The Doogee S41 Plus and Nokia C21 Plus represent opposite ends of the ultra-budget smartphone spectrum. The Doogee prioritizes durability and a slightly more powerful chipset, while the Nokia focuses on affordability and a familiar Android experience. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a durable phone with noticeably better performance for basic tasks, the Doogee S41 Plus is the clear winner. Its Unisoc T606 chipset offers a significant advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s SC9863A. However, the Nokia C21 Plus remains a viable option for those prioritizing absolute affordability and a simple user 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 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, December | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, December | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.5 x 77.8 x 16.2 mm (6.40 x 3.06 x 0.64 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 | 262 g (9.24 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~293 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.5 inches, 78.1 cm2 (~61.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB 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 | Quad-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, f/2.0, (wide), PDAF
other unspecified cameras | - |
| Video | 1080p | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | 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 | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 6300 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Orange, Green | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | 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) |
Doogee S41 Plus
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Ruggedized design for enhanced durability
- Potentially brighter display for outdoor use
- Price is likely higher than the Nokia C21 Plus
- Specific battery capacity and charging speed are unknown
Nokia C21 Plus
- Extremely affordable price point
- Clean and simple Android experience
- Potentially longer battery life due to lower performance demands
- Significantly weaker Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Slow 10W charging
- Less durable build quality
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common trait in this price bracket. However, details regarding resolution and brightness are missing. The Doogee S41 Plus’s focus on outdoor usability suggests a potentially brighter panel, crucial for visibility in direct sunlight. The Nokia C21 Plus, lacking any specific display features, likely prioritizes cost savings over visual fidelity. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, with both phones expected to deliver passable results in good lighting conditions. Details on sensor sizes are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely feature basic sensors. The Nokia C21 Plus’s inclusion of a dedicated night mode suggests an attempt to improve low-light photography, but the SC9863A’s image signal processor (ISP) is likely less capable than the T606’s. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing tactic, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Doogee S41 Plus’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) is a significantly more modern and capable processor than the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The T606’s architecture – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores alongside six A55 cores – provides a noticeable boost in single-core and multi-core performance compared to the C21 Plus’s four Cortex-A55 cores and four slower Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to snappier app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the Doogee. The 28nm process of the SC9863A also implies lower power efficiency and potentially more heat generation. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Doogee will handle casual games with greater ease.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely feature batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The Nokia C21 Plus is limited to 10W wired charging, indicating a slower charging time. The Doogee S41 Plus’s charging speed is unknown, but a higher wattage is plausible given its more robust overall specifications. The more efficient Unisoc T606 in the Doogee S41 Plus will likely contribute to longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery, due to reduced power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee S41 Plus if you need a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and potentially water exposure, and if you anticipate using apps beyond basic communication. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize the lowest possible price, a clean Android experience, and primarily need a device for calls, texts, and light social media use. The Nokia is ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Doogee S41 Plus capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing without significant lag. Its Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Nokia C21 Plus, ensuring a smoother user experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ How does the ruggedness of the Doogee S41 Plus compare to more expensive rugged phones?
While the Doogee S41 Plus isn't built to the same standards as premium rugged phones, it offers a significant level of protection against drops, dust, and potentially water. It's likely to have a reinforced chassis and a more durable screen than the Nokia C21 Plus, making it suitable for outdoor use and demanding environments. However, specific IP ratings are not available.
❓ Will the 10W charging on the Nokia C21 Plus take a very long time to fully charge the phone?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow. Expect a full charge to take several hours, potentially 3-5 hours depending on the battery capacity. This is a trade-off for the lower price point, and users should plan to charge the phone overnight.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus a good option for seniors who need a simple and easy-to-use smartphone?
The Nokia C21 Plus is a strong contender for seniors. Its clean Android interface, lack of bloatware, and affordable price make it a user-friendly option. The simpler processor also means fewer potential performance issues that could frustrate less tech-savvy users.
