Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C12 and C21 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus edges out the C12 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (despite the larger node), faster charging, and generally better software support. While both are budget options, the C21 Plus provides a more polished and usable experience.
| 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 18 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash protection |
| 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% 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 SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| 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 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12
- Lower price point
- Slightly more efficient chipset (potentially)
- Durable build quality (typical Nokia)
- Slower charging
- Potentially shorter software support
- Basic camera performance
Nokia C21 Plus
- Faster charging (10W)
- Potentially longer software support
- Macro lens for close-up photography
- Slightly better overall performance
- Slightly higher price
- Larger 28nm chipset
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.3-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. Expect similar color accuracy and brightness levels. Neither display is particularly impressive, but adequate for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C12 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the C21 Plus often includes a 13MP main camera and a 2MP macro lens. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The C21 Plus's macro lens offers a slight advantage for close-up shots.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc SC9863 series, the C12's 22nm chipset is marginally more efficient than the C21 Plus's 28nm version. Expect slightly smoother performance on the C12 in basic tasks, but the C21 Plus's software optimization might compensate. Gaming performance on both will be limited.
Battery Life
Both phones pack a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the C21 Plus benefits from 10W wired charging, a significant improvement over the C12's slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The Nokia C21 Plus is a better choice for those needing slightly better performance, faster charging, and a longer software support lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Nokia phone has better battery life?
Both have a 5000mAh battery, so battery life is comparable. However, the C21 Plus charges faster.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 worth buying?
It's a good option if you're on a very tight budget and only need basic smartphone functionality. However, the C21 Plus offers more value overall.
