Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C22 and C12 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a familiar Nokia experience. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 edges out the C22 due to its slightly more efficient chipset (22nm vs 28nm). While both offer similar performance, the C12's improved efficiency translates to potentially better battery life. Both are solid budget options, but the C12 offers a slight advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, February 25 | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand, Midnight Black | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 100 EUR |
Nokia C22
- Durable build quality
- Familiar Nokia design
- Potentially slightly better camera detail in good light
- Less efficient chipset
- Slightly slower performance under load
- 28nm manufacturing process
Nokia C12
- More efficient chipset (22nm)
- Potentially better battery life
- Slightly more modern design
- Lower resolution main camera
- Performance may still be limited
- Build quality might be slightly less robust than C22
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C22 and C12 typically feature a 6.1-inch HD+ (720 x 1560) IPS LCD display. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, though actual panel quality can vary. The C22 might have a slightly more durable screen due to Nokia's build quality focus, but this is not always guaranteed.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C22 typically features a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the C12 usually has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixel count isn't everything, the C22's higher resolution main sensor *could* offer slightly more detail in well-lit conditions. Image processing quality will likely be similar on both, with Nokia's focus on natural-looking photos. Low-light performance will be limited on both devices.
Performance
Both phones are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A series chipset, with the C12 utilizing the SC9863A1 variant. The key difference lies in the manufacturing process – 22nm for the C12 versus 28nm for the C22. This means the C12's chipset is theoretically more power-efficient, potentially leading to slightly better performance under sustained load and improved battery life. Day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming should be handled adequately by both.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 3000mAh battery. However, the C12's more efficient 22nm chipset gives it a potential edge in battery life. Expect a full day of moderate use from both, but the C12 might stretch that a bit further.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C22 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more robust build and a familiar design. The Nokia C12 is a better choice for those seeking the best possible battery life and a marginally more efficient processor within a similar price range.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and SC9863A1?
The primary difference is the manufacturing process. The SC9863A1 (in the C12) is built on a 22nm process, while the SC9863A (in the C22) is on a 28nm process. This generally means the SC9863A1 is more power-efficient.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
Neither phone is designed for demanding gaming. They can handle basic games, but performance will be limited, and you may experience lag or stuttering in more graphically intensive titles.
