The Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) represents an older generation of entry-level smartphones, while the Nokia C12 aims to deliver a modern Android experience at an ultra-affordable price. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device offers the best value for users prioritizing essential smartphone functions.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional and relatively modern smartphone experience, the Nokia C12 is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significant performance uplift over the Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core processor, making everyday tasks smoother and more responsive.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, June. Released 2019, July | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148.8 x 70.9 x 9.3 mm (5.86 x 2.79 x 0.37 in) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1.12 µm, AF | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio with RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gold, Blue | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Price | About 9990 INR | About 100 EUR |
Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019)
- Potentially lower price point (due to age)
- Known software base (if previously used)
- May be readily available in specific regions
- Outdated processor
- Likely limited software support
- Potentially poor app compatibility
Nokia C12
- More powerful octa-core processor
- Android Go Edition for optimized performance
- More modern chipset architecture
- Basic camera capabilities
- Limited storage options
- May lack advanced features
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s display specifications are unavailable, but given its 2019 release, it likely features a standard IPS LCD panel. The Nokia C12 also utilizes an IPS LCD, but its focus is on efficiency rather than high fidelity. Both are expected to have 720p resolutions, adequate for basic viewing. The lack of detailed display specs on the Eluga I7 makes a direct comparison impossible, but the Nokia C12’s newer design likely benefits from slightly improved color reproduction and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is expected to be basic. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s camera specifications are unavailable, but it likely features a single rear camera. The Nokia C12 also features a single rear camera, and while details are limited, it’s unlikely to offer exceptional image quality. Both phones are geared towards casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Without specific sensor details for the Eluga I7, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Nokia C12’s newer image processing algorithms may provide a slight edge in image clarity and color accuracy.
Performance
The Nokia C12’s Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset is the clear winner here. Its octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) significantly outperforms the Panasonic Eluga I7’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Nokia C12, while still entry-level, offer improved efficiency and performance compared to the older architecture likely found in the Eluga I7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall user experience. The 22nm process node of the Unisoc chip also suggests better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life. The Eluga I7 will struggle with even moderately demanding applications.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Panasonic Eluga I7’s battery capacity is unknown, but its older processor may be less power-efficient. The Nokia C12’s battery capacity is also unspecified, but the Unisoc SC9863A1’s 22nm process and Android Go Edition optimization should contribute to longer battery life. Charging speeds are likely slow on both devices, given their budget nature. The Nokia C12’s more efficient chipset gives it an advantage in sustained usage scenarios.
Buying Guide
Buy the Panasonic Eluga I7 (2019) if you absolutely need a phone with a known software base and are comfortable with potentially limited app compatibility due to its age. Buy the Nokia C12 if you prioritize a more responsive user experience, a newer chipset, and a device that will likely receive more consistent software updates, even if those are limited to Android Go Edition.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C12 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Nokia C12 utilizes an entry-level chipset, the Unisoc SC9863A1 and Android Go Edition are specifically optimized for running lightweight versions of popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. You should experience acceptable performance for basic usage, but demanding features or multitasking may cause slowdowns.
❓ Is the Panasonic Eluga I7 still receiving security updates?
Given its 2019 release date, it is highly unlikely that the Panasonic Eluga I7 is still receiving regular security updates. This poses a security risk, as vulnerabilities may remain unpatched, making the device susceptible to malware and other threats.
❓ Does the Nokia C12 support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, the Nokia C12 supports 4G LTE connectivity, allowing for reasonably fast data speeds where available. This is a significant advantage over older devices that may only support 3G or 2G networks.
❓ What is Android Go Edition, and how does it benefit the Nokia C12?
Android Go Edition is a streamlined version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and storage. It features optimized apps that use less data and storage space, resulting in a smoother and more responsive user experience on the Nokia C12.
