The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and Realme C25Y represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at a price point that won't break the bank, but they achieve this with different approaches to chipset architecture and charging technology. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best overall experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a more established brand ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is the better choice. While the Realme C25Y boasts faster charging, the Exynos 850's more efficient 8nm process and optimized CPU architecture provide a smoother, more reliable experience for everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, August 09 | 2021, September 16 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 09 | Available. Released 2021, September 30 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 205 g (7.23 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 420 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Exynos 850 (8 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 | Android 11, Realme UI R |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | 48 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), AF
5 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Triple | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@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 | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS, recording | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Virtual proximity sensing | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Red | Glacier Blue, Metal Gray |
| Models | SM-A127F/DSN, SM-A127F/DS, SM-A127F, SM-A127M, SM-A127U | RMX3265, RMX3268, RMX3269 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.67 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) | - |
Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho
- More efficient Exynos 850 chipset
- Potentially smoother software experience
- Established Samsung brand reputation
- Slower 15W charging
- Likely less impressive camera system (without detailed specs)
Realme C25Y
- Faster 18W wired charging
- Potentially higher peak CPU performance (Cortex-A75 cores)
- Aggressive pricing
- Less efficient Unisoc T610 chipset
- Potentially more noticeable throttling under load
- Less established brand reputation
Display Comparison
Neither device is a display standout. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's impact on UI smoothness. The Exynos 850, while not a powerhouse, should provide a slightly more responsive experience scrolling through menus and browsing the web due to its more mature architecture.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of multiple sensors, a direct comparison is difficult. It's safe to assume both phones feature a primary camera and several auxiliary lenses (likely including a depth and macro sensor). The quality of image processing will be a key differentiator, and Samsung generally has a slight edge in this area. The 2MP macro cameras on both devices are unlikely to deliver significant detail and should be considered a marketing feature rather than a practical tool.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung A12 Nacho utilizes the Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process. This translates to better power efficiency compared to the Realme C25Y’s Unisoc T610, built on a 12nm process. While both are octa-core CPUs, the Realme’s configuration (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) features two higher-performance Cortex-A75 cores. However, the Exynos 850’s more efficient design and potentially better software optimization likely offset this advantage in real-world usage, especially during sustained workloads. The A75 cores in the C25Y will provide a short burst of speed, but the 8nm Exynos will maintain performance longer without throttling.
Battery Life
The Realme C25Y’s 18W wired charging is a clear advantage over the A12 Nacho’s 15W charging. This means faster top-up times, which is crucial for users who frequently run low on battery. However, the Exynos 850’s superior power efficiency could result in comparable, or even slightly better, overall battery life despite the potentially smaller battery capacity in the A12 Nacho. The 12nm Unisoc T610 will consume more power during typical use, requiring more frequent charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho if you need a phone for consistent daily use, appreciate a more refined software experience, and value the Samsung brand reputation. Buy the Realme C25Y if you prioritize quick top-ups and frequently find yourself needing to rapidly replenish battery life, and are comfortable with a less-established brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 chip in the Samsung A12 Nacho overheat during prolonged gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850's 8nm process and relatively modest performance profile mean it's unlikely to overheat significantly during gaming. While it won't deliver flagship-level gaming performance, it should maintain stable frame rates for less demanding titles without excessive throttling.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone actually useful for taking detailed close-up photos?
Unfortunately, the 2MP macro cameras on both the Samsung A12 Nacho and Realme C25Y are largely marketing features. The low resolution and lack of autofocus result in images that are often soft and lack detail. They are best avoided for serious photography.
❓ Can the Realme C25Y achieve a full 0-100% charge in under two hours with the 18W charger?
Yes, the 18W charging on the Realme C25Y should allow it to reach a full charge in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on battery capacity and usage during charging. This is a significant improvement over the Samsung A12 Nacho's slower 15W charging.
❓ Which phone is better for running multiple apps simultaneously without lag?
The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is likely to handle multitasking more smoothly. The Exynos 850's more efficient architecture and potentially better RAM management contribute to a more responsive experience when switching between apps.
