The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. We pit the Ulefone Note 10, a value-focused offering, against the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India), a popular choice known for its brand recognition and feature set. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which device delivers the best experience for the price-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) is the better choice. Its Exynos 850 chipset, built on an 8nm process, provides a significant performance advantage over the Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc SC9863A, translating to smoother multitasking and app loading. While the Ulefone offers a lower entry price, the A12’s superior processing power justifies the slight premium.
| 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 | 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 | 2021, January 21 | 2021, August 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, January 21 | Available. Released 2021, August 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 165.2 x 76.7 x 9.7 mm (6.50 x 3.02 x 0.38 in) | 164 x 75.8 x 8.9 mm (6.46 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Micro-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 203 g (7.16 oz) | 205 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 850 (8 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13, One UI 5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| 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/2.0 | - |
| Triple | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer |
| | - | Virtual proximity sensing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 15W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5500 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Aurora Green | Black, Blue, White |
| Models | - | SM-A127F, SM-A127F/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 160 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) |
Ulefone Note 10
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- May offer expandable storage (market dependent)
- Significantly weaker processor
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Slower charging speed (10W)
Samsung Galaxy A12 (India)
- More powerful Exynos 850 chipset
- More efficient 8nm process
- Faster 15W charging
- Slightly higher price
- May include bloatware (Samsung’s software)
- Camera performance may not be significantly better
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs prevents a precise comparison of brightness or color accuracy. The focus here is on processing power, not visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within their respective budgets.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both devices relying on budget sensors. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, Samsung’s image processing algorithms are generally more refined, potentially leading to more pleasing results in various lighting conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of optical image stabilization.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Samsung Galaxy A12’s Exynos 850, fabricated on an 8nm process, is a clear upgrade over the Ulefone Note 10’s 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. This process node difference is critical; 8nm allows for greater transistor density and improved power efficiency, resulting in better sustained performance and reduced heat generation. While both CPUs feature octa-core configurations with Cortex-A55 cores, the Exynos 850’s cores operate at a higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.6 GHz/1.2 GHz), further enhancing its capabilities. This translates to faster app launches, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive overall experience on the A12.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. While the Ulefone Note 10’s battery capacity is unknown, the Samsung Galaxy A12’s battery size is not specified in the provided data. However, the A12’s 15W charging capability is a notable advantage over the Note 10’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will reduce downtime and provide a more convenient user experience, even if the battery capacities are comparable. The Exynos 850’s improved power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life under moderate use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Ulefone Note 10 if you prioritize absolute lowest cost and basic functionality for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) if you value a more responsive user experience, better performance for everyday apps, and the reliability of the Samsung brand. The A12 is the better option for users who occasionally play mobile games or use demanding applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Exynos 850 in the Galaxy A12 (India) get hot during extended gaming sessions?
The Exynos 850, built on an 8nm process, is relatively efficient. While it will warm up during prolonged gaming, it’s less prone to significant throttling compared to the Ulefone Note 10’s Unisoc SC9863A, which is fabricated on a less efficient 28nm node. Expect playable frame rates for less demanding titles, but don't anticipate high settings in graphically intensive games.
❓ Is the 2MP macro camera on either phone worth using?
Generally, no. 2MP macro cameras on budget phones offer limited detail and often produce blurry images. The small sensor size and lack of autofocus severely restrict their usefulness. You'll likely get better results using the main camera in standard photo mode and digitally zooming in.
❓ Will the Ulefone Note 10 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset is relatively weak. Running multiple apps simultaneously, especially demanding ones, will likely result in noticeable lag and slowdowns. The Ulefone Note 10 is best suited for single-tasking or light multitasking with simple applications.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Samsung Galaxy A12 (India) with the 15W charger?
While a precise time is unavailable without testing, expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours with the included 15W charger. This is significantly faster than the Ulefone Note 10’s 10W charging, which would likely take over 3 hours.
