The Energizer E3 and Nokia C20 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a simple, reliable device. Both phones prioritize affordability, but they take different approaches to achieving it. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which offers the best value for users on a tight budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C20 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Energizer E3’s Spreadtrum SC6531E. While neither phone excels, the Nokia offers a more usable daily driver.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 29, 40, 41 |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April. Released 2021, April | 2021, June 11 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, June 16 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 113.9 x 48 x 14 mm (4.48 x 1.89 x 0.55 in) | 165.4 x 75.9 x 9.4 mm (6.51 x 2.99 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 70 g (2.47 oz) | 204.7 g (7.23 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~116 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.77 inches, 9.9 cm2 (~18.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Spreadtrum SC6531E | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | - | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSD | microSDXC |
| Internal | - | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | QVGA | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | QVGA | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1 | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | No | - |
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 4950 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Gray, Blue, White, Green, Brown, Yellow | Ocean Blue, Graphite black |
| Models | - | TA-1388, TA-1380 |
| Price | About 10 EUR | About 90 EUR |
Energizer E3
- Potentially longer software support (Energizer brand)
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Focus on basic functionality
- Significantly weaker processor (Spreadtrum SC6531E)
- Likely limited multitasking capabilities
- Display specifications unknown, likely basic
Nokia C20 Plus
- Octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor for smoother performance
- More responsive user experience
- 10W charging support
- Slow charging speed
- Basic camera system
- Limited RAM and storage
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Specifications are absent for the Energizer E3’s panel, suggesting a basic LCD. The Nokia C20 Plus also utilizes an LCD, but details regarding its resolution and brightness are limited. Given the price point, expect both displays to be adequate for basic viewing but lacking in color accuracy and viewing angles. The absence of features like higher refresh rates or even HD+ resolution is standard for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details are scarce for both, but it’s safe to assume both rely on basic sensors. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading at this price point; image quality is more dependent on software processing and sensor size, neither of which are strengths here. Expect acceptable results in well-lit conditions, but poor performance in low light. The Nokia C20 Plus may have a slight edge due to potentially better software optimization, but don’t expect flagship-level photography.
Performance
This is where the Nokia C20 Plus pulls ahead. The Spreadtrum SC6531E in the Energizer E3 is a quad-core processor, designed for minimal power consumption rather than performance. In contrast, the Nokia C20 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core chip built on a 28nm process. The SC9863A’s CPU configuration – 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 – provides a noticeable advantage in multitasking and app loading times. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Nokia’s architecture offers a more fluid experience, especially when running multiple apps or browsing the web. The 28nm process node, while older, is optimized for cost-effectiveness in this price bracket.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key consideration for budget smartphone buyers. While the exact battery capacity of the Energizer E3 is unknown, Energizer’s branding often emphasizes long battery life. The Nokia C20 Plus supports 10W wired charging, which is slow by modern standards, but adequate for its battery size. The more efficient Unisoc chipset in the Nokia C20 Plus may offset the potential capacity difference, resulting in comparable real-world battery performance. Expect both phones to last a full day with moderate use, but heavy users may need to top up during the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer E3 if your primary need is extreme simplicity and a potentially longer software support lifespan due to Energizer’s brand recognition. It’s a viable option for those who only need basic calling and texting. Buy the Nokia C20 Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even for basic tasks, and appreciate the benefits of an octa-core processor for multitasking and app responsiveness. It’s the better choice for anyone wanting a slightly more modern smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C20 Plus struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp or Facebook?
While the Unisoc SC9863A isn't a high-end processor, it's capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps, but it should be usable for basic social media interaction. The Energizer E3, with its weaker processor, will likely exhibit more noticeable performance issues.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia C20 Plus slow? How long will it take to fully charge?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones. Expect a full charge from 0% to 100% to take approximately 3-4 hours. However, given the likely smaller battery capacity and lower power consumption of the device, this shouldn't be a major inconvenience for most users.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Basic 2D games will be playable on both devices, but don't expect a smooth experience with more demanding 3D titles. The Nokia C20 Plus will offer slightly better performance due to its octa-core processor, but frame rates will likely be low and graphics settings will need to be reduced.
