The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C12 and the Xiaomi Redmi A2. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 edges out the Nokia C12 thanks to its slightly more powerful processor, faster charging (10W), and generally more polished software experience. While the C12 has a clean Android build, the Redmi A2 offers a better balance of performance and features for the price.
| 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 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 18 | 2023, March 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2023, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | 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) | 164.9 x 76.8 x 9.1 mm (6.49 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 192 g (6.77 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.7 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 or 13 (Go edition), MIUI |
| 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 | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
0.08 MP (depth) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Aqua Blue, Classic Black, Sea Green |
| Models | - | 23028RN4DG, 23026RN54G |
| Price | About 100 EUR | € 59.00 / £ 54.95 |
| SAR | - | 1.10 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 1.00 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12
- Clean Android experience
- Durable build quality (typical Nokia)
- Reliable software updates (potentially)
- Slower processor
- Slower charging
- Less vibrant display
- Weaker gaming performance
Xiaomi Redmi A2
- More powerful processor
- Faster charging (10W)
- Potentially better display quality
- Slightly more polished software
- Xiaomi's MIUI can be bloated (though improving)
- Build quality may not be as robust as Nokia
- Camera performance is still basic
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for their price range. However, the Redmi A2's display might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Xiaomi's generally more refined display tuning. The C12's display is functional but may appear a bit washed out in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C12 typically features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the Redmi A2 boasts a 8MP main camera and a depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting conditions, but the Redmi A2's image processing might produce slightly more vibrant colors. Low-light performance is expected to be weak on both devices.
Performance
The Redmi A2's Mediatek Helio G36 chipset (12nm) provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C12's Unisoc SC9863A1 (22nm). The G36's higher clock speeds and more efficient architecture result in smoother multitasking and app loading. Gaming performance will be better on the Redmi A2, though neither phone is a gaming powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. However, the Redmi A2's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging experience compared to the C12, which likely charges at a slower rate.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 is ideal for users prioritizing a clean, stock Android experience and basic functionality. The Xiaomi Redmi A2 is a better choice for those needing a bit more performance for everyday tasks and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Xiaomi Redmi A2 has a more powerful processor (Helio G36) and generally offers better performance for everyday tasks and light gaming.
❓ Is the Nokia C12 worth buying if I want a clean Android experience?
Yes, the Nokia C12 is a good option if you prioritize a clean, stock Android experience and don't need high performance. However, consider the Redmi A2's slightly better overall value.
