Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G100 and the Xiaomi Redmi 12C. These two budget-friendly smartphones offer a lot of value, but they have distinct strengths and trade-offs. I'll break down the specs, offer real-world implications, and help you decide which one might be the best fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Xiaomi Redmi 12C | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 168.8 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | The Redmi 12C is a hair taller and thinner, but both are similarly sized and comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 192g | Negligible difference; both are relatively lightweight for their size. |
| Build | Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | Nokia G100 likely offers better screen protection. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.71" | Redmi 12C has a slightly larger display, which can be more immersive for video consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1650 | Both offer similar HD+ resolution; individual pixels may be slightly more noticeable compared to higher resolutions. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 268 | Practically identical sharpness, fine for everyday use but not the crispest you'll find. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both provide decent color accuracy and viewing angles, but not as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 60Hz | Standard refresh rate; scrolling and animations won't appear as fluid as on 90Hz or 120Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | No data is available on peak brightness, but expect a typical brightness for an LCD in this price range. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 | Helio G85 | Redmi 12C's Helio G85 provides slightly better overall performance, especially in gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 225,154 | Redmi 12C has a marginal edge in synthetic benchmark performance, indicating snappier app launches. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Redmi 12C's GPU will perform slightly better in graphically intensive tasks such as gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.8 | Redmi 12C's 50MP camera, with a wider f/1.8 aperture, should capture more light and detail in photos. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 5MP | Nokia G100 has a higher resolution selfie camera, capturing slightly more detail. |
| Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | Not available | Nokia G100 allows for wider-angle shots, suitable for group photos or landscapes. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not available | Nokia G100 offers a depth sensor for enhanced portrait mode with blurred background. |
| Macro Lens | Not available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Redmi 12C provides the ability to capture extreme close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo at 120 fps | 1080p@30fps; Slow-mo at 30fps | Both can shoot basic 1080p video, but the Nokia wins with better slow-motion recording at 120 fps |
| DXOMark Scores | Not available | Photo: 50, Video: 43, Main: 45 | Redmi 12C's camera was tested and the benchmark scores are okay for budget smartphone. |
| Camera Features | Triple camera, Continuous shooting, Night Mode | Dual camera, PDAF | Nokia G100 has triple camera setup whereas Redmi 12C has Phase detection autofocus |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery life, which should easily get you through a full day. |
| Charging | 15W | 10W | Nokia G100 charges faster with 15W, minimizing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Non-removable | Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 | Both phones offer a good experience out of the box and provide access to core android features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11ac | Both support modern Wi-Fi standards for fast internet speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Redmi 12C has a newer Bluetooth version for potentially more reliable connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Redmi 12C supports more global positioning systems, which can be slightly more accurate in certain regions. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano/Micro SIM | Both have dual SIM support, the Redmi provides one micro SIM option. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB | Both offer 128 GB maximum storage, but the Redmi 12C also offers a 64GB model, giving you some more options. |
| RAM | 3/4 GB | 3/4/6 GB | Redmi 12C has a 6 GB RAM option for moderate multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | Not available | Not available | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Basic Features | Nokia G100 will probably provide clearer audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quicker to use |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | Nokia G100 offers more environmental sensors |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100:
- Strengths:
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass 3 provides better protection against scratches and minor impacts.
- Camera Versatility: A triple camera setup with an ultrawide lens and a portrait lens gives more creative control.
- Better Selfie Camera: The 8MP front camera is better than the 5MP one on the Redmi 12C.
- Faster Charging: 15W fast charging reduces charging time.
- More sensors: A wider array of sensors including a Barometer, Gyroscope and Light sensor.
- Better Audio Recording: The presence of two microphones is great for voice recording and video.
- Competitive Advantages: The Nokia G100 is the better all round phone for more features
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Strengths:
- Performance: The Helio G85 chipset gives a slight performance bump, especially in gaming.
- Camera Quality: A higher-resolution 50MP main camera with wider aperture leads to better low light performance.
- More RAM: A 6GB RAM option offers better multitasking.
- More Storage Options: Also has a 64GB option if you don't need the 128GB model.
- Newer Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1 provides potentially more reliable connectivity.
- More GPS options: Offers Beidou and Galileo for better location accuracy.
- Macro Camera The Redmi is also equipped with a Macro Lens for close up shots.
- Competitive Advantages: The Redmi 12C is the better option if performance is key to your experience.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G100: Lacks macro camera, and the side-mounted fingerprint sensor is less advanced than rear-mounted sensors.
- Xiaomi Redmi 12C: Lacks a wide angle lens and a portrait lens, along with slightly slower charging and no screen protection.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100:
- Best Suited For: Casual users, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who values camera versatility and build quality.
- Use Cases:
- Everyday Photography: Capturing diverse scenes and portraits with ease.
- Reliable Performance: Snappy everyday usage with good battery life.
- Screen Protection: Better protection from screen scratches.
- Recommendation: Good all-rounder with a balance of features, with focus on photography.
Xiaomi Redmi 12C:
- Best Suited For: Gamers, multitaskers, and those who prefer a slightly larger screen and better camera quality in general.
- Use Cases:
- Gaming: Handles popular mobile games smoothly.
- Multitasking: Handles various apps with good performance due to 6GB RAM option.
- Social Media: Good overall camera quality for taking photos to post to social media.
- Recommendation: The better option if you are more concerned about performance and camera quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's more important: camera versatility or processing power?
- If you value features like a wide angle lens and a portrait lens for various shot types, go with the Nokia G100.
- If you want a phone that handles gaming and multitasking better, pick the Xiaomi Redmi 12C.
- Do you prioritize better screen protection or slightly better battery life?
- The Nokia G100 is likely better with screen protection with Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
- Both phones are identical in terms of battery performance so this should not affect the decision.
- Do you mind slightly slower charging or a less diverse camera system?
- If you need fast charging, the Nokia G100 is better equipped, so the Xiaomi will require more waiting time.
- If the wide-angle and portrait lens are not important to you, the Xiaomi is the better choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Casual user wanting to post good photos to social media:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12C with a better main camera.
- Scenario 2: User needing multiple camera options:
- Recommendation: Nokia G100 offers versatility with its triple camera system.
- Scenario 3: Mobile Gamer:
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi 12C due to the stronger processor.
Which Would I Choose?
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go for the Nokia G100.
Here's why:
As someone who appreciates a versatile camera setup and a device that can handle various scenarios with balance and reliability, the Nokia G100 edges out the Redmi 12C for my specific needs. The presence of the wide-angle lens and portrait lens provides a level of creative flexibility that I value, and it makes up for the slightly lower main camera resolution. While the Redmi 12C is more powerful and has a newer Bluetooth module, the Nokia's better screen protection, faster charging, and a more complete camera system are more important to me. Plus, a better audio recording experience and extra sensors is a bonus.
Ultimately, the "best" phone comes down to individual priorities, but this is my reasoning based on the features provided and my personal requirements.
I hope that helps you choose which phone suits you best!
