The Doogee U10 and Nokia C21 Plus represent the extreme end of the budget smartphone spectrum. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The U10 leverages a Rockchip RK3562, while the C21 Plus opts for a Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison will dissect the implications of these chipset choices and other key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing multi-tasking and smoother app performance, the Nokia C21 Plus is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite the older 28nm process, provides a noticeable advantage over the Doogee U10’s quad-core RK3562. However, the U10 may appeal to those seeking a slightly more modern chipset architecture.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | N/A | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | N/A | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | N/A | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | No cellular connectivity | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, September | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, September | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 245.3 x 163.3 x 9.9 mm (9.66 x 6.43 x 0.39 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | No | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 514 g (1.13 lb) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 800 x 1280 pixels, 16:10 ratio (~149 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 10.1 inches, 295.8 cm2 (~73.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | RK3562 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated 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 | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5060 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Green, Purple | 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) |
Doogee U10
- More modern chipset architecture (RK3562)
- Potentially better single-core performance due to higher clock speed
- May receive more software updates (depending on Doogee's support)
- Quad-core processor limits multi-tasking capabilities
- Likely to struggle with demanding applications
- Less efficient chipset compared to newer designs
Nokia C21 Plus
- Octa-core processor provides smoother multi-tasking
- Better overall performance for everyday tasks
- Nokia's reputation for software reliability
- Older 28nm fabrication process is less energy efficient
- Lower clock speeds on individual cores
- May receive fewer software updates compared to newer devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the lack of detailed display specifications, we can assume both utilize basic LCD panels. The focus here is on functionality over fidelity. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO suggests a similar viewing experience on both, prioritizing power efficiency over visual quality. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors for image capture. The marketing materials for these phones often highlight megapixel counts without detailing sensor size or lens quality. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in images that are adequate for casual sharing but lack detail and dynamic range. Any claims of advanced camera features should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration allows for better multi-tasking and handling of more demanding applications compared to the Doogee U10’s RK3562, a quad-core processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. While the RK3562 has a higher clock speed, the sheer number of cores on the Unisoc chip provides a significant advantage in parallel processing. The 28nm process of the Unisoc chip is less efficient than modern nodes, but the octa-core architecture mitigates some of that disadvantage. The U10's RK3562, while newer, is likely to struggle with heavier workloads.
Battery Life
Both the Doogee U10 and Nokia C21 Plus support 10W wired charging, indicating a similar charging experience. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but given the target market, both are likely to feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Unisoc SC9863A’s lower peak performance may translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, offsetting any potential capacity differences. Expect a full charge to take several hours with the included 10W charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Doogee U10 if you need a device primarily for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and appreciate the newer RK3562 chipset. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for everyday tasks, including running multiple apps simultaneously, and value the benefits of an octa-core processor, even if it's built on an older fabrication process.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C21 Plus overheat during prolonged use?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power processor designed for basic smartphone tasks. While it can generate heat under sustained load, it's unlikely to overheat significantly during typical usage scenarios like browsing, calling, or social media. The 28nm process is less efficient, but the chip's overall thermal design is geared towards minimizing heat output.
❓ Is the RK3562 in the Doogee U10 capable of running popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
The RK3562 is unlikely to provide a smooth gaming experience in demanding titles like PUBG Mobile. While it may be able to launch the game, expect significant frame rate drops, stuttering, and potentially long loading times. It's best suited for less graphically intensive games.
❓ Does either phone support software updates beyond the initial Android Go Edition release?
Software update support is a significant concern in this price segment. Nokia generally provides better software support than Doogee, but even with Nokia, updates are not guaranteed to be frequent or long-lasting. Expect limited security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
Details on storage type (eMMC vs. UFS) and expandability are not provided. However, given the price point, it's highly probable that both devices utilize eMMC storage, which is slower than UFS. Expandability via microSD card is likely, but the maximum supported capacity may be limited.
