The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Nokia C12 Pro and Samsung Galaxy A05s represent two distinct approaches to delivering value. The Nokia focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Samsung aims for a more feature-rich package, albeit with compromises. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A05s is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, coupled with a significantly brighter display and faster 25W charging, provides a smoother and more enjoyable user experience than the Nokia C12 Pro's Unisoc-powered offering. While the Nokia is cheaper, the performance gap justifies the price difference.
| 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 | 2023, September 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2023, October 18 |
| 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) | 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 | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% 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 | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB 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 | Wireless 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 | 10W wired | 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 80 EUR | $ 134.00 / C$ 146.99 / £ 83.94 / € 100.99 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.58 W/kg (head) 1.31 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Pro
- Lower price point
- Simple and clean software experience
- Potentially more durable build quality (Nokia reputation)
- Significantly slower processor
- Less vibrant and potentially dimmer display
- Slow 10W charging
Samsung Galaxy A05s
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 680 processor
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- Faster 25W charging
- Slightly higher price
- Samsung’s One UI can be resource intensive
- Potentially more bloatware
Display Comparison
The Samsung Galaxy A05s boasts a notably brighter display, reaching 468 nits compared to an unstated value for the Nokia C12 Pro, making it far more usable outdoors. The A05s’s 1418:1 contrast ratio also suggests deeper blacks and more vivid colors. While both likely utilize LCD panels, the Samsung’s superior brightness and contrast significantly enhance the viewing experience, especially for media consumption. The Nokia’s display specs are not provided, suggesting a more basic panel.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a camera, but details are limited. The Samsung Galaxy A05s likely features a more capable primary sensor, given its brand reputation and chipset. The Nokia C12 Pro’s camera specifications are not provided, suggesting a basic setup. Without detailed sensor information, it’s difficult to assess image quality, but the Samsung’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 will likely offer superior image processing capabilities, resulting in better dynamic range and noise reduction. We can assume both phones will include a basic secondary camera for depth sensing or macro photography, but these are unlikely to be significant contributors to overall image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A05s utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm), featuring a combination of 2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold and 1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Nokia C12 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm), which employs a less efficient architecture and slower clock speeds (1.6 GHz and 1.2 GHz). The 6nm process of the Snapdragon 680 translates to better power efficiency and reduced thermal throttling, resulting in sustained performance during demanding tasks. The A05s will handle multitasking and app loading significantly faster.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy A05s shines in battery charging, supporting 25W wired charging, a significant advantage over the Nokia C12 Pro’s slow 10W charging. While the A05s’s battery capacity isn’t specified, our testing shows an active use score of 11:32h, indicating good endurance. The Nokia C12 Pro’s slower charging will require considerably more time to reach a full charge, making the A05s more convenient for users who need quick top-ups. The efficiency of the Snapdragon 680 also contributes to the A05s’s impressive battery life.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 Pro if you prioritize absolute affordability and a simple, uncluttered Android experience. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a basic device for calls and light messaging. 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 versatile and responsive smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A05s struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Snapdragon 680 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering during intense firefights, but it's a playable experience. The Nokia C12 Pro's Unisoc chipset will likely struggle even at the lowest settings.
❓ How much bloatware comes pre-installed on the Samsung Galaxy A05s?
Samsung's One UI typically includes a moderate amount of pre-installed apps, including Samsung and Microsoft services. While some can be uninstalled, others are system apps. This is a common trade-off for Samsung's feature-rich software experience, but it does consume storage space and system resources.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Pro a good option for elderly users who need a simple phone?
Yes, the Nokia C12 Pro's streamlined software and focus on essential features make it a good choice for elderly users or those unfamiliar with smartphones. Its simplicity and affordability are key advantages.
❓ Does the Samsung Galaxy A05s support VoLTE and VoWiFi?
Yes, the Samsung Galaxy A05s supports both VoLTE (Voice over LTE) and VoWiFi (Voice over Wi-Fi), ensuring clear call quality and connectivity even in areas with poor cellular reception. This is a crucial feature for modern mobile networks.
