The Nokia C12 and Samsung Galaxy A04e represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices aim to deliver essential functionality at an incredibly low price, but they achieve this with significantly different hardware. This comparison will dissect their core components to determine which offers the best experience for users prioritizing affordability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly more responsive experience, the Samsung Galaxy A04e emerges as the better choice. Its Helio P35 chipset, built on a smaller 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance edge over the Nokia C12’s Unisoc SC9863A1, despite the clock speed differences. However, the C12’s simplicity and potential for longer software support are valid considerations.
| 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, January 18 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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 (4x2.3 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 | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | - | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR EU | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12
- Potentially cleaner software experience (Android Go Edition)
- Simpler user interface
- May receive longer software support
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Less efficient 22nm chipset
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful MediaTek Helio P35 chipset
- More efficient 12nm process
- Better performance for social media and light gaming
- Potentially more bloatware
- Samsung’s software update policy can be inconsistent
- May not receive as many major Android updates
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, details like resolution and brightness are missing. The A04e’s larger screen size (typically 6.5 inches vs the C12’s 6.3 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience, though this comes at the cost of potentially lower pixel density. Without specific brightness data, it’s difficult to assess outdoor visibility, but Samsung generally prioritizes slightly brighter panels in its A-series.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be basic on both devices. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are unavailable, but both likely feature a primary camera paired with a low-resolution depth or macro sensor. The A04e’s camera system, while not exceptional, benefits from Samsung’s image processing algorithms, which often deliver more pleasing results than those found on lesser-known brands. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are largely marketing features and offer limited practical utility.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A04e’s MediaTek Helio P35 (12nm) is architecturally superior to the Nokia C12’s Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). While the C12 has an octa-core configuration with a mix of 1.6GHz and 1.2GHz Cortex-A55 cores, the A04e utilizes four 2.3GHz Cortex-A53 cores and four 1.8GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The A53 architecture, despite being older, generally offers better single-core performance than the A55, and the 12nm process allows for more efficient power consumption and potentially higher sustained clock speeds. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the A04e. The C12 will likely struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will be a key consideration for budget smartphone buyers. While specific battery capacities are not provided, both devices likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. The Helio P35’s 12nm process gives the A04e an advantage in power efficiency, potentially leading to longer battery life despite similar capacity. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, with 10W charging being a common standard in this segment. Expect several hours for a full charge.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 if you need a supremely basic smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light app usage, and value a clean, uncluttered software experience potentially with longer software support. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A04e if you prefer a slightly more capable device for occasional social media browsing, light gaming, and appreciate a more established brand ecosystem, even if it means a potentially more bloated software experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Samsung Galaxy A04e overheat during prolonged use of apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
The Helio P35 is a relatively efficient chipset, and the A04e is unlikely to experience significant overheating during typical social media usage. However, sustained gaming or demanding tasks could lead to some thermal throttling, reducing performance slightly. The 12nm process helps mitigate this risk compared to the Nokia C12’s 22nm chip.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 a good choice for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia C12 is an excellent choice for basic communication. Its simpler software and less demanding processor mean it will handle calls and texts reliably. The Unisoc SC9863A1 is sufficient for these core functions, and the phone’s potential for longer software support is a bonus.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A04e handle popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile?
The A04e can *run* these games, but not at high settings. Expect to play at the lowest graphics settings and potentially with a lower frame rate to maintain a playable experience. The Helio P35 is not a gaming powerhouse, and the phone may experience lag or stuttering during intense gameplay.
❓ Does the Nokia C12 support fast charging?
No, the Nokia C12 likely supports only standard 5W or 10W charging. Expect a full charge to take several hours. This is typical for phones in this price range, and the focus is on maximizing battery life rather than quick charging speeds.
