Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C31 and C12 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering the classic Nokia durability and simplicity. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 edges out the C31 thanks 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 choices, 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 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 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 |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 5050 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C31
- Slightly larger screen
- Durable build quality
- Android Go Edition (optimized for lower-end hardware)
- Less efficient chipset
- Slower charging (10W)
- Average camera performance
Nokia C12
- More efficient chipset (22nm)
- Durable build quality
- Android Go Edition
- Average camera performance
- Slower charging (10W)
- Potentially slightly smaller screen (check specific variant)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.3-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. The C31 might offer slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal. Resolution is likely to be 720 x 1600 pixels on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C31 typically features a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. The Nokia C12 usually has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality on both is expected to be average, suitable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A series chipset, but the C12 boasts a 22nm process compared to the C31's 28nm. This means the C12 should exhibit slightly better power efficiency and potentially handle tasks marginally smoother, though both will struggle with demanding games. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.
Battery Life
The Nokia C31 typically has a 5000mAh battery, while the Nokia C12 also features a 5000mAh battery. However, the C12's more efficient chipset (22nm) should translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Expect a full day of moderate use on both devices.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and potentially more storage options (depending on the variant). The Nokia C12 is a better choice for those prioritizing battery life and a more efficient processor within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited RAM and storage. It optimizes apps and system resources for smoother performance on lower-end devices.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and should last a full day with moderate use. The Nokia C12 may offer slightly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset.
