The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding a careful balance of features and affordability. Both the Nokia C12 Pro and the Infinix Smart 7 HD aim to deliver just that, but they take slightly different approaches. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best value for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C12 Pro edges out the Infinix Smart 7 HD. While both share a 10W charging rate, the Nokia’s Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, with its distinct Cortex-A55 core configuration, offers a potentially more refined multitasking experience, making it better suited for everyday tasks.
| 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, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 21 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, April 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 196.5 g (6.95 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 500 nits |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core 1.6 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP, f/2.0
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.0 |
| Video | 720p | 720p@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 |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | - | X6516 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Nokia C12 Pro
- Potentially smoother multitasking due to dual-core CPU architecture.
- Nokia’s reputation for software updates and reliability.
- Unisoc chipset may offer better power efficiency.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited information on display quality.
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- Likely the lowest price point in its class.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Potentially larger battery capacity (unconfirmed).
- Potentially slower performance in multitasking.
- Limited brand recognition and software support.
Display Comparison
Neither Nokia nor Infinix provide display specifications beyond the basic resolution. However, given the price point, both likely utilize IPS LCD panels. The absence of details like peak brightness or color gamut suggests a focus on cost reduction. Users should expect adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences, particularly outdoors. The lack of high refresh rates is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It’s safe to assume both phones rely on basic camera modules suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will likely be limited. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; image processing and sensor quality are far more important.
Performance
The Nokia C12 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset is the key differentiator. Its octa-core configuration is split into two clusters: four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This dual-cluster approach allows for efficient task allocation, potentially improving responsiveness during multitasking compared to the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s unspecified octa-core CPU clocked at a uniform 1.6 GHz. While both are entry-level, the Nokia’s architecture *could* translate to a slightly smoother experience when switching between apps. The absence of RAM specifications for both devices makes a direct comparison difficult, but lower RAM will exacerbate performance limitations.
Battery Life
Both the Nokia C12 Pro and the Infinix Smart 7 HD are equipped with 10W wired charging. This slow charging speed means a full charge will take a significant amount of time – likely over 3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the target market, expect capacities around 4000-5000 mAh. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should be able to last a full day with moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Pro if you prioritize a potentially smoother user experience with its octa-core processor and appreciate Nokia’s reputation for software stability. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if you are looking for the absolute lowest price point and are willing to accept potentially slower performance in multi-tasking scenarios. Both phones are ideal for first-time smartphone users or as reliable backup devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the Nokia C12 Pro struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A1 is an entry-level chipset, it should be capable of running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. However, expect some lag when switching between multiple apps or running more demanding applications. The dual-core architecture may help mitigate some of this lag compared to a uniformly clocked processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Infinix Smart 7 HD with the 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging rate, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Infinix Smart 7 HD will likely take over 3 hours, potentially closer to 4. This is typical for budget smartphones prioritizing cost over fast charging capabilities. It's best to charge overnight.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android version?
Nokia generally provides more consistent software updates, including security patches, than Infinix. While neither phone is likely to receive major Android version upgrades for an extended period, the Nokia C12 Pro is more likely to receive critical security updates, enhancing its long-term security.
