1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Apple iPhone 12 Pro | Nokia G100 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | iPhone 12 Pro is more pocketable and easier to handle with one hand. Nokia G100 is larger, which might be preferable for media consumption. |
| Weight | 189g | 195.1g | Negligible difference; both feel relatively similar in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.1" | 6.52" | Nokia G100 offers more screen real estate for watching videos, browsing, and gaming. iPhone 12 Pro is more compact and easier to hold. |
| Resolution | 1170x2532 | 720x1600 | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly sharper text and images, resulting in a better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 460 | 269 | Noticeably sharper details on the iPhone 12 Pro screen; individual pixels are much harder to discern. |
| Technology | OLED | IPS LCD | iPhone 12 Pro has better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, leading to a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Brightness | 1200 nits | 0 nits | The iPhone 12 Pro is much more visible in direct sunlight. The Nokia G100 brightness is missing and may be significantly lower. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate on both, suitable for typical use but not as smooth as 90Hz or 120Hz displays. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | iPhone 12 Pro delivers significantly faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. It is more future-proof. |
| AnTuTu Score | 1,082,644 | 201,615 | iPhone 12 Pro offers a drastically superior user experience in terms of responsiveness and overall performance. |
| GPU | Apple GPU (4-core graphics) | Adreno 610 | iPhone 12 Pro provides much better graphics performance, crucial for demanding games and graphically intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 12MP, f/1.6 | 13MP, f/2.0 | iPhone 12 Pro is likely to perform better in low light due to the wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 12MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.4 | iPhone 12 Pro offers higher resolution and potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | 12MP, f/2.0 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro allows for optical zoom, resulting in better quality zoomed-in photos compared to digital zoom. |
| Ultrawide Lens | 12MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.2 | iPhone 12 Pro has more details in ultrawide shots. The Nokia G100 has a slightly wider aperture. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G100 has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode, potentially improving background blur accuracy. |
| Video | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | iPhone 12 Pro can record much higher quality videos, suitable for professional use or capturing high-fidelity memories. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 127 | N/A | iPhone 12 Pro has a significantly better-rated camera system. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 2815mAh | 5000mAh | Nokia G100 is likely to offer significantly longer battery life on a single charge. However, the iPhone 12 Pro is more efficient. |
| Charging | 20W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | iPhone 12 Pro charges slightly faster. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (MagSafe & Qi) | No | iPhone 12 Pro offers convenient wireless charging options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256/512 GB | 32/128 GB | iPhone 12 Pro offers significantly more storage options for users with large media libraries or app collections. |
| RAM | 6 GB | 3/4 GB | iPhone 12 Pro can handle more apps running in the background and more demanding tasks without slowing down. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for expandable storage. |
| Software | |||
| OS | iOS 14.1 (Upgradable to iOS 18) | Android 12 | Different user experience and ecosystem. iOS is known for its simplicity and tight integration, while Android offers more customization. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | WiFi 5 (802.11ac) | iPhone 12 Pro has faster and more reliable Wi-Fi connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.1 | 5.0 | Minor improvement in Bluetooth range and efficiency on the iPhone 12 Pro. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | iPhone 12 Pro provides more accurate location tracking, especially in urban environments. |
| SIM | Nano SIM + eSIM | Dual Nano SIM | Nokia G100 can use two physical SIM cards, while iPhone 12 Pro uses one physical and one eSIM. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 Microphones | iPhone 12 Pro provides a much better audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos support. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | iPhone 12 Pro uses facial recognition, while Nokia G100 uses a fingerprint sensor. Both are secure but cater to different preferences. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has a known level of screen protection, which adds some peace of mind. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The A14 Bionic chip offers drastically better performance than the Snapdragon 662, resulting in faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming.
- Practical Implication: A much more responsive and enjoyable user experience, especially for demanding users.
- Higher Quality Display: OLED technology, higher resolution, and higher brightness offer a significantly better viewing experience with vibrant colors, sharp details, and good visibility in sunlight.
- Practical Implication: Better for watching videos, browsing photos, and general use, especially outdoors.
- Advanced Camera System: Triple-lens camera system with 4K video recording, optical zoom, and better low-light performance.
- Practical Implication: Produces higher quality photos and videos suitable for social media, memories, or even professional use.
- Premium Features: Wireless charging, Dolby Atmos audio, and a more refined user experience.
- Practical Implication: Adds convenience and enhances the overall user experience.
Nokia G100 Advantages:
- Significantly Larger Battery: The 5000mAh battery provides much longer battery life than the iPhone 12 Pro.
- Practical Implication: Users can go longer between charges, making it ideal for travel or heavy use.
- Fingerprint Sensor: Offers a different biometric authentication method.
- Practical Implication: Some users prefer fingerprint unlock to facial recognition due to speed or convenience.
- More Affordable: Typically costs significantly less than the iPhone 12 Pro.
- Practical Implication: Budget-conscious users can get a functional smartphone without breaking the bank.
Trade-offs:
- iPhone 12 Pro: Shorter battery life compared to Nokia G100.
- Nokia G100: Significantly lower performance, display quality, and camera capabilities compared to the iPhone 12 Pro.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who need a fast and responsive phone for demanding apps, gaming, and multitasking.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a high-quality camera for photos and videos.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a vibrant and sharp display for watching videos and browsing.
- Ecosystem Loyalists: Users already invested in the Apple ecosystem.
Use Cases:
- Professional Photography/Videography: High-quality camera and video recording capabilities.
- Mobile Gaming: Powerful processor and GPU for smooth gameplay.
- Creative Tasks: Demanding apps like video editing and graphic design.
Nokia G100 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Those looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone.
- Users Prioritizing Battery Life: Those who need a phone that can last all day or even multiple days on a single charge.
- Basic Smartphone Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
Use Cases:
- Long Travel Days: Extended battery life for navigation and communication.
- Emergency Backup Phone: Reliable and long-lasting for essential communication.
- First Smartphone for Seniors or Children: Simple and affordable.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions to Consider:
- What is your budget? The price difference between these phones is significant.
- What is your primary use case? Performance, camera, or battery life?
- How important is display quality to you? Are you sensitive to resolution and color accuracy?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Long Battery Life is a Must. Choose the Nokia G100.
- Scenario 2: Performance and Camera are Paramount. Choose the Apple iPhone 12 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Balance Between Price and Performance. Consider other mid-range options that may offer a better compromise.
Personal Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would pick the Apple iPhone 12 Pro. While the Nokia G100's exceptional battery life is tempting, the iPhone 12 Pro offers a vastly superior experience in almost every other aspect. The significantly better performance of the A14 Bionic chip ensures a smooth and responsive user experience for years to come. Additionally, the superior display and camera system are crucial for my daily needs, as I frequently consume media and capture photos and videos. While it is an older phone, it will continue to get software updates for years to come.
