Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho vs Nokia C21 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date August 9, 2021 April 29, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 110.64 cm³ 107.57 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.17 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 205 g 178 g
Height 164 mm 164.8 mm
Width 75.8 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.9 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.52 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 82.1 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 269 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A N/A
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.34 mAh/in² 118.79 mAh/in²
Battery Density 45.19 mAh/cm³ 46.95 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5000 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes No
Chipset Exynos 850 (8 nm) Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G52 IMG8322

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0 microUSB 2.0

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho and the Nokia C21 Plus. We'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and see which phone comes out on top for different users.

Specifications Breakdown

Here's a side-by-side comparison, emphasizing what these specs actually mean for you:

FeatureSamsung Galaxy A12 NachoNokia C21 PlusReal-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164 × 75.8 × 8.9 mm164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mmSimilar size, but the Nokia is slightly thinner and lighter, potentially making it more comfortable for one-handed use.
Weight205g178gThe Nokia feels noticeably lighter in hand.
Display
Size6.5"6.52"Essentially the same screen size.
Resolution720x1600720x1600Both offer a basic HD+ experience; images and text won't be super sharp but adequate for everyday tasks.
TechnologyPLS LCDIPS LCDIPS generally offers better viewing angles and color reproduction compared to PLS LCD.
Refresh Rate60Hz60HzStandard refresh rate; animations and scrolling will feel smooth but not exceptionally fluid.
Performance
ChipsetExynos 850 (8 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)The Exynos 850 is significantly more efficient and powerful, leading to smoother multitasking and better gaming performance.
AnTuTu Score117,300109,200The A12 Nacho will feel snappier in everyday use.
GPUMali-G52IMG8322The Mali-G52 offers better graphics performance, especially in gaming.
Camera
Main Camera48MP f/2.013MPThe A12 Nacho's main camera should capture more detailed photos, especially in good lighting.
Selfie Camera8MP f/2.25MP f/2.2The A12 Nacho will likely produce sharper and more detailed selfies.
Wide Angle Lens5MPNoneThe A12 Nacho lets you capture wider scenes.
Macro Lens2MPNoneThe A12 Nacho allows for close-up shots of small objects, though the quality might be limited.
Video Recording1080p@30fps1080p@30fpsStandard video recording capabilities on both.
Battery Life
Capacity5000mAh4000mAhThe A12 Nacho will likely last significantly longer on a single charge.
Charging15W10WThe A12 Nacho charges faster, reducing downtime.
Software
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to 13Android 11The A12 Nacho is guaranteed at least 2 major Android updates.
Connectivity
Wi-FiWi-Fi 5 (ac)Wi-Fi 4 (n)The A12 Nacho supports faster and more stable Wi-Fi connections.
Bluetooth5.04.2The A12 Nacho offers a more stable and efficient Bluetooth connection.
Storage
Internal Storage32/64/128 GB32/64 GBThe A12 Nacho offers a 128GB variant for users who need more storage.
RAM3/4/6 GB2/4 GBThe A12 Nacho with 6GB RAM will handle multitasking more smoothly.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for storage expansion.
Security
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedRear-mountedSide-mounted fingerprint sensors are generally considered more convenient.
AudioDolby AtmosBasic audioThe A12 Nacho offers a more immersive audio experience.

Key Insights

  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho Strengths:

    • Performance: The Exynos 850 chipset provides significantly better performance for multitasking, gaming, and overall snappiness.
    • Camera: The 48MP main camera and additional wide-angle and macro lenses offer more versatility in photography.
    • Battery Life: The larger 5000mAh battery, combined with a more efficient chipset, results in longer battery life.
    • Software Updates: Guaranteed Android updates ensure your phone stays secure and up-to-date.
    • Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards offer faster and more reliable connections.
    • Audio: Dolby Atmos enhances the audio experience.
  • Nokia C21 Plus Strengths:

    • Lighter Design: The Nokia C21 Plus is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.
  • Trade-offs and Limitations:

    • Neither phone has expandable storage, so choose a storage option that meets your needs.
    • Both phones have relatively low-resolution displays.

User Profiles and Recommendations

  • Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho:

    • Ideal for: Users who prioritize performance, battery life, and camera versatility. Great for social media enthusiasts, casual gamers, and those who need a reliable daily driver.
    • Use Cases: Capturing photos and videos, playing games, browsing social media, and multitasking between apps.
  • Nokia C21 Plus:

    • Ideal for: Users who prioritize a lightweight design and essential smartphone features. A good option for basic communication and light use.
    • Use Cases: Making calls, sending messages, basic web browsing, and light social media use.

Buying Decision Framework

Here are three key questions to help you decide:

  1. How important is performance and multitasking to you? If you need a phone that can handle multiple apps, games, and demanding tasks, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho is the better choice.
  2. Do you value a lightweight design? If a lighter phone is a top priority, the Nokia C21 Plus might be more appealing.
  3. How much do you care about camera quality and versatility? If you want to capture detailed photos and videos in various scenarios, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho's camera system offers more flexibility.

Scenario-Based Recommendations

  • Budget-Conscious Power User: If you're on a tight budget but still want a phone that performs well, the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho provides the best balance of features and performance.
  • Lightweight Simplicity: If you primarily use your phone for basic communication and prefer a lighter device, the Nokia C21 Plus might suffice.
  • Photography Enthusiast: The Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho’s versatile camera system makes it the clear choice for capturing everyday moments with greater detail and flexibility.

My Choice

If I had to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy A12 Nacho. While the Nokia C21 Plus has the advantage of being slightly lighter, the A12 Nacho simply offers a more compelling package overall.

The superior performance of the Exynos 850 chipset is a significant advantage, ensuring a smoother and more responsive user experience. Plus, the better camera system, larger battery, guaranteed software updates, and enhanced audio features make it a more well-rounded device. In essence, you get more value for your money with the Galaxy A12 Nacho. It's a solid, dependable phone that punches above its weight class.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.