The sub-₹15,000 (approximately $180 USD) smartphone segment in India is fiercely competitive. The Realme C17 and Samsung Galaxy A12 both aim to deliver a compelling experience without breaking the bank, but they take different approaches. The C17 prioritizes a newer Qualcomm chipset, while the A12 opts for Samsung’s in-house Exynos solution. This comparison dissects the key differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 is a capable chip, the Exynos 850’s 8nm process provides a noticeable efficiency advantage, translating to better sustained performance and potentially longer battery life. The A12’s established brand reputation and software support also contribute to its overall appeal.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 21. Released 2020, September 22 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.1 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.97 x 0.35 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| | Weather-sealed ports & loudspeaker | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.8 GHz Kryo 240 & 4x1.6 GHz Kryo 240) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4250 Snapdragon 460 (11 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | UFS 2.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 119˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Lake Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | RMX2101 | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 160 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Realme C17
- Faster 18W charging
- Potentially cleaner software experience
- Competitive price point
- Less efficient Snapdragon 460 chipset
- Potentially less consistent performance under load
- Less established brand reputation
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Samsung’s One UI software experience
- Stronger brand recognition and support
- Slower 15W charging
- One UI can be resource-intensive
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of specific display specs (resolution, brightness) necessitates a focus on the chipsets’ ability to drive the UI smoothly. The A12’s Exynos 850, being more powerful, *should* offer a slightly more responsive experience when scrolling and navigating the interface, even if the panel characteristics are similar. Bezels are likely comparable, and color accuracy will be standard for budget LCDs.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor information. However, the focus should be on the main sensor capabilities. Assuming both phones feature a standard 13MP or similar main sensor, the Exynos 850’s image signal processor (ISP) will likely offer better image processing capabilities, resulting in more detailed and dynamic photos, especially in challenging lighting conditions. The Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 ISP is adequate, but likely less sophisticated. The inclusion of 2MP macro/depth sensors on both devices is largely marketing fluff and shouldn’t heavily influence purchasing decisions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, holds a significant advantage over the Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460 (11nm). The smaller node generally translates to improved power efficiency and thermal performance. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Exynos 850’s Cortex-A55 cores, clocked at 2.0 GHz, are generally more efficient than the Kryo 240 cores in the Snapdragon 460. This means the A12 is likely to handle multitasking and demanding apps with less throttling and more sustained performance. Gamers will find the A12 a more consistent performer, though neither phone is designed for high-end gaming.
Battery Life
The Realme C17’s 18W charging is faster than the Samsung Galaxy A12’s 15W charging. However, battery life isn’t solely determined by charging speed. The Exynos 850’s 8nm process contributes to better power efficiency, potentially offsetting the slightly slower charging. While the Realme C17 might reach 100% charge faster, the A12 could offer longer screen-on time on a single charge due to its more efficient chipset. Real-world usage will dictate the actual difference, but the A12 has a theoretical advantage in endurance.
Buying Guide
Buy the Realme C17 if you prioritize a clean, near-stock Android experience and are comfortable with a potentially less refined software update schedule. It’s a good option for users who frequently sideload apps or prefer a minimalist interface. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a well-established brand, a more polished software experience with One UI, and potentially better long-term software support. It’s ideal for users who rely heavily on Samsung’s ecosystem and prefer a feature-rich interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 tend to overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850’s 8nm process is designed for efficiency, minimizing heat generation. While it won’t deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should handle moderate gaming sessions without significant overheating or throttling. The Realme C17’s Snapdragon 460, with its 11nm process, is more prone to thermal throttling under sustained load.
❓ Are the 2MP macro and depth cameras on either phone actually useful for taking good photos?
Generally, no. 2MP macro and depth cameras on budget phones often produce low-quality images. The macro camera typically lacks the detail and sharpness needed for compelling close-up shots, and the depth sensor’s impact on portrait mode is often minimal. Focus on the quality of the main camera sensor for the best results.
❓ Can the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) reliably run PUBG Mobile at 60fps?
While the Exynos 850 can *run* PUBG Mobile, achieving a consistent 60fps experience will likely require lowering the graphics settings to the lowest possible level. The phone is capable of playing the game, but don't expect a smooth, high-fidelity experience. The Realme C17 will likely struggle even more to maintain a stable frame rate.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches over the next two years?
Samsung generally provides more consistent and longer-term software support for its devices compared to Realme. The Galaxy A12 (India) is more likely to receive regular security patches and potentially even a major Android version update within the next two years, offering greater peace of mind.
