Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max vs Nokia C22 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia C22
Nokia C22
Nokia

General

Launch Date November 13, 2020 February 25, 2023
Release Year 2020 2023

Physical

Volume 92.93 cm³ 107.44 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 2.94 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 228 g 190 g
Height 160.8 mm 164.6 mm
Width 78.1 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Graphite
  • Pacific Blue
  • Midnight Black
  • Sand

Display

Screen Size 6.7 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1284 x 2778 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.8 % 81.6 %
Pixel Density 458 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 800 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 82.13 mAh/in² 118.34 mAh/in²
Battery Density 39.67 mAh/cm³ 46.54 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 3687 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) IMG8322

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 13
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

FeatureApple iPhone 12 Pro MaxNokia C22Practical Impact
Design
Dimensions160.8 × 78.1 × 7.4 mm164.6 × 75.9 × 8.6 mmNokia C22 is slightly taller and thicker, but a bit narrower; overall, it has a slightly larger volume. Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max feels wider in hand
Weight228g190gNokia C22 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use and one-handed operation.
Display
Size6.7"6.5"Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a slightly larger viewing area, beneficial for media consumption and multitasking.
Resolution1284x2778720x1600Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has a much sharper display; text and images appear clearer and more detailed.
Pixel Density (PPI)458270Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has a significantly sharper display with finer details.
TechnologyOLEDIPS LCDApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors compared to Nokia C22.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzBoth have standard 60Hz refresh rate resulting in similar smoothness in basic operations.
Brightness1200 nits0 nitsApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers much better outdoor visibility in bright sunlight; Nokia C22 has no data for brightness making it harder to read under sunlight.
Performance
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score1,121,803109,200Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max performs exponentially better in benchmarks, translating to real-world speed.
GPUApple GPU (4-core)IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322)Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max provides a much better gaming and graphics experience.
Camera
Main Camera Resolution12MP13MPNokia C22 has a slightly higher resolution on paper, but other factors (sensor, software) are more crucial.
Selfie Camera Resolution12MP8MPApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers higher resolution selfies with better detail.
Telephoto LensYesNoApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers optical zoom capabilities for better quality zoomed photos.
Wide Angle LensYesNoApple iPhone 12 Pro Max enables capturing wider scenes.
Macro LensNoYesNokia C22 allows capturing close-up shots of small objects
Video RecordingUp to 4K@60fpsUp to 1080p@30fpsApple iPhone 12 Pro Max provides far superior video quality and stabilization for a more professional look.
DXOMark Mobile Score131Not AvailableApple iPhone 12 Pro Max has a very good camera score according to DXOMark.
Battery
Capacity3687mAh5000mAhNokia C22 has a larger battery capacity, potentially offering better battery life, but actual usage will vary.
Charging20W Fast Charging10W Fast ChargingApple iPhone 12 Pro Max charges faster, but requires a separate 20W adapter.
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe & 7.5W QiNoApple iPhone 12 Pro Max supports convenient wireless charging options.
Software
Operating SystemiOS 14.1 (upgradable to 18)Android 13Different OS, each with distinct user experience and app ecosystems.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)802.11nApple iPhone 12 Pro Max supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections.
Bluetooth5.14.2Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max has a more modern and energy-efficient Bluetooth version.
GPSMultiple systemsMultiple systemsBoth offer similar GPS capabilities, with iPhone supporting additional systems.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMApple iPhone 12 Pro Max uses eSIM for more flexibility; Nokia C22 uses two physical SIM cards.
Storage
Internal Storage128/256/512 GB64 GBApple iPhone 12 Pro Max provides much more storage options for apps, photos, and videos.
RAM6 GB2 GBApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers significantly more RAM for better multitasking.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone supports expandable storage via microSD card.
Audio
Audio QualityDolby Atmos, Stereo SpeakersBasic Audio FeaturesApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a much richer audio experience with immersive audio and stereo sound.
Security
Security FeaturesBasic Security FeaturesRear-mounted Fingerprint SensorNokia C22 offers convenient biometric security using a fingerprint sensor.
Build Quality
Screen ProtectionUnknownUnknownBoth phones' screen protection technology are unknown.
Sensors
SensorsAccelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, BarometerAccelerometerApple iPhone 12 Pro Max offers a more comprehensive sensor array for advanced functionality.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max Advantages:

  • Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chipset provides drastically better processing and graphics performance for all tasks, from basic usage to demanding gaming.
  • High-Quality Display: The OLED display with high resolution, pixel density, and brightness offers a far superior visual experience.
  • Advanced Camera System: The triple-lens system with telephoto and wide-angle lenses, alongside features like 4K video recording, OIS, and RAW support, allows for much higher quality photos and videos with a multitude of features.
  • Better Software Support: iOS is known for its smoothness, security and timely updates.
  • Faster Wireless Technologies: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 offer better speeds, coverage, and energy efficiency.
  • Premium Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide an enhanced audio experience.
  • More Storage and RAM: Significantly more storage and RAM improve performance and multitasking capabilities.
  • Wireless Charging: Includes the convenience of MagSafe and Qi wireless charging.

Nokia C22 Advantages:

  • Larger Battery: The 5000 mAh battery potentially provides longer battery life depending on usage.
  • Lower Price: The C22 is in a much lower price range.
  • Macro Lens: Offers the flexibility of macro lens for close up shots.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a convenient and secure biometric authentication option.
  • Dual SIM (Nano SIM): Allows for two physical SIM cards.

Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12 Pro Max: The higher price is a major trade-off; its battery capacity is lower than the C22's, and the charging adapter is sold separately.
  • Nokia C22: The massive performance difference is a major trade off. The lower resolution display, inferior cameras, and lack of advanced features compromise the overall user experience.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max:

  • Ideal Users: Users who prioritize performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and premium features above all else. This includes mobile photographers, videographers, gamers, and users who heavily rely on their phone for productivity and media consumption.
  • Use Cases:
    • High-quality photography and videography.
    • Mobile gaming with demanding graphics.
    • Multitasking with resource-intensive applications.
    • Professional use requiring fast processing speeds and large storage.
    • Outdoor use in bright sunlight.

Nokia C22:

  • Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users looking for a basic smartphone for everyday tasks, such as calling, texting, and light social media use. It's suitable for users who prioritize long battery life and don't require high performance or advanced features.
  • Use Cases:
    • Basic communication and browsing.
    • Users needing a long-lasting battery for extended periods away from a charger.
    • Those requiring a secondary phone for simple tasks.
    • Individuals who prefer a fingerprint sensor for security.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions for Buyers:

  1. What is your budget? The iPhone 12 Pro Max is significantly more expensive than the Nokia C22.
  2. What do you value most in a smartphone? Performance, camera quality, display, or battery life?
  3. What do you primarily use your phone for? Basic communication, social media, media consumption, gaming, or professional work?

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1 (High Performance): If you need a phone for demanding tasks, gaming, or professional photography/videography, the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is the clear choice.
  • Scenario 2 (Budget-Friendly): If your budget is limited and you primarily need a basic phone for everyday tasks and long battery life, the Nokia C22 is more suitable.
  • Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you're somewhere in between, consider your budget, and if the additional cost for the iPhone 12 Pro Max aligns with your needs. However, for the middle-of-the-road user, the Nokia C22 may have too many performance limitations making the iPhone the better option overall for a long-term investment.

My Choice and Why

If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max. While the Nokia C22 offers a much lower price point and a larger battery, the iPhone 12 Pro Max excels in nearly every other area that matters to me.

Here's why:

  • Performance: The massive difference in chipset and GPU performance is undeniable. I want a phone that can handle any task smoothly, from multitasking to gaming and heavy app usage.
  • Display: The OLED screen with its high resolution, brightness and vibrant colors makes for a much more enjoyable experience for consuming content, browsing, and overall usage. The lack of brightness in the Nokia C22 would be a major problem for me.
  • Camera: I value a high-quality camera, and the iPhone's advanced system with optical zoom, excellent video recording, and strong DXOMark scores are unmatched. The camera is one of the main things I use on my phone.
  • Overall Experience: The premium build, smooth software and additional features like wireless charging, make the overall experience on the iPhone significantly better, for me.

While the iPhone 12 Pro Max is significantly more expensive, I see it as a long-term investment. I'd rather pay a higher price upfront for a phone that will continue to meet my needs for years to come. The Nokia C22's limitations, especially in performance and display quality, would feel restrictive, and would make me want to upgrade sooner rather than later. The Nokia C22 would also likely be obsolete in a couple of years, whereas, given the software updates, the iPhone would have much longer life.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.