quality isn't the focus at this price point. The absence of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the core performance differences.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Given the price bracket, expecting high-quality photography is unrealistic. Details are scarce, but it's safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a depth sensor. The actual image quality will depend heavily on software processing, and neither device is likely to excel in low-light conditions. Focusing on camera specs is less crucial than understanding the performance trade-offs.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C12 Plus utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A1, an octa-core processor built on a 22nm process. This means eight processing cores – four running at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz – allowing for better multitasking than the Tecno Spark Go 2023’s MediaTek Helio A22. The Helio A22 is a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz, built on a 12nm process. While the higher clock speed *suggests* faster single-core performance, the A22’s four cores will struggle with demanding tasks compared to the C12 Plus’s eight. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 is more efficient than the 22nm of the Unisoc, but the core count difference is more impactful for overall responsiveness. The Unisoc's architecture, while older, provides a more balanced approach for everyday tasks.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Tecno Spark Go 2023 includes 10W wired charging, while the Nokia C12 Plus’s charging speed is unspecified. While 10W isn’t fast by modern standards, it’s a tangible advantage for the Tecno, allowing for quicker top-ups. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Nokia C12 Plus could potentially offset the slower charging, offering comparable battery life despite a potentially smaller capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Plus if you need a device capable of handling multiple apps simultaneously without significant slowdown, and if you value a potentially more stable software experience due to Nokia's brand reputation. Buy the Tecno Spark Go 2023 if your primary use case is extremely light – calls, texts, and occasional WhatsApp – and you prioritize the convenience of 10W charging, even if it comes at the cost of overall processing power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Helio A22 in the Tecno Spark Go 2023 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Helio A22 can handle basic apps like Facebook and WhatsApp, running multiple apps simultaneously or using more demanding versions of these apps (like Facebook Lite) may result in noticeable slowdowns. The quad-core architecture is simply less equipped for multitasking compared to the octa-core Unisoc in the Nokia C12 Plus.
❓ Is the 22nm process of the Unisoc SC9863A1 a significant disadvantage compared to the 12nm process of the Helio A22?
While a smaller process node generally indicates better efficiency, the difference is less impactful than the core count. The Unisoc SC9863A1’s eight cores provide a substantial advantage in handling multiple tasks, offsetting the slightly less efficient manufacturing process. The 12nm process of the Helio A22 will contribute to better battery life *per core*, but the Nokia has more cores to utilize.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Subway Surfers or Temple Run?
Both phones should be able to run less demanding games like Subway Surfers or Temple Run, but don't expect high frame rates or smooth performance on higher settings. The Tecno Spark Go 2023 might experience more frequent frame drops during intense gameplay due to its limited processing power.
