The Nokia C12 and C12 Pro are both entry-level smartphones aiming to deliver reliable performance at an affordable price. But with a slight price difference and a few key upgrades, which one offers the better value? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 Pro edges out the C12 thanks to its faster charging. Both offer similar performance and basic features, making the Pro a worthwhile upgrade if charging speed is a priority. Otherwise, the standard C12 remains a solid budget option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 18 | 2023, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 21 |
| 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) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 80 EUR |
Nokia C12
- Affordable price
- Reliable brand
- Long battery life
- Android Go Edition
- Slow charging
- Basic camera
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Nokia C12 Pro
- Faster 10W charging
- Reliable brand
- Long battery life
- Android Go Edition
- Still basic camera
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
- Slightly higher price
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C12 and C12 Pro feature a 6.53-inch IPS LCD display with a 720 x 1600 resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level visual fidelity. The Pro might have slightly improved brightness, but this is not officially confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C12 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The C12 Pro is expected to have a similar camera setup, potentially with slight software enhancements for improved image processing. Low-light performance will be limited on both devices.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the two devices will be virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation for basic tasks, but demanding games and heavy multitasking may struggle. Both phones run on Android Go Edition, optimizing performance for lower-powered hardware.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the C12 Pro distinguishes itself with 10W wired charging, a significant improvement over the C12's likely slower charging speed (estimated around 5W).
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 is ideal for users seeking a basic, reliable smartphone for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Nokia C12 Pro is a better choice for those who value faster charging and a slightly more refined experience, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited RAM and storage. It optimizes performance and reduces data usage.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 Pro worth the extra cost?
If faster charging is important to you, then the Nokia C12 Pro is a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the standard C12 offers similar performance at a lower price point.
