The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C12 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy M04. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy M04 edges out the Nokia C12 Pro thanks to its slightly more powerful chipset, faster charging, and generally smoother performance. While the Nokia offers a clean Android experience, the M04's overall package provides a more compelling value proposition for most users.
| 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, December 10 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March 21 | Available. Released 2022, December 16 |
| 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 (4x2.35 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 | 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 |
| 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 | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Sea Glass Green, Shadow Blue |
| Models | - | SM-M045F, SM-M045F/DS |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.38 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12 Pro
- Clean Android experience
- Guaranteed software updates
- Durable build quality (typical Nokia)
- Compact design
- Slower performance
- Slow charging
- Less powerful chipset
- Basic camera
Samsung Galaxy M04
- Better performance
- Faster charging
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Slightly better display
- More bloatware
- Less frequent software updates compared to Nokia
- Plastic build feels less premium
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar 6.5-inch HD+ displays, offering adequate viewing for everyday use. Color accuracy and brightness are typical for this price range, with neither phone excelling in this area. The Samsung might have slightly better color calibration due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is comparable on both devices. Both feature a primary 13MP camera and a depth sensor. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. The Samsung might offer slightly better image processing, but don't expect flagship-level results from either phone.
Performance
The Samsung Galaxy M04's MediaTek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) holds a clear advantage over the Nokia C12 Pro's Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The Helio P35 offers higher clock speeds and a more efficient architecture, resulting in noticeably smoother multitasking and app loading. The Nokia C12 Pro can feel sluggish at times, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Samsung Galaxy M04 typically comes with a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate usage. The Nokia C12 Pro also has a similar capacity, but the less efficient chipset means it may not last quite as long. The M04's 15W charging is also faster than the C12 Pro's 10W charging.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 Pro is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, stock Android experience and extended software support. The Samsung Galaxy M04 is a better choice for those seeking a bit more performance, faster charging, and the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
The Nokia C12 Pro is known for its commitment to software updates and security patches, offering longer support than the Samsung Galaxy M04.
❓ Is the Samsung Galaxy M04 worth the extra cost?
Yes, if performance and charging speed are important to you. The M04's slightly more powerful chipset and faster charging make it a more enjoyable daily driver.
