Nokia's C-series phones are known for offering reliable performance at affordable prices. The C32 and C12 Plus are two recent additions to this lineup, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C32 edges out the C12 Plus thanks to its inclusion of 10W charging, a feature absent in the C12 Plus. Both share the same chipset and CPU, making the charging speed the key differentiator for a slightly improved user experience. Ultimately, both are solid budget options.
| 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, April 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Cancelled |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass 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) | - |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) | - |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 99.1 cm2 (~83.0% 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 SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 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 | Wireless 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 | About 90 EUR |
Nokia C32
- 10W Charging
- Potentially better camera system
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Slightly more features
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Performance not ideal for demanding tasks
- May be slightly more expensive than C12 Plus
Nokia C12 Plus
- Lower price point
- Long battery life
- Reliable brand
- Lightweight and compact
- Lack of fast charging
- Simpler camera system
- Performance limitations
- Basic features
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.3 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for the price range, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy. The C32 might have a slightly more durable display coating.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C32 is expected to have a slightly more versatile camera setup, potentially including a higher resolution main sensor and possibly an additional macro lens. The C12 Plus will likely have a simpler single rear camera. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
Sharing the same Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset and CPU, performance will be largely identical. Expect adequate performance for everyday tasks, but demanding games or heavy multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Both phones will run a streamlined version of Android.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the C32's 10W charging offers a significant advantage over the C12 Plus, which lacks any specified charging speed (likely standard 5W charging).
Buying Guide
The Nokia C32 is ideal for users who prioritize slightly faster charging and a more complete feature set. The Nokia C12 Plus is a great choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are willing to compromise on charging speed. Both are suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the Nokia C32 and C12 Plus are expected to ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for lower-powered devices.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Storage options typically range from 32GB to 64GB, expandable via microSD card in both models.
