Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Realme 12 Pro. Buckle up, tech enthusiasts, because we're about to explore the nuances of these two smartphones.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Realme 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 mm | The Nokia is slightly larger and bulkier, making the Realme more pocket-friendly and comfortable to hold. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 190g | Realme is marginally lighter, which might make it more comfortable for longer use. |
| Build Material | Unknown | Unknown | Could impact durability and feel in hand. More data is needed here |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.7" | Realme has a slightly larger display, providing a more immersive viewing experience. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | The Realme's display is much sharper and clearer, resulting in better image and text quality. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 394 | Realme offers significantly sharper visuals with greater clarity, which is noticeable in daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme has superior display technology, resulting in deeper blacks, better contrast, and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme provides smoother animations and a more responsive feel during scrolling and gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 950 nits | The Realme's screen is significantly brighter, much better for outdoor use in sunny conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 (4nm) | The Realme's newer, more efficient chip provides significantly higher performance and better battery management. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 574,000 | The Realme’s performance is much higher, handling apps and games much more fluidly. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme has a more powerful GPU, allowing for better graphics rendering in games and demanding apps. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones have the same battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life, depending on software optimisation. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 67W fast charging | Realme charges much faster, getting you back up and running quicker. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2" Sony IMX882 | Realme's main camera offers better low-light performance and higher detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 | Realme has a higher-resolution selfie camera for better image quality. |
| Telephoto Lens | No | 32MP, f/2.0, 1/2.74" Sony IMX709 | Realme has a dedicated telephoto lens for better zoom capabilities. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | No | Nokia has a wide-angle lens for capturing wider scenic shots, but not as high resolution. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Nokia has a portrait lens, Realme uses its main camera for bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" Sony IMX355 | Realme includes macro in the wide-angle lens, allowing close-up photography. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60/120fps with EIS | Realme's video recording is much better, offering higher resolution, stabilization and slow motion features. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes | Realme offers stabilization features for smoother video capture |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme offers a more recent operating system with newer features, better performance and security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ax (WiFi 6) | Realme offers a more up to date Wifi system with better performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme is using the newer and faster bluetooth standard. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme provides a broader range of systems for increased accuracy and speed. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/128GB | 256/512GB | Realme provides more default storage which is important as both don't have expansion slots. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 8/12GB | Realme offers a lot more RAM for better multitasking performance |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers memory expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, Noise cancellation, 2 mics | Realme’s audio suite is vastly superior with better sound quality and features. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | basic fingerprint sensor | Nokia G100 has a side-mounted sensor while the Realme has a basic one which implies its under display |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Nokia G100 offers screen protection where Realme does not, an important factor to consider |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Nokia includes Barometer for measuring pressure, Realme doesn't. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 12 Pro’s Dominance: The Realme 12 Pro is a clear winner in most categories, offering a significantly better display, much faster performance, superior camera capabilities, faster charging, and a more modern software experience. The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate alone makes a huge difference for anyone who values smooth, vibrant visuals.
- Nokia G100’s Strengths: The G100 has a few advantages, such as a barometer sensor and a dedicated wide angle lens, and its screen protection. However, it falls short in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities in comparison to the Realme 12 Pro.
- Trade-offs: The Nokia G100’s trade-offs mostly involve having an older chipset, a less impressive display, and a slower charging speed, even though it has similar battery size. The Realme 12 Pro's trade offs are the lack of a screen protection, and the lack of a dedicated wide angle camera
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100: This phone is suitable for users who prioritize simplicity and basic functionality over top-tier performance. It’s a decent choice for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those looking for an entry-level smartphone with essential features, and who don’t need the best performance or display.
- Users with Less Demanding Tasks: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, light browsing, and basic apps.
- People who value screen protection: People who don't need the best display, but prefer to have an extra layer of screen protection.
Realme 12 Pro: This phone is best for users who want a more feature-rich and high-performance smartphone experience. It’s ideal for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who watch a lot of videos, play games, or browse social media heavily and want a vibrant and smooth display.
- Photography Buffs: Those who value high-quality photos, great zoom capabilities and video recording
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast performance, good multitasking capabilities, and a modern software experience for better productivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, consider these questions:
- How important is display quality to you? If you prioritize a vibrant, sharp screen with smooth animations, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear choice.
- What is your usage pattern? If you are a power user who needs high performance and fast charging, the Realme 12 Pro would be the more ideal option.
- What is your budget? If price is a key constraint and you don't mind a more basic experience, then the Nokia G100 will be more ideal.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Daily Use: If you mainly use your phone for calls, texts, and light social media, and you want a reliable phone at a lower cost, the Nokia G100 might suffice. However, the Realme 12 Pro will provide a more fluid user experience across the board.
- Scenario 2: Multimedia and Gaming: If you enjoy watching videos, playing games, and want an immersive visual experience, go for the Realme 12 Pro.
- Scenario 3: Photography: If you value camera quality, zoom capabilities, and want better video recording, the Realme 12 Pro is the clear winner with it's high resolution sensors.
- Scenario 4: Performance: If you want the fastest phone for productivity and gaming, go for the Realme 12 Pro.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro.
Here’s why:
As a tech journalist and analyst, I appreciate the importance of overall experience. The Realme 12 Pro offers such a significant improvement over the Nokia G100 in almost every important aspect of a smartphone, including the display, performance, camera capabilities, and charging speed, that it is a clear winner. While the Nokia G100 has a few niche advantages, such as the screen protection and the barometer, the advantages of the Realme 12 Pro simply outweigh the benefits of the Nokia G100.
I also appreciate a device that can handle everything I throw at it, from heavy app usage to gaming and content creation. The Realme's powerful chipset and 120Hz AMOLED display make this a much more enjoyable experience. Additionally, the camera quality, with features like the dedicated zoom lens and improved low-light performance, allows me to capture moments with far more flexibility. Also, the faster charging is simply a must have these days.
Ultimately, the Realme 12 Pro offers a far better all-around smartphone experience with its superior display, performance, camera system, and overall modernity. For me, it’s worth the extra investment for a more premium experience.
