The Energizer E242s and Nokia 2.3 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting users who prioritize affordability above all else. Both devices aim to deliver a functional smartphone experience without breaking the bank, but they achieve this through different approaches to chipset and processing power. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a slightly smoother and more future-proof experience, the Nokia 2.3 emerges as the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Energizer E242s’ older MT6739, despite both featuring quad-core CPUs.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, April 10 | 2019, December 05. Released 2019, December 19 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 10 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 130.8 x 53.6 x 13 mm (5.15 x 2.11 x 0.51 in) | 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7 mm (6.21 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Micro-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 116 g (4.09 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~25.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6739 | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8100 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | KaiOS 2.5.3 | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | No | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc. | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1700 mAh battery, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Blue, Pink, Gold, Silver | Cyan Green, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | - | TA-1211, TA-1214, TA-1206, TA-1209 |
| Price | About 40 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Energizer E242s
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks.
- Potentially longer software support due to Energizer's brand recognition.
- Outdated and less efficient chipset.
- Slower performance and laggy user experience.
- Likely limited camera capabilities.
Nokia 2.3
- More modern and efficient chipset (Helio A22).
- Improved performance and responsiveness.
- Better power efficiency and potentially longer battery life.
- Slightly higher price point.
- Still a budget device with limitations.
- Camera quality remains basic.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the price point, details like panel type (IPS is assumed for both) and resolution are likely similar. The key difference lies in the underlying processing power needed to drive the display, which ties back to the chipset. While neither manufacturer specifies brightness levels, the more efficient chipset in the Nokia 2.3 *could* allow for slightly better sustained brightness without excessive power draw.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups geared towards casual photography. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Nokia 2.3’s more powerful chipset allows for potentially better image processing, resulting in slightly improved image quality, especially in low-light conditions. The presence of any software enhancements on the Nokia 2.3 (a Nokia strength) could further enhance the camera experience. It's safe to assume both phones will struggle with complex scenes or demanding photography tasks.
Performance
The Nokia 2.3’s Mediatek Helio A22 (MT6761) represents a significant architectural improvement over the Energizer E242s’ MT6739. The Helio A22 is fabricated on a 12nm process, offering improved power efficiency compared to the MT6739’s older node (likely 28nm). While both CPUs are quad-core, the A22’s Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz provide a performance advantage over the MT6739’s 1.5 GHz cores. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking, particularly noticeable when switching between applications. The Nokia 2.3 will handle basic gaming and social media scrolling with less lag.
Battery Life
Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, the Nokia 2.3’s more efficient chipset will likely translate to longer battery life on a single charge, even with a similar battery size. The 12nm process reduces power consumption, allowing the phone to operate for longer periods between charges. The Energizer E242s, with its less efficient chipset, will likely require more frequent charging, especially with moderate to heavy use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E242s if you need a basic, functional smartphone for essential tasks like calls, texts, and light web browsing, and are operating on an extremely tight budget. Buy the Nokia 2.3 if you prefer a device that offers a more responsive user experience, slightly better performance for social media and basic apps, and a more modern chipset architecture, even if it means spending a little more.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 2.3 struggle with popular apps like Facebook or WhatsApp?
While the Nokia 2.3 won't deliver a flagship-level experience, its Helio A22 chipset is capable of running Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly for most users. Expect some loading times, but the overall experience should be usable. The Energizer E242s will likely exhibit more noticeable lag with these apps.
❓ Is the Energizer E242s a good choice for someone who primarily makes calls and sends texts?
Yes, the Energizer E242s is perfectly adequate for basic communication tasks like calls and texts. Its limitations become apparent when running more demanding applications, but for essential functions, it will perform reliably. However, the Nokia 2.3 offers a more pleasant experience even for these basic tasks.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
Both phones can run simple games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers, but the Nokia 2.3 will provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience due to its more powerful chipset. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag on the Energizer E242s, especially during more intense gameplay.
