Energizer E29 vs Nokia 105 4G: Which Basic 4G Phone Reigns Supreme?

In a market saturated with smartphones, the feature phone persists, offering simplicity and extended battery life. We pit the Energizer E29, powered by a Unisoc chipset, against the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, a stalwart in the basic connectivity space, to determine which provides the best experience for users prioritizing call quality and essential functions.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users needing a slightly more capable feature phone with a known chipset, the Energizer E29 is the better choice. Its Unisoc 6531E processor, while basic, offers a degree of future-proofing and potential for slightly smoother operation compared to the Nokia 105 4G, which lacks publicly available chipset details.

PHONES
Phone Names Energizer E29 Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 900 / 1800
3G bands-HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands-LTE
EDGENo-
GPRSYes-
Speed-HSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSMGSM / HSPA / LTE
Launch
Announced2023, October2024, December
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, NovemberAvailable. Released 2024, December
Body
Dimensions137.6 x 62.5 x 15.6 mm (5.42 x 2.46 x 0.61 in)121.5 x 50 x 14.4 mm (4.78 x 1.97 x 0.57 in)
SIMDual SIM (Mini-SIM)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight-93 g (3.28 oz)
Display
Resolution240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density)
Size2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio)1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.5% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeTFT LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUSingle-core 312 MHz-
ChipsetUnisoc 6531E-
Memory
Call recordsYesYes
Card slotmicroSDHCmicroSDHC
Internal-48MB 128MB RAM
PhonebookYesYes
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash-
SingleVGA-
VideoYes-
Sound
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth2.15.0, A2DP
NFCNoNo
PositioningNoNo
RadioFM radioWireless FM radio
USBmicroUSBUSB Type-C
WLANNoNo
Features
GamesNoYes
JavaNoNo
MessagingSMSSMS
Battery
TypeLi-Ion 1700 mAh batteryLi-Ion 1450 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsBlackCharcoal
PriceAbout 20 EURAbout 50 EUR

Energizer E29

  • Known Unisoc 6531E chipset offers some performance advantage.
  • Larger 1400mAh battery potentially provides longer runtime.
  • 4G connectivity for basic data access.

  • Still a very basic feature phone with limited functionality.
  • Single-core processor limits multitasking capabilities.

Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition

  • Reputable Nokia brand known for reliability.
  • Extremely long battery life due to minimal power draw.
  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.

  • Unspecified chipset raises concerns about long-term support.
  • Potentially slower performance compared to the Energizer E29.

Display Comparison

Neither device is expected to boast a high-resolution or color-accurate display. Both will likely utilize basic LCD panels optimized for readability rather than visual fidelity. The Nokia 105 4G’s display size is commonly around 2.4 inches, while the Energizer E29’s is similar. Given the lack of detailed specs for the Nokia, it’s reasonable to assume both prioritize power efficiency over display quality.

Camera Comparison

Both devices are unlikely to excel in photography. Feature phones in this segment typically include very low-resolution cameras primarily for basic image capture. Detailed camera specifications for either device are unavailable, and image quality should be considered secondary to core functionality. Expect images suitable for simple documentation, not detailed photography.

Performance

The Energizer E29’s Unisoc 6531E chipset, featuring a single-core 312 MHz CPU, represents a modest step up from the processors typically found in ultra-basic feature phones. While not designed for demanding tasks, this chipset allows for slightly faster menu navigation and potentially supports a limited range of Java-based applications. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition’s processor remains unspecified, suggesting a focus on minimizing cost and power consumption, likely resulting in a slower, more basic user experience. The Unisoc chipset provides a tangible, if small, performance advantage.

Battery Life

Both the Energizer E29 and Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition prioritize long battery life. The Energizer E29 typically features a 1400mAh battery, while the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition usually has an 1100mAh battery. The difference in capacity, combined with the slightly more efficient Unisoc chipset in the Energizer, suggests potentially longer standby and talk times, though real-world usage will vary significantly based on network conditions and feature usage.

Buying Guide

Buy the Energizer E29 if you need a feature phone with a documented chipset for potential software updates or compatibility with certain services. It's ideal for those who occasionally use basic apps or require a slightly more responsive user interface. Buy the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition if you prioritize brand reliability and a minimalist experience, and are content with a purely voice and text-focused device where detailed specifications are less critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Energizer E29 support WhatsApp or other messaging apps?
The Energizer E29, due to its Unisoc 6531E chipset and limited RAM, *may* support basic versions of Java-based messaging apps, but compatibility is not guaranteed. Full WhatsApp functionality is unlikely. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition offers even more limited app support.
❓ How reliable is the 4G connectivity on the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition?
The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition provides reliable 4G connectivity for voice calls and basic data access, but its data speeds will be significantly slower than a smartphone. It's suitable for occasional web browsing or checking email, but not for streaming or downloading large files.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either the Energizer E29 or Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition?
Neither the Energizer E29 nor the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition typically offer microSD card slots for storage expansion. Users are limited to the internal storage, which is usually sufficient for contacts and a small number of SMS messages.