In a market dominated by smartphones, the 4G feature phone is experiencing a resurgence, offering simplicity and extended battery life. We pit the rugged Energizer Hardcase H10 against the iconic Nokia 8110 4G, two devices targeting users who prioritize core communication over complex apps and features. This comparison will dissect their hardware and capabilities to determine which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable and durable 4G feature phone, the Nokia 8110 4G emerges as the better choice. Its Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset provides a smoother, more responsive experience than the Energizer H10’s Mediatek MT6261A, despite the latter’s focus on ruggedness.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Europe |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - Europe |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Yes | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA/China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, April. Released 2019, April | 2018, February 25. Released 2018, April 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 109 x 49 x 15 mm (4.29 x 1.93 x 0.59 in) | 133.5 x 49.3 x 14.9 mm (5.26 x 1.94 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | · Micro-SIM· Micro-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 80 g (2.82 oz) | 117 g (4.13 oz) |
| | IP54, dust and water resistant
Flashlight | Drip protection
Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~19.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~27.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 256K colors | TFT |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6261A | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 304 |
| OS | - | KaiOS 2.5.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64MB 32MB RAM | 4GB 512MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| | - | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 4.1, A2DP, LE |
| 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 |
|---|
| Java | No | - |
| Messaging | SMS | - |
| | - | Downloadable applications Facebook, Gmail, Whatsapp, etc.
Audio/Video player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 48 h |
| Stand-by | - | Up to 408 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Traditional Black, Banana Yellow |
| Models | - | TA-1071, TA-1067 |
| Price | About 30 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.95 W/kg (head) 1.48 W/kg (body) |
Energizer Hardcase H10
- Extremely durable and rugged design
- Potentially larger battery capacity (speculation)
- Designed for harsh environments
- Significantly weaker chipset performance
- Likely slower app loading times
- Less refined user experience
Nokia 8110 4G
- More powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 chipset
- Smoother and more responsive user interface
- Iconic and recognizable design
- Less rugged construction
- Potentially shorter battery life (despite chipset efficiency)
- More susceptible to damage from drops
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a cutting-edge display. Both likely utilize basic TFT panels, but specific details like resolution and brightness are unavailable. However, the Nokia 8110 4G’s curved design offers a slightly more modern aesthetic. The Energizer H10’s display is likely optimized for visibility under direct sunlight, given its rugged focus, but without specific nit ratings, this remains speculative. The Nokia 8110 4G benefits from a more established software stack for display calibration, potentially leading to more accurate color reproduction.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature cameras primarily for basic photo capture. Details regarding sensor size and image quality are scarce, but it’s safe to assume neither device will rival modern smartphone cameras. The Nokia 8110 4G likely benefits from Qualcomm’s image signal processing (ISP) capabilities within the Snapdragon 205, potentially resulting in slightly better image quality in favorable lighting conditions. Given the target market, camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for most users.
Performance
The Nokia 8110 4G’s Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28nm) significantly outperforms the Energizer Hardcase H10’s Mediatek MT6261A. The Snapdragon 205 features a dual-core Cortex-A7 CPU clocked at 1.1 GHz, providing a noticeable boost in processing power for tasks like browsing, messaging, and running basic apps. The 28nm manufacturing process also contributes to better power efficiency compared to the likely larger node process used for the MT6261A. This translates to snappier response times and a more fluid user experience on the Nokia 8110 4G, particularly when navigating menus or loading web pages. The MT6261A is a very basic chipset designed for minimal functionality.
Battery Life
While specific battery capacities are not provided, both phones are designed for extended battery life. The Nokia 8110 4G’s more efficient Snapdragon 205 chipset, manufactured on a 28nm process, likely contributes to longer standby times and talk times compared to the Energizer H10. The Energizer H10, however, may prioritize a larger battery capacity to compensate for the less efficient Mediatek chipset. Real-world usage will determine the ultimate battery champion, but the Nokia 8110 4G has a clear architectural advantage in power management.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hardcase H10 if you absolutely require a phone built to withstand harsh conditions, prioritizing durability over performance. Its robust design is ideal for construction workers, outdoor enthusiasts, or anyone prone to dropping their phone. Buy the Nokia 8110 4G if you value a more refined user experience, faster app loading times (for feature phone apps), and a more recognizable brand with a history of reliable software support, even on basic devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 8110 4G struggle with modern 4G networks?
While the Snapdragon 205 is an older chipset, it fully supports 4G LTE connectivity. Users should experience reliable data speeds for basic browsing, messaging, and VoIP calls, though it won't match the performance of a modern smartphone.
❓ Is the Energizer Hardcase H10 truly waterproof or just water-resistant?
Energizer markets the H10 as a 'Hardcase' device, implying robust durability. However, specific IP ratings are not provided. It's likely water-resistant to splashes and light rain, but submersion should be avoided. The Nokia 8110 4G offers no specific water resistance.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on either of these phones?
Both phones can run limited versions of WhatsApp and Facebook, but the experience will be significantly different from a smartphone. Expect slower loading times and a less feature-rich interface. The Nokia 8110 4G’s more powerful chipset will handle these apps slightly better.
