Nokia C12 Pro

At Lulu Hypermarket, the device is priced at QAR 289, while Jumbo Souq offers it for QAR 274. Jarir Bookstore lists the Nokia C12 Pro at QAR 299. These prices are for the 4GB RAM and 64GB storage variant, which is the primary model available in Qatar. It’s worth noting that prices may fluctuate slightly depending on promotions and stock availability.

Nokia C12 Pro Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.3″ IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels
Processor	Unisoc SC9863A1
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB, expandable up to 256GB
Main Camera	8MP
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	4000mAh, removable
Operating System	Android 12 (Go edition)
SIM	Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Colors	Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint
Connectivity	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.2, GPS
Sensors	Accelerometer, proximity
Durability	IP52 splash-resistant

 

Release Date and Availability

The Nokia C12 Pro was released globally on January 18, 2023, and made its way to the Qatari market shortly after. This budget-friendly smartphone has been available in Qatar for several months now, giving consumers ample time to experience its features and performance. The device’s availability across multiple retailers in Qatar ensures that interested buyers can easily purchase it from their preferred stores or online platforms.

Design and Display

The Nokia C12 Pro boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its affordable price tag. With dimensions of 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm, the device strikes a balance between screen size and comfortable handling. The phone weighs approximately 177.4 grams, making it light enough for extended use without causing fatigue.

One of the standout features of the Nokia C12 Pro is its 6.3-inch IPS LCD display. This screen offers a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 278 pixels per inch (PPI). While not the highest resolution on the market, it provides clear and vibrant visuals for everyday use. The 20:9 aspect ratio ensures a modern, elongated display that’s great for scrolling through social media feeds or watching videos.

The display is protected by a layer of toughened glass, which helps prevent scratches and minor impacts. However, it’s worth noting that Nokia hasn’t specified the exact type of protective glass used. The screen-to-body ratio of approximately 80.3% gives the phone a contemporary look with relatively slim bezels, especially considering its price point.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nokia C12 Pro is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A1 chipset. This octa-core processor is designed for entry-level smartphones, balancing performance and energy efficiency. While it may not compete with high-end processors, it’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks smoothly.

The device comes with 4GB of RAM, which is a significant upgrade from its predecessor and many other phones in this price range. This amount of RAM allows for smoother multitasking and better overall performance, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously.

In terms of storage, the Nokia C12 Pro offers 64GB of internal memory. This is ample space for most users to store their apps, photos, and videos. For those who need more storage, the phone supports expandable memory up to 256GB via a microSD card slot, providing flexibility for users with higher storage needs.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Nokia C12 Pro, while not groundbreaking, is suitable for casual photography and social media sharing. The main rear camera features an 8MP sensor with autofocus and an LED flash. It’s capable of capturing decent photos in well-lit environments and can record 1080p videos at 30 frames per second.

For selfies and video calls, the phone is equipped with a 5MP front-facing camera. While not the highest resolution available, it’s adequate for video chats and casual self-portraits. The camera app includes features like HDR mode and various shooting modes to enhance the photography experience.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the highlights of the Nokia C12 Pro is its 4000mAh removable battery. This capacity is generous for a budget smartphone and should easily last a full day of moderate use. The removable nature of the battery is a rarity in modern smartphones and can be a significant advantage for users who prefer the option to carry spare batteries or replace them easily.

However, it’s important to note that the device does not support fast charging. It uses a standard micro-USB port for charging, which might be seen as outdated compared to the more modern USB-C ports found in many contemporary smartphones.

Software and User Experience

The Nokia C12 Pro runs on Android 12 (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of Android designed specifically for entry-level smartphones. This optimized operating system ensures smooth performance even with modest hardware specifications. It also comes with lite versions of popular Google apps, which consume less storage and data.

Nokia’s commitment to providing a clean, near-stock Android experience means that the C12 Pro is free from bloatware and unnecessary pre-installed apps. This not only saves storage space but also contributes to a smoother user experience. Additionally, Nokia has a good track record of providing security updates, which is a significant advantage in the budget smartphone segment.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the Nokia C12 Pro supports 4G LTE, ensuring fast mobile data speeds where available. It also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.2, and GPS for navigation. The dual SIM capability allows users to manage personal and work numbers on a single device.

The phone includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming increasingly rare in modern smartphones. This feature will be appreciated by users who prefer wired headphones or have existing audio accessories.

An interesting addition to the C12 Pro is its IP52 rating for dust and splash resistance. While not fully waterproof, this level of protection is uncommon in budget smartphones and adds a layer of durability to the device.

Comparison with Other Nokia Models and Competitors

When comparing the Nokia C12 Pro to other Nokia models, it stands out as a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Nokia C12. The increased RAM and storage make the C12 Pro a more capable device for multitasking and app storage. Compared to the Nokia C21, the C12 Pro offers a similar experience but with a slightly smaller display and a more recent Android version.

The Nokia C31 and G400 are positioned as more premium options in Nokia’s lineup. The C31 offers a larger 6.7-inch display and a higher-resolution 13MP main camera, while the G400 boasts 5G connectivity and a more powerful processor. However, these upgrades come at a higher price point.

In the broader market, the Nokia C12 Pro competes with devices like the Xiaomi Redmi 10A and the Realme C30. The Redmi 10A offers a similar specs sheet but with a larger 6.53-inch display, while the Realme C30 provides comparable performance with a slightly smaller 6.1-inch screen.

When considering phones with similar specifications and price range, the Motorola Moto E13 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core are worth mentioning. The Moto E13 offers a larger 6.5-inch display and a 5000mAh battery, while the Galaxy A03 Core provides the reliability of the Samsung brand with similar entry-level specs.

Who Should Consider the Nokia C12 Pro?

The Nokia C12 Pro is an excellent choice for several types of users in Qatar. First-time smartphone buyers will find its user-friendly interface and clean Android experience easy to navigate. The affordable price point makes it accessible to students or young professionals on a tight budget who need a reliable device for communication and basic smartphone tasks.

For elderly users or those less familiar with technology, the C12 Pro’s straightforward design and uncomplicated features make it an ideal choice. The large, clear display and simple user interface can be particularly beneficial for this demographic.

Parents looking for an affordable first smartphone for their children will appreciate the C12 Pro’s durability and reasonable price. The splash-resistant design adds an extra layer of protection against accidental spills or light rain.

Business users who need a secondary work phone or a device for international travel might find the C12 Pro’s dual SIM capability and long battery life advantageous. Its affordability also makes it a low-risk option for those who need a backup phone or a temporary device.

Long-term Value and Support

One of the key advantages of choosing a Nokia device is the brand’s commitment to software support. While many budget smartphones receive limited updates, Nokia has a track record of providing regular security patches and software updates, even for their entry-level models. This commitment ensures that the C12 Pro remains secure and potentially improves over time with software optimizations.

The removable battery is another factor that contributes to the phone’s long-term value. As battery performance inevitably degrades over time, users have the option to replace the battery themselves, potentially extending the usable life of the device beyond what’s typical for smartphones with sealed batteries.

Accessories and Ecosystem

While the Nokia C12 Pro doesn’t have an extensive ecosystem of branded accessories, its popularity means that third-party cases, screen protectors, and other accessories are readily available. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack also means that users can continue to use their existing wired headphones or easily find affordable audio accessories.

Environmental Considerations

In an era where environmental impact is increasingly important, the Nokia C12 Pro’s design has some positive aspects. The removable battery not only extends the phone’s lifespan but also makes it easier to recycle components at the end of the device’s life. Additionally, the use of Android Go edition, which is optimized for lower-end hardware, means that the phone can remain usable for longer, potentially reducing electronic waste.

Network Compatibility in Qatar

For users in Qatar, it’s important to note that the Nokia C12 Pro is fully compatible with the country’s 4G LTE networks. This ensures that users can take advantage of fast mobile data speeds offered by Qatar’s major telecom providers. The phone supports the following bands:

• 2G: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
• 3G: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
• 4G: LTE bands 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41

This wide range of supported bands means that the C12 Pro should work seamlessly across different areas of Qatar, providing reliable connectivity for calls, texts, and internet usage.

Gaming and Entertainment

While the Nokia C12 Pro is not marketed as a gaming phone, it can handle casual games and basic entertainment apps quite well. The 6.3-inch display provides a decent viewing experience for watching videos or browsing social media. Popular casual games like Candy Crush or simple puzzle games run smoothly on the device.

However, users should be aware that more demanding games or graphics-intensive applications may not perform optimally on this device. The combination of the entry-level processor and 4GB of RAM means that complex 3D games or heavy multitasking while gaming might result in slower performance or reduced graphics quality.

Camera Performance in Detail

The 8MP main camera of the Nokia C12 Pro, while not competing with high-end smartphone cameras, is capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions. Here’s a more detailed look at its capabilities:

• HDR Mode: This feature helps balance light and dark areas in photos, improving overall image quality in challenging lighting situations.
• Autofocus: Helps in capturing sharper images, especially useful for close-up shots.
• LED Flash: Useful for low-light photography, though it’s best used for nearby subjects.
• Video Recording: Capable of 1080p video at 30fps, suitable for casual video capture.

The 5MP front camera is adequate for selfies and video calls. While it may not produce the most detailed self-portraits, it’s sufficient for social media sharing and video conferencing apps like WhatsApp or Zoom.

Security Features

In terms of security, the Nokia C12 Pro offers standard features found in Android Go devices:

• Screen Lock: Options include PIN, pattern, and password protection.
• Google’s Find My Device: Allows users to locate, ring, or erase their phone remotely if lost or stolen.
• Regular Security Updates: Nokia’s commitment to providing timely security patches helps protect against vulnerabilities.

It’s worth noting that the device does not include advanced biometric security features like fingerprint sensors or face recognition, which are often found in more expensive smartphones.