Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C12 Pro 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 Pro thanks to its slightly more powerful processor and generally better performance. While both are budget options, the A04e provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and a bit more future-proofing.
| 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, March 21 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 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 | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% 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 | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | Wireless 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 |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| 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 80 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Pro
- Clean Android experience
- Potentially more durable build
- Reliable brand reputation
- Good call quality
- Slower performance
- Limited camera capabilities
- Slow charging
- Less RAM/Storage options
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- Better performance
- Samsung's One UI
- Potentially better display
- More RAM/Storage options
- Bloatware
- Less clean Android experience
- Plastic build feel
- Similar camera performance to C12 Pro
Display Comparison
Both phones feature basic LCD displays, likely around 6.5 inches. The A04e might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology, but expect similar viewing experiences overall. Resolution will likely be HD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often similar in this price range. Both likely feature a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. Samsung's image processing might offer slightly more vibrant colors, while Nokia might aim for more natural tones. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy A04e's MediaTek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) holds a clear advantage over the Nokia C12 Pro's Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The A04e's Cortex-A53 cores generally outperform the C12 Pro's Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. Expect the C12 Pro to feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
Both phones likely have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on both, so expect slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, a clean Android experience, and a potentially more durable build. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, and who appreciate Samsung's One UI.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has more RAM?
The Samsung Galaxy A04e typically offers more RAM options (2GB, 3GB, 4GB) compared to the Nokia C12 Pro (2GB, 3GB).
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both phones ship with Android Go Edition, optimized for lower-powered devices. The specific version may vary, but expect Android 12 or 13 Go Edition.
