Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia C31 and the Realme 12 Pro+. I'll be focusing on how these specs translate into real-world user experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the specifications, broken down into categories that matter most to users:
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm, 200g | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm, 196g | Nokia is slightly taller and wider. Realme is marginally thinner, lighter and smaller overall. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are standard phone builds, no fancy foldables here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.7" | Very similar screen sizes; you won't notice much difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme has a significantly sharper and more detailed screen. Text will appear clearer, images will be crisper, and overall viewing will be superior |
| Pixel Density | 260 ppi | 394 ppi | Realme display has much higher pixel density, resulting in a sharper and less pixelated display. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, richer colors, and better contrast ratios for a more engaging visual experience. Also better power efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on Realme will feel much smoother during scrolling and animations. Makes the phone feel more fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both seem to have missing brightness data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme's processor is significantly more powerful and efficient, enabling snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. The 4nm process is much more advanced. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 603,400 | A massive performance difference. The Realme is way faster and feels much more fluid. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 710 | Realme's GPU is considerably better for graphics-intensive tasks, like gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (Sony IMX890, 1.00µm) | Realme captures way more detail with superior sensor technology. |
| Front Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 32MP (Sony IMX615, 0.80µm, f/2.4) | Realme selfies will be much more detailed. Nokia's slightly wider aperture is negligible in practice. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP (Omnivision OV64B, 0.70µm) | Realme has dedicated telephoto for zoom and portraits |
| Portrait/Depth Lens | 2MP(f/2.4) | None | Nokia has a dedicated depth camera. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP(f/2.4) | None | Nokia has a dedicated macro camera. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (Hynix HI-846, 1.12µm) | Realme also has a dedicated ultrawide lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60/120fps | Realme offers far superior video quality with higher resolution and smoother frame rates. |
| Image Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS and OIS) | Realme video will be much smoother with optical and electronic image stabilization |
| Features | Digital Zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | 4K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | Realme's camera system is feature rich and more versatile with extra features such as 4k recording, digital stabilization, optical zoom and RAW output. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery capacities, suggesting similar battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 67W | Realme charges much faster, saving you significant time waiting around. |
| Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries, this is the standard in the modern smartphone market. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme comes with a more modern version of android. This means new features and improvements. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme has the newer Bluetooth version for better audio quality and range. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme supports additional navigation systems for enhanced location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Both have dual SIM capabilities and can be used to have 2 active numbers on the same device. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme offers more storage options. |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme has significantly better audio for immersive experiences with both external speakers and headphone. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint sensors. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme offers additional sensors which can improve user experience in navigation, gaming, and AR applications. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31 Strengths:
- Basic Functionality: The Nokia C31 is primarily designed for users who need a reliable device for basic tasks like calls, texts, and browsing. Its main strength lies in its simplicity.
- Budget-Friendly: It’s intended to be an affordable option, which is great for budget-conscious users.
- Larger Screen (Slightly): It has a marginally larger display.
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset is a big leap in performance. Apps launch quicker, multitasking is smoother, and gaming is significantly better.
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate is a massive upgrade, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and fluid animations.
- Exceptional Camera System: The 50MP main camera (Sony IMX890), dedicated telephoto, and wide-angle lenses make it incredibly versatile for photos and videos, with better quality. 4k video recording is also a big plus for people who like to vlog or take high resolution videos.
- Fast Charging: The 67W fast charging is a game-changer, quickly replenishing the battery.
- Modern Software: Ships with the latest Android 14, which includes enhanced features and security patches.
- Enhanced Audio: The addition of dual stereo speakers, Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio provide superior audio fidelity.
- Feature Rich: Has a lot of extra features missing on the Nokia such as OIS, EIS, RAW output for photos and more.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia C31: The performance is quite basic and might feel sluggish, especially when using multiple apps. Its display is not very sharp, and the camera system is quite basic. It is lacking modern features found in other smartphones.
- Realme 12 Pro+: The price point is higher, and may not fit all budgets. The absence of a microSD card slot means you are stuck with the onboard storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31 Users:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and basic functionality over premium features.
- Light Users: People who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, basic browsing, and social media.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: Its simplicity makes it a good device for transitioning from feature phones.
Realme 12 Pro+ Users:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want good performance, cutting edge features, and high-quality camera experiences.
- Media Consumers: Individuals who watch a lot of videos and games and will appreciate the AMOLED screen and great audio.
- Photography Lovers: Those who want a versatile camera system with great quality.
- Power Users: People who need a fast, responsive phone for multitasking, gaming, and other demanding tasks.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? If you need a basic phone at the lowest price, the Nokia C31 is the option here. If your budget is a bit more flexible, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers much better features at a higher price.
- What do you use your phone for most? If you are doing basic tasks like calls and texting, and only need a functional device, the Nokia should be enough. If you are a heavy user, the Realme with its extra performance would be the better choice.
- How important are display quality, camera quality, and performance to you? If those features are a must, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the obvious pick because of its superior screen, camera, speed, and enhanced features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget-focused, basic user: The Nokia C31 is suitable if all you need are basic smartphone capabilities at an affordable price.
- Scenario 2: Media and entertainment: The Realme 12 Pro+ is the better pick for great screen quality and audio.
- Scenario 3: Photography enthusiast: The Realme 12 Pro+ offers a more versatile and superior camera experience.
- Scenario 4: Performance and multitasking: The Realme 12 Pro+ handles all tasks much quicker and more efficiently.
- Scenario 5: Everyday use with a bit of everything: The Realme 12 Pro+ is a well rounded device for all types of daily tasks.
My Choice
Given the clear difference in technology and features, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. The superior display, significantly better performance, a much more powerful camera, the faster charging, and the modern software makes it a much more complete and future-proof device. While it will come at a higher cost, the performance and feature jump is well worth the price. The Nokia C31, while a functional device, is severely lacking in modern technology and features.
I hope that clarifies things!
