Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Realme 12+. I'll be breaking down the specs and translating them into real-world experiences, making it easy to see which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key technical specifications, with a focus on how they impact your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 163 x 75.5 x 7.9 mm | Realme 12+ is slightly more compact and thinner, which may feel better in hand. Nokia G100 is a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 190g | Realme 12+ is negligibly lighter. Both phones are still quite hefty in the hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.67" | Realme 12+ offers slightly more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | Realme 12+ is significantly sharper, with crisper text and images. Nokia G100 can look slightly blurry in comparison. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 395 | Realme 12+ provides a much clearer visual experience with finer detail. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12+ has a superior display with deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast. LCD on the Nokia G100 will have washed out colours and blacks. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12+ offers smoother animations and scrolling, noticeably improving the user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | Realme 12+ is much brighter and easier to see in direct sunlight. Nokia G100 lacks a brightness reading, it may struggle in bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | Realme 12+ has a more modern and efficient chip, leading to faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 601,000 | Realme 12+ provides a much more powerful overall experience; better app performance, and smoother gaming |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Realme 12+ has a more capable GPU, providing better graphics performance in games and other graphical applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.88, Sony LYT-600 | Realme 12+ captures much more detailed photos with better low-light performance due to the higher resolution and larger sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.45 | Realme 12+ takes higher resolution selfies. |
| Wide Angle | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2 | Realme 12+ offers a slightly better ultrawide image with a higher resolution. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia G100 can take portrait shots with the depth camera. |
| Macro Camera | N/A | 2MP, f/2.4 | Realme 12+ can take macro photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps | Realme 12+ is capable of recording significantly higher-quality videos and has superior stabilisation. |
| Stabilization | Digital | Digital, OIS | Realme 12+ has OIS which greatly improves video stability |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones will likely offer similar battery life, depending on usage patterns. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12+ charges much faster, taking less time to top up the battery. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Li-Polymer tends to have a longer lifespan and is safer in the long run. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12+ has a more modern operating system and will receive future updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12+ supports WiFi 6, offering faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Realme 12+ has a newer Bluetooth version, offering better range, speed and connection stability. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Realme 12+ uses more satellite systems which enhances location accuracy, especially in urban environments |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12+ offers far more storage options, suitable for users with extensive media libraries. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12+ has much higher RAM, allowing for more efficient multitasking and smoother operation. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for external storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, 2 microphones | Realme 12+ has a much better audio setup, with stereo speakers, Hi-res audio and noise cancelling microphones. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 has a more advanced fingerprint sensor. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Nokia G100 has screen protection, while it is unknown for the Realme 12+. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Nokia G100 has more environmental sensors and the Realme 12+ has a compass sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- Basic Functionality: It's a straightforward, budget-friendly option for users primarily concerned with calls, texts, and basic apps.
- Screen Protection: It's one of the only phones with screen protection between the two.
- Environmental Sensors: Includes a barometer sensor, which might be useful for some.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: More advanced and convenient than the basic sensor on the Realme 12+.
Realme 12+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with 120Hz refresh rate and high brightness is a huge win for multimedia consumption and general use.
- Much Better Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset is significantly faster and more efficient than the Snapdragon 662, allowing for a much smoother user experience.
- Excellent Camera System: The 50MP main camera, with OIS, captures much more detailed and higher-quality photos and videos, especially in low light conditions.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is incredibly convenient, allowing you to quickly top up your phone.
- Up-to-Date Software: Comes with Android 14, meaning a more modern OS and likely future updates.
- More RAM & Storage: The 8/12GB of RAM and 128/256/512GB of storage options give much more room for apps and media.
- Enhanced Audio Quality: The inclusion of stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos offers a more immersive audio experience.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia G100: Has outdated technology and a much less powerful processor, making it slow in comparison to the Realme 12+. Its lack of a bright display and the inferior camera system is a dealbreaker for many.
- Realme 12+: Lacks a depth camera, and has a more basic fingerprint sensor, but these downsides are minimal in the face of the massive upgrades in almost every other category.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100:
- Ideal for: Users with very basic needs, such as calling and texting, who are on a tight budget.
- Use Cases: A secondary phone for basic communication or a starter smartphone for someone new to mobile technology.
Realme 12+:
- Ideal for: Users looking for a mid-range phone with a great display, capable performance, and excellent camera.
- Use Cases: Daily use for social media, streaming, photography, casual gaming, and productive multitasking.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What is your budget? The Nokia G100 is a budget device, and the Realme 12+ is a mid-range phone. If budget is the top priority, the Nokia G100 may be suitable.
- How important is the display to you? If you prioritize a sharp, vibrant, and smooth display with great outdoor visibility, the Realme 12+ is the obvious choice.
- What kind of performance do you need? If you regularly multitask, play games, or use demanding apps, the Realme 12+ is the only viable option due to its superior processing power and larger RAM.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If you are very budget-conscious and only need a basic phone for calls, texts, and a few apps, the Nokia G100 is viable.
- Multimedia Enthusiast: If you watch videos, play games, and browse social media frequently, the Realme 12+ will provide a much more enjoyable experience with its high-quality display and better performance.
- Photography Lover: If you take a lot of photos and videos, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner with its superior camera system.
- Heavy User: If you need a phone that can handle demanding tasks and multitasking, the Realme 12+ is the better option with its powerful processor, abundant RAM and large storage options.
Final Thoughts
After carefully evaluating both devices, the Realme 12+ is the clear winner for me. The Nokia G100 falls short due to its outdated chipset and inferior features. While it may be a viable basic device, it doesn't come close to the performance and usability of the Realme 12+. The Realme 12+ provides a much better user experience with its superior display, faster performance, excellent camera, and up-to-date software. Its faster charging is also a much appreciated addition. It offers a much more compelling package overall, providing significantly more value for your money.
