Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Ulefone Note 12P and Note 13P are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Ulefone Note 13P edges out the Note 12P thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better performance. While both offer similar battery and charging speeds, the Note 13P's improved processor makes it the more compelling choice for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 19, 20 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2021, November 24 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 25 | Available. Released 2021, November 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 162.3 x 75.7 x 9.9 mm (6.39 x 2.98 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 198.5 g (7.02 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~405 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765G Helio G35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 20 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 1/2.78, 1.0µm, AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.09, 1.0µm |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.09, 1.0µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 5180 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Starry Black, Mystery Blue |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
Ulefone Note 12P
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Large display
- Underpowered chipset
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Ulefone Note 13P
- Better performance than Note 12P
- More efficient chipset
- Decent battery life
- Slightly improved camera (potentially)
- Still a budget phone
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar displays – typically a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a resolution around 720 x 1600 pixels. Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price, but don't anticipate flagship-level quality. The Note 13P *might* have a slightly brighter display, but this is often difficult to verify without testing.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature a triple camera setup, with a primary sensor around 13MP. The Note 13P *may* have slightly improved image processing due to its more modern chipset, resulting in marginally better photos in certain lighting conditions. Expect decent image quality for social media and casual photography, but don't expect flagship-level results. Video recording capabilities will likely be limited to 1080p.
Performance
This is where the Note 13P shines. The Mediatek Helio G35 (12nm) is significantly more efficient and powerful than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Note 12P. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the Note 13P. The Note 12P will handle basic tasks adequately, but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life for moderate users. Charging is limited to 10W wired charging on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Note 12P is a good option for users prioritizing a very low price point and basic functionality. The Note 13P is better suited for those needing a bit more performance for multitasking, social media, and occasional gaming, without spending a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and the Mediatek Helio G35?
The Mediatek Helio G35 is a more modern and efficient chipset compared to the Unisoc SC9863A. It offers better performance and improved power efficiency, resulting in a smoother user experience.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
Both phones use 10W charging, so expect a charging time of around 2.5 - 3 hours to fully charge the 5000mAh battery.