Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C12 Plus and Xiaomi Redmi A2+ are two contenders vying for the budget crown. Both offer essential features, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ edges out the Nokia C12 Plus thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and generally better performance. While both are budget options, the Redmi A2+ provides a more responsive and enjoyable user experience.
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, April 01 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Cancelled | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | - | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| 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 | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | - | 23028RNCAG, 23028RN4DI, 23028RNCAI, 23028RN4DH |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.71 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Plus
- Clean Android experience
- Durable build quality
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slower performance
- No fast charging
- Basic camera
Xiaomi Redmi A2+
- More powerful chipset
- Faster charging (10W)
- Slightly better display (potentially)
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be cluttered
- Plastic build feels less premium
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for budget devices, so don't expect vibrant visuals. The Redmi A2+ might have a slightly better panel due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display technology, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is generally modest on both devices. The Redmi A2+ likely has a slightly better main camera sensor, potentially resulting in marginally better image quality in good lighting conditions. Both struggle in low light. Expect basic photo capabilities suitable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ holds a clear advantage here. Its Mediatek Helio G36 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is more efficient and powerful than the Nokia C12 Plus's Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). Expect smoother app loading and slightly better multitasking on the Redmi A2+. The C12 Plus will feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the Redmi A2+'s 10W wired charging offers a significant advantage over the C12 Plus, which lacks a specified charging speed (likely around 5W). This means faster top-ups for the Redmi A2+.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a clean Android experience and a durable build. The Xiaomi Redmi A2+ is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for basic multitasking and apps, and who appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both have 5000mAh batteries, offering all-day usage. However, the Redmi A2+'s faster charging makes it more convenient.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Plus worth buying?
It's a decent option if you prioritize a clean Android experience and durability, but be prepared for slower performance.
