In a market saturated with smartphones, the feature phone persists, offering simplicity and extended battery life. We pit the HMD Barbie, a relatively new entrant boasting a more modern chipset, against the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, a well-established name in the ultra-budget category. This comparison isn't about raw power, but about finding the best balance of features and reliability for those seeking a no-frills mobile experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more responsive experience and potential for future software updates, the HMD Barbie emerges as the winner. Its Unisoc T107 chipset, fabricated on a 22nm process, offers a modest performance advantage over the likely older Snapdragon 215 found in the Nokia 105 4G, despite the latter's brand recognition.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, August 28 | 2024, December |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, August 28 | Available. Released 2024, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | Unfolded: 201 x 55.1 x 10.9 mmFolded: 108.4 x 55.1 x 18.9 mm | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 mm (4.78 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 123.5 g (4.37 oz) | 93 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~21.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 - INTQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 - USA | - |
| Chipset | Unisoc T107 (22 nm) - INTQualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) - USA | - |
| GPU | Adreno 308 (USA) | - |
| OS | KaiOS 3.1 (USA only) | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDHC |
| Internal | 4GB 512MB RAM, 128MB 64MB RAM | 48MB 128MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 0.3 MP (INT)
5 MP (USA) | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP (INT), 4.2, A2DP (USA) | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Yes (USA) | No |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (USA only) | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | No | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Pink | Charcoal |
| Models | TA-1681 | - |
| Price | € 56.00 / $ 96.67 / £ 57.99 | About 50 EUR |
HMD Barbie
- More modern chipset (Unisoc T107)
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Likely to receive more software updates
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Limited availability in some markets
Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
- Established brand reputation for reliability
- Wide availability and affordability
- Simple and easy to use
- Older chipset (likely Snapdragon 215)
- Less efficient power consumption
- Limited future software support
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications are unavailable for either device. However, given their market segment, both likely feature low-resolution color displays. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, based on previous iterations, likely utilizes a 2.4-inch display. The HMD Barbie's display size is also expected to be similar. Neither device is expected to offer high brightness or color accuracy, focusing instead on legibility and power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is marketed for its camera capabilities. Both likely feature a basic VGA camera suitable for very simple snapshots. Image quality will be limited by the low resolution and lack of features like autofocus or image stabilization. Comparing camera performance is largely irrelevant given the intended use case of these phones.
Performance
The HMD Barbie's Unisoc T107 (22nm) chipset, with a 1.0 GHz Cortex-A7 CPU, represents a step up from the Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (28nm) likely found in the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition. The 28nm process of the Snapdragon 215 is less efficient, potentially leading to slightly higher power consumption for similar tasks. While both CPUs are entry-level, the Cortex-A53 cores in the Snapdragon 215, clocked at 1.3 GHz, offer a theoretical advantage in single-core performance, but the newer architecture of the T107 and its more efficient manufacturing process likely result in a better overall user experience. The lack of RAM specifications for both devices means multitasking will be limited on both.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, feature phones generally excel in battery life due to their low-power components and simple operating systems. The more efficient Unisoc T107 in the HMD Barbie *could* translate to slightly longer battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be significant in real-world usage. Both devices are expected to offer several days of standby time and a full day of talk time.
Buying Guide
Buy the HMD Barbie if you need a basic 4G phone with a slightly more modern processor for smoother operation of essential features like calling and messaging. It's ideal for users who occasionally use apps or want a phone that feels a bit less dated. Buy the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition if you prioritize proven reliability, a long track record, and are comfortable with a very basic feature set. It's perfect for those who need a phone solely for calls and texts, and value simplicity above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the HMD Barbie receive software updates, and for how long?
HMD Global generally provides limited software support for its feature phones, primarily focusing on security patches. While the exact duration of support is unknown, the newer Unisoc T107 chipset suggests a slightly longer potential lifespan for updates compared to the older Snapdragon 215 in the Nokia 105 4G.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on the HMD Barbie or Nokia 105 4G?
While both phones support 4G connectivity, running apps like WhatsApp or Facebook is heavily dependent on the available memory and the app's optimization for basic feature phones. It's possible to use lightweight versions of these apps, but performance will be limited and the experience may be slow and unreliable.
❓ Is the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition a good choice for someone who primarily needs a phone for emergencies?
Absolutely. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition's exceptional battery life and reliable call functionality make it an excellent choice as an emergency phone. Its simplicity and durability are also key advantages in such scenarios.
