In the ever-evolving smartphone market, Nokia has consistently delivered reliable and affordable devices that cater to a wide range of consumers.
The Nokia C12 Pro is the latest addition to the company’s lineup, offering a compelling package of features and performance at a budget-friendly price point.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore the key aspects of the Nokia C12 Pro and why it might be a suitable choice for those seeking a capable 5G smartphone without breaking the bank.
Design and Build Quality
The Nokia C12 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its affordable price tag.
With dimensions of 165.8 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm and a weight of 189 grams, the device strikes a balance between portability and a substantial feel in the hand. The polycarbonate body and frame contribute to its lightweight nature while also providing a durable construction.
One of the standout features of the C12 Pro is its IP52 rating, which offers protection against dust and water splashes.
This makes the phone a reliable companion for everyday use, capable of withstanding minor accidents and environmental challenges.
The device is available in three color options: Black, Blue, and Gray, allowing users to choose a variant that suits their personal style.
The side-mounted fingerprint sensor adds a layer of security and convenience, enabling quick and easy unlocking.
Display
The Nokia C12 Pro features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While not the highest resolution on the market, the display offers a decent pixel density of 269 PPI, ensuring clear and readable text and images.
One of the notable features of the display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which provides smoother scrolling and more fluid animations compared to standard 60Hz panels.
This enhancement contributes to an overall more responsive and enjoyable user experience, particularly when navigating through apps or playing casual games.
The display boasts a peak brightness of 400 nits, which, while not the brightest, is sufficient for comfortable viewing in most indoor and outdoor conditions.
The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3, adding a layer of scratch resistance to the device.
Performance and Hardware
Powering the Nokia C12 Pro is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset, a capable mid-range processor that delivers reliable performance for everyday tasks.
This octa-core SoC features two Kryo 460 Gold cores clocked at 2.2 GHz for high-performance workloads and six Kryo 460 Silver cores at 1.8 GHz for efficiency.
The Adreno 619 GPU handles the graphics processing, providing decent performance for casual gaming and multimedia consumption.
While not a powerhouse for intensive 3D games, the C12 Pro is more than capable of handling everyday tasks and light gaming with ease.
The device comes in various RAM and storage configurations, including 4GB/64GB, 4GB/128GB, and 6GB/128GB options.
The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows for expandable storage, providing flexibility for users who need extra space for their files and media.
Camera System
The Nokia C12 Pro is equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13 MP main sensor and a 2 MP depth sensor.
While not the most advanced camera system, it provides a decent set of capabilities for the target market.
The main 13 MP sensor performs reasonably well in various lighting conditions, capturing images with acceptable detail and color accuracy.
The depth sensor, while not a game-changer, does provide some depth information for portrait mode shots, allowing for a basic bokeh effect.
On the front, the C12 Pro features a 5 MP selfie camera, which is suitable for video calls and social media uploads, though it may not produce the most impressive self-portraits.
Battery Life and Charging
The Nokia C12 Pro is equipped with a 4,000 mAh battery, which provides a solid foundation for all-day usage.
Depending on your usage patterns, the device can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, with some users reporting up to two days of battery life with lighter usage.
The phone supports 10W fast charging, which, while not the fastest on the market, offers a reasonable balance between charging speed and battery longevity.
This charging capability allows users to quickly top up their battery when needed, reducing downtime and ensuring the phone is ready when you need it.
Connectivity and Additional Features
As the name suggests, the Nokia C12 Pro supports 5G connectivity, ensuring that users can take advantage of the faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability in areas with 5G coverage.
The device also includes other modern connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 4, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC (in select markets). These features ensure compatibility with a wide range of accessories and enable convenient contactless payments where supported.
Software and User Experience
The Nokia C12 Pro runs on Android 12, with a promise of two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates.
This commitment to software support ensures that the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features for years to come.
Nokia’s approach to Android is largely stock, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience.
This not only contributes to smooth performance but also ensures faster updates and a user-friendly interface that’s easy to navigate.
Nokia C12 Pro
The Nokia C12 Pro represents a compelling option in the budget-friendly 5G smartphone market.
While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power or camera capabilities, it offers a reliable and future-proof package that will appeal to many users seeking a capable and affordable 5G-enabled device.
Its strengths lie in its durable design, decent performance, and long-lasting battery life.
The inclusion of 5G connectivity and the commitment to software updates also add to the device’s overall value proposition.
For users on a tight budget who still want to enjoy the benefits of 5G technology, the Nokia C12 Pro is a solid choice.
It embodies Nokia’s reputation for building sturdy, long-lasting devices while incorporating the features and connectivity options needed in today’s mobile landscape.