The Nokia C12 and Infinix Smart 7 HD represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time users or those needing a reliable secondary device, but they approach this goal with slightly different hardware. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more refined software experience and potentially longer software support, the Nokia C12 edges out the Infinix Smart 7 HD. However, the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s 10W charging provides a tangible benefit for users who frequently need to top up their battery quickly.
| 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, January 18 | 2023, April 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | 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 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 | 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 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Ink Black, Silk Blue, Jade White, Green Apple |
| Models | - | X6516 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 110 EUR |
Nokia C12
- Potentially cleaner Android experience with Nokia's software approach.
- Known chipset architecture (Unisoc SC9863A1) allows for performance expectations.
- Compact and lightweight design for easy handling.
- Charging speed likely slower than the Infinix Smart 7 HD.
- Display quality is likely basic and lacks vibrancy.
Infinix Smart 7 HD
- 10W charging offers faster top-ups compared to potentially 5W on the Nokia C12.
- Potentially more customized Android experience for users who prefer it.
- Competitive pricing within the ultra-budget segment.
- CPU details are vague, making performance prediction less certain.
- Software update support may be less consistent than Nokia.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are absent for the Infinix Smart 7 HD’s panel, but given its price point, it’s likely a similar LCD panel to the Nokia C12. The Nokia C12’s display is adequate for basic tasks, but users accustomed to brighter, more vibrant screens will find it lacking. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a priority at this price point.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce, but both are likely to feature a primary camera alongside basic auxiliary sensors. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a direct comparison difficult. Users should expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but image quality will degrade rapidly in low light. Focusing on the primary sensor’s megapixel count is misleading; image processing and sensor size are far more critical factors.
Performance
The Nokia C12 utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A1, an octa-core processor built on a 22nm process. This chipset features a split core configuration with four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and four at 1.2GHz. The Infinix Smart 7 HD simply states an octa-core 1.6GHz CPU, lacking specific core architecture details. While both are entry-level, the Unisoc’s architecture is known, suggesting a slightly more efficient design. However, the lack of RAM specifications for both devices is a significant omission; insufficient RAM will be a more significant bottleneck than the CPU itself. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low power draw of these chipsets.
Battery Life
The Infinix Smart 7 HD gains a clear advantage with its 10W wired charging support. The Nokia C12’s charging speed is not specified, but is likely to be 5W or lower. While neither device will offer blazing-fast charging, 10W allows for a quicker top-up, beneficial for users who cannot easily leave their phone charging overnight. Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely prioritize all-day battery life with light usage over rapid charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 if you need a phone with a cleaner Android experience, potentially benefiting from Nokia’s commitment to software updates, even on budget devices. Buy the Infinix Smart 7 HD if you prioritize faster charging speeds and are comfortable with a potentially more customized Android interface. Both are excellent choices for basic communication and light app usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset in the Nokia C12 capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A1 is sufficient for running lightweight apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, multitasking with several apps open simultaneously may result in slowdowns due to the limited RAM typically found in devices at this price point. Optimizing app usage and closing unused apps will improve performance.
❓ Does the Infinix Smart 7 HD support dual SIM functionality, allowing me to use two different phone numbers?
While not explicitly stated in the provided specifications, Infinix Smart 7 HD devices typically support dual SIM functionality. This allows users to utilize two different SIM cards simultaneously, offering flexibility for managing personal and work numbers or taking advantage of different carrier plans. Confirm this feature with the retailer before purchase.
❓ How long will the battery last on the Nokia C12 with typical usage (calls, texts, and occasional social media)?
With typical usage, the Nokia C12 should provide all-day battery life. However, the exact duration depends on factors like screen brightness, network signal strength, and app usage. Limiting background app activity and reducing screen brightness will maximize battery life.
