The HMD 101 4G and the Nokia 225 4G (2024) represent the continuing demand for affordable, reliable 4G connectivity. Both devices target users prioritizing call quality and essential features over smartphone complexity. However, beneath the similar exterior lies a crucial difference: their chipsets. This comparison dissects the Unisoc 8910 FF-S in the HMD 101 4G and the Unisoc T107 in the Nokia 225 4G (2024) to determine which offers the better user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a dependable 4G feature phone, the HMD 101 4G emerges as the slightly stronger choice. The Unisoc 8910 FF-S, while details are limited, likely offers a more modern architecture than the older Unisoc T107, potentially translating to smoother operation and future-proofing, even within the constraints of these devices.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - EU, EMEA, APAC |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, September 11 | 2024, April 30 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, September 11 | Available. Released 2024, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 118.2 x 50.2 x 14.3 mm (4.65 x 1.98 x 0.56 in) | 121.5 x 52 x 11.6 mm (4.78 x 2.05 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 83.5 g (2.96 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~100 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~20.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~28.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT | TFT LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 |
| Chipset | Unisoc 8910 FF-S | Unisoc T107 (22 nm) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 24MB | 128MB 64MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | - | 0.3 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Unspecified | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| Sensors | - | No |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Blue, Red | Pink, Dark Blue |
| Price | About 20 EUR | - |
HMD 101 4G
- Potentially more responsive performance due to newer chipset.
- May receive longer software support.
- Likely benefits from improved power management (though specifics are unknown).
- Limited information available about the Unisoc 8910 FF-S.
- Display and camera quality likely similar to the Nokia 225 4G.
Nokia 225 4G (2024)
- Established brand reputation (Nokia).
- Simple and intuitive user interface.
- Potentially longer battery life due to the T107's power efficiency.
- Older Unisoc T107 chipset may feel sluggish.
- Limited future-proofing.
Display Comparison
Neither HMD nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications. Given the target market, both likely utilize basic LCD panels with resolutions sufficient for text and simple icons. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Color accuracy is unlikely to be a key consideration for either manufacturer.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely equipped with basic cameras suitable for occasional snapshots. Detailed camera specifications are unavailable, but given the price point, image quality will be limited. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; the image signal processor (ISP) within the chipset and lens quality are far more critical. It's safe to assume both cameras perform best in well-lit conditions.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The HMD 101 4G utilizes the Unisoc 8910 FF-S, while the Nokia 225 4G (2024) employs the Unisoc T107 (22nm). The T107, featuring a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, is a known quantity – a relatively low-power processor designed for basic feature phone functionality. The 22nm process node indicates a less efficient manufacturing process compared to more modern chips. The Unisoc 8910 FF-S, while lacking detailed specifications, benefits from being a newer design. While not directly comparable to smartphone processors, a newer architecture generally implies improved instruction set efficiency and potentially better power management. This could translate to slightly snappier menu navigation and app loading times on the HMD 101 4G.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, the Unisoc T107's 22nm process node suggests it may be more power-efficient than the Unisoc 8910 FF-S, potentially leading to longer standby times on the Nokia 225 4G (2024). Charging wattage is also unspecified, but both phones likely support standard 5W charging via micro-USB, resulting in several hours for a full charge. Real-world battery life will heavily depend on network conditions and usage patterns (call duration, radio signal strength).
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD 101 4G if you need a device that *might* offer slightly better responsiveness for basic tasks and potentially longer software support due to a newer chipset. Buy the Nokia 225 4G (2024) if you prioritize brand recognition and are looking for a simple, no-frills 4G feature phone with a well-established user interface, and are less concerned about future performance improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HMD 101 4G receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates?
While HMD Global has a history of providing software updates for its Nokia-branded phones, the level of support for the HMD 101 4G is uncertain. Given its position as a basic feature phone, updates are likely to be limited to bug fixes and security patches, rather than major feature additions. The newer Unisoc 8910 FF-S chipset *could* facilitate longer support, but this is not guaranteed.
❓ Can the Nokia 225 4G (2024) run WhatsApp or Facebook?
The Nokia 225 4G (2024) supports a limited range of apps through its KaiOS operating system. WhatsApp and Facebook are typically available, but functionality is significantly reduced compared to smartphone versions. Expect a simplified interface and limited features. Performance may be sluggish, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ What type of SIM card do these phones use?
Both the HMD 101 4G and the Nokia 225 4G (2024) support a single SIM card, utilizing a Mini-SIM (2FF) format. This is a standard SIM card size, but users with Nano-SIMs will need to obtain an adapter.
