Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Realme 12 Pro+. We'll break down the specs, explore what they mean for real-world use, and figure out which phone might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table that translates technical specifications into practical insights:
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | 161.5 × 74 × 8.8 mm | The Nokia G100 is a bit larger, making it slightly less pocketable compared to the slimmer, more compact Realme 12 Pro+. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 196g | Both phones are virtually identical in weight, which means handling feels very similar. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Nokia has added screen protection but Realme's screen protection is unknown. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience thanks to the larger display. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2412 | Realme 12 Pro+ boasts a sharper display with more detail, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 394 | A big difference, meaning the Realme 12 Pro+ display will look significantly crisper and smoother. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme's AMOLED offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ provides smoother scrolling and animations, resulting in a more fluid user experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have equal peak brightness levels but in practice the AMOLED will likely get brighter due to technology differences |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 | Realme 12 Pro+’s newer chipset delivers significantly faster performance for apps and games. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 603,400 | The Realme 12 Pro+ is almost three times faster than the Nokia, making it much better for multitasking and intensive tasks. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+’s GPU provides superior graphics performance, making it a much better choice for gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX890, 1/1.56" | The Realme 12 Pro+ has a much higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture, resulting in better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX615, 1/2.74" | Realme 12 Pro+ captures much more detailed and sharper selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/2.6, Omnivision OV64B, 1/2" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photography. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | None | Nokia G100 has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing more in the frame. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Nokia G100 has a dedicated portrait mode lens for capturing depth in images |
| Wide Angle + Macro | None | 8MP, f/2.2, Hynix HI-846, 1/4" | Realme 12 Pro+ has a dedicated wide angle + macro lens for getting close up shots |
| Video Quality | 1080p @ 30fps | 4K @ 30fps, 1080p @ 30/60/120fps | Realme 12 Pro+ records much higher-quality video with added stabilization. |
| Features | Night Mode | 4K Video, OIS, PDAF, RAW | Realme 12 Pro+ includes optical zoom and stabilization for better photos and video. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices offer similar battery endurance. |
| Charging | 15W Fast Charge | 67W Fast Charge | Realme 12 Pro+ charges significantly faster, reducing the wait time to get back to full power. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 12 | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ ships with a newer version of Android, providing access to the latest features and security updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | Realme 12 Pro+ offers the newest WiFi standard for faster speeds and better connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has newer Bluetooth with expanded codec support for better audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has enhanced location services for more accurate tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/128GB | 128/256/512GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has higher storage options, providing more space for media and apps, while Nokia has one 32GB version that is limiting. |
| RAM | 3/4GB | 8/12GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme has significantly better audio experience with stereo speakers and high fidelity support. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Nokia has a more convenient side mounted fingerprint sensor for quick access. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope; Environmental: Barometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | Nokia G100 has more environmental sensors (Barometer) but Realme 12 Pro+ has a geomagnetic sensor |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- Affordable: The Nokia G100 is likely to be a more budget-friendly option.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Provides a convenient method for unlocking the device
- Wide Angle Camera: The G100 has a dedicated wide-angle lens which might be useful to some users
- Barometer: It has a Barometer which can be used for altitude measurements
Realme 12 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Realme 12 Pro+ crushes the Nokia G100 in terms of raw power and general speed.
- Significantly Better Display: The AMOLED panel is a huge upgrade in terms of color, clarity, and smoothness.
- Much Better Camera System: The 50MP main sensor, plus telephoto and other lenses, delivers a far more versatile and high-quality photography experience.
- Faster Charging: The 67W fast charging is a massive time-saver.
- More Storage and RAM: This offers more flexibility for users who like to keep a lot of apps and media on their device.
- Better Audio Quality: The Dolby Atmos and hi-res audio are great for media consumption.
- Newer Software & Connectivity: The phone ships with a newer version of Android and improved connectivity options
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G100: Its dated chipset and lower resolution screen may make the phone feel sluggish and grainy compared to modern smartphones. The limited storage and RAM might become a problem for some users.
- Realme 12 Pro+: It has unknown screen protection which is something to keep in mind
- Realme 12 Pro+: Lacks dedicated wide angle and portrait mode cameras, but covers that area with the wide angle + macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100 is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and simple tasks without needing premium features.
- Users with Minimal Needs: People who don’t play demanding games or use many intensive applications.
- Those Who Value Simplicity: It will serve users who need a basic smartphone with no fancy features
Realme 12 Pro+ is Best For:
- Power Users: Those who multitask heavily, play games, and use their phone for various intensive tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile and high-quality camera system with multiple lenses.
- Media Consumers: People who enjoy watching videos and movies on their phone and want an excellent display and audio.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want the latest software and advanced connectivity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
What's My Budget? Are you looking for the most affordable option, or are you willing to pay more for better performance and features?
How Do I Use My Phone? Is it for basic communication, or do you use it for gaming, photography, and other intensive tasks?
What Features Are Most Important to Me? Do you prioritize display quality, camera performance, battery life, or other aspects?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
Scenario 1: Basic User on a Tight Budget If your phone use is limited to calls, messaging, and light browsing, the Nokia G100 might be sufficient and the most cost-effective option.
Scenario 2: Enthusiastic User Seeking the Best Value If you are looking for performance, a great camera system, and a high-quality display, the Realme 12 Pro+ is far more suitable. It's worth the extra investment for the substantial improvement in user experience and overall performance.
Scenario 3: Media Lover If you watch a lot of movies, or listen to a lot of music on your phone, the Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear choice due to the OLED screen and improved audio experience.
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Realme 12 Pro+. The sheer gap in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is just too big to ignore. While the Nokia G100 might be appealing to someone looking to save on costs, the Realme 12 Pro+ delivers so much more in terms of overall experience that it provides a far greater value for the price. As a tech enthusiast and daily user, these are the features I value the most in a smartphone. The fluid screen, powerful processing and premium camera setup make it the more logical choice for daily usage.
