Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Ulefone Note 12P and Note 9P 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 12P edges out the Note 9P thanks to its more efficient chipset and potentially improved camera capabilities. While both offer basic functionality, the 12P's newer processor provides a noticeable performance boost, making it the slightly better choice for everyday tasks.
| 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, 17, 19, 20, 28 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/11.5 Mbps, LTE Cat7 300/150 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 25 | 2020, July 27. Released 2020, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 25 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.6 x 79.1 x 10.2 mm (6.83 x 3.11 x 0.40 in) | 166 x 76.7 x 9.2 mm (6.54 x 3.02 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 188 g (6.63 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~263 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 110.5 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.6% 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 (4x1.8 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | - |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 16 MP, f/2.2, AF
5 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@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, 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, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 7700 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red, Blue | Aurora Blue, Midnight Green, Black |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.01 W/kg (body) |
Ulefone Note 12P
- More efficient chipset
- Potentially better camera performance
- Slightly newer model
- 10W charging is slow
- Budget chipset limitations
- May lack advanced features
Ulefone Note 9P
- Very affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reverse wired charging
- Older chipset
- Lower performance
- Potentially inferior camera
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar display technology (likely IPS LCD) and resolution (likely HD+). The Note 12P *might* have a slightly brighter display or improved color accuracy, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews. Screen size is likely around 6.5 inches for both.
Camera Comparison
While both phones likely have a triple-camera setup (main, wide-angle, depth sensor), the Note 12P's newer chipset *could* translate to better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect similar megapixel counts, but the Note 12P may offer slightly better results.
Performance
This is where the Note 12P has a clear advantage. The Unisoc SC9863A, while not a flagship chip, is generally more efficient than the Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22. The 12nm process of the Note 9P's chipset means it will likely consume more power. Expect smoother multitasking and app loading on the Note 12P.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards. Battery capacity is likely around 5000mAh for both, suggesting similar battery life in typical usage. The Note 12P's more efficient chipset *could* lead to slightly better battery endurance.
Buying Guide
The Ulefone Note 12P is ideal for users prioritizing a smoother experience and potentially better camera quality on a tight budget. The Ulefone Note 9P remains a viable option for those seeking a very basic, ultra-affordable phone primarily for calls, texts, and light usage, especially if found at a significantly lower price.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Ulefone Note 12P worth the extra money compared to the Note 9P?
Yes, if you value performance and potentially better camera quality. The Note 12P's newer chipset provides a noticeable improvement in everyday usage.
❓ What is reverse wired charging?
Reverse wired charging allows you to use your phone to charge other devices, like earbuds or smartwatches, using a USB cable.
