The Nokia C12 and Tecno Spark 10C represent the current wave of ultra-affordable Android smartphones. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a minimal cost, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset selection. This comparison will dissect the core differences between the Unisoc SC9863A1 powering the Nokia C12 and the Unisoc T606 in the Tecno Spark 10C, revealing which device offers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and faster charging, the Tecno Spark 10C emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, offers a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C12’s SC9863A1, and the 18W charging is a significant convenience.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 18 | 2023, March 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| 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 8.5 mm (6.45 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 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, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
0.08 MP, (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 16 MP, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Black, Blue, Green |
| Models | - | KI5k, KI5m |
| Price | About 100 EUR | ₹ 9,990 |
Nokia C12
- Established brand reputation (Nokia)
- Potentially more compact design
- Clean software experience (typically)
- Less powerful chipset (Unisoc SC9863A1)
- Slower charging speeds
- Limited performance for multitasking
Tecno Spark 10C
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T606)
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved responsiveness and multitasking
- Less established brand in some markets
- Potentially more bloatware
- May be slightly larger in size
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The key difference lies under the hood. While specific display specs are unavailable, the focus is on the chipset's ability to efficiently drive the display. The Tecno Spark 10C’s more powerful GPU within the T606 should translate to smoother scrolling and potentially better performance in simple games. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, focusing on basic image capture. Details are limited, but both will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T606 may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but the overall quality will be heavily dependent on software optimization. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low-light scenarios. The absence of optical image stabilization (OIS) on either device further limits low-light performance.
Performance
The core of the difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C12’s Unisoc SC9863A1, fabricated on a 22nm process, utilizes a split-core CPU configuration with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Tecno Spark 10C, however, features the Unisoc T606, built on a more efficient 12nm process. This chipset employs a more potent configuration: 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 cores and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The inclusion of Cortex-A75 cores in the T606 provides a significant boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch times and general responsiveness. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained use. While both have octa-core CPUs, the architectural differences favor the Tecno Spark 10C.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both are likely to house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the Tecno Spark 10C gains a significant advantage with its 18W wired charging support. The Nokia C12 is likely limited to 5W or 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. This means the Spark 10C can top up much faster, offering greater convenience for users who frequently need to recharge their devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C12 if you prioritize a known brand reputation for software updates and a slightly more compact form factor, and your usage is limited to very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Tecno Spark 10C if you prefer a more responsive user experience, faster charging speeds, and don't mind a less established brand in certain markets. The T606 chipset provides a tangible benefit for multitasking and app loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Tecno Spark 10C is more than capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost that ensures a responsive experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia C12 with a standard 5W charger?
Given the Nokia C12’s likely 5W charging support, a full charge from 0% to 100% could take upwards of 3-4 hours. This is significantly slower than the Tecno Spark 10C’s 18W charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 2 hours.
❓ Is the difference in chipset performance between the two phones noticeable in everyday use?
Yes, the difference is noticeable. The Tecno Spark 10C’s Unisoc T606 will feel snappier when launching apps, switching between tasks, and browsing the web. The Nokia C12’s SC9863A1 may exhibit slight lag in these scenarios.
❓ Does the Tecno Spark 10C support fast charging protocols beyond standard 18W?
While the Tecno Spark 10C supports 18W charging, specific fast charging protocol support (like Power Delivery or Quick Charge) is not readily available. It's likely to utilize a proprietary charging protocol, so using a compatible charger is recommended for optimal speeds.
