The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Doogee Note 59 and Nokia C21 Plus represent two distinct approaches to delivering affordable Android experiences. The Doogee prioritizes processing power and battery longevity, while the Nokia C21 Plus aims for a streamlined experience with Android Go. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Doogee Note 59 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T8200 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers significantly better performance than the Nokia C21 Plus’s SC9863A. Coupled with exceptional 51:38h battery endurance, the Note 59 offers a more responsive and longer-lasting experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 28, 38, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 77.5 x 8.6 mm (6.61 x 3.05 x 0.34 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199 g (7.02 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Mohs level 6 | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T8200 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 16 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.8", AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.92" | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6250 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Green, Gold | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 51:38h endurance, 1100 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class C | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class B | - |
Doogee Note 59
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Exceptional battery life (51:38h endurance)
- More efficient 6nm chipset reduces throttling
- 10W charging is slow
- Camera specs are unknown, potentially average
Nokia C21 Plus
- Android Go edition offers a clean, bloatware-free experience
- Potentially more affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Weak processor struggles with multitasking
- Shorter battery life compared to Doogee
- 28nm chipset is less energy efficient
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut) are missing. The focus here is on internal components. The Nokia C21 Plus’s reliance on a less powerful chipset will likely result in lower graphical fidelity even at the same resolution as the Doogee.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, expectations should be tempered. The Nokia C21 Plus likely relies heavily on software processing to compensate for its less capable hardware. The Doogee Note 59, with its more powerful chipset, *may* have an edge in image processing speed, but the overall image quality will likely be similar, leaning towards acceptable for casual snapshots.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Doogee Note 59’s Unisoc T8200, fabricated on a modern 6nm process, features a more powerful CPU configuration – octa-core with 2x2.3 GHz Cortex-A76 and 6x2.1 GHz Cortex-A55 cores – compared to the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to substantially faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Doogee. The 6nm process also implies better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
The Doogee Note 59 truly shines in battery endurance, boasting an impressive 51:38h of usage time and a claimed 1100 charge cycles. While both phones offer 10W wired charging, the Doogee’s larger battery capacity and more efficient chipset allow it to last significantly longer on a single charge. The Nokia C21 Plus, while adequate for basic use, will likely require more frequent charging, especially with even moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee Note 59 if you need a phone capable of handling multitasking, streaming video, and light gaming without significant slowdown. It’s ideal for users who prioritize performance and battery life above all else. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a simpler, bloatware-free experience with Android Go, and your usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a good option for first-time smartphone users or those seeking extreme simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T8200 in the Doogee Note 59 powerful enough for gaming?
While not a flagship gaming chip, the Unisoc T8200 is capable of handling many popular mobile games at medium settings. The 6nm process helps prevent significant throttling, allowing for sustained performance during gaming sessions. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but don't expect maximum graphical fidelity.
❓ What are the benefits of Android Go on the Nokia C21 Plus?
Android Go is a streamlined version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. It features optimized apps that use less storage space and data, resulting in a smoother experience on lower-end hardware. It's ideal for users who primarily need basic functionality like calls, texts, and web browsing.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Doogee Note 59 with the 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. While 10W is slow by modern standards, the Doogee Note 59’s exceptional battery endurance means you won’t need to charge it as frequently.
