The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 8 and Nokia C21 Plus represent two compelling options. Both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. This comparison dissects their core specifications to determine which device offers the best overall experience for budget-conscious consumers.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Infinix Smart 8 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. While both offer similar battery capacity and charging speeds, the Smart 8’s superior processing power translates to a smoother user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, November 09 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, November 09 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 x 0.33 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184 g (6.49 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), 1/3.05", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.94", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Timber Black, Shiny Gold, Crystal Green, Galaxy White | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | X6525, X6525D | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Infinix Smart 8
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Modern 12nm fabrication process
- Potentially smoother multitasking experience
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Display specs are unknown
Nokia C21 Plus
- Established Nokia brand reputation
- Clean software experience (likely Android Go)
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Significantly weaker Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Older 28nm fabrication process
- Slower performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The Nokia C21 Plus’s smaller screen size (6.5 inches vs. the Smart 8’s 6.6 inches) might offer slightly higher pixel density, but the difference is likely minimal. The absence of information on color gamut coverage or peak brightness suggests both displays are geared towards basic visibility rather than media consumption.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, given the typical sensor configurations in this segment. Detailed camera specs are unavailable, but it’s safe to assume both feature a primary camera and potentially a depth or macro sensor. The image processing capabilities of each device will play a crucial role, but without sample images, it’s difficult to assess. The larger sensor (if present on the Smart 8) would be beneficial in low-light conditions. However, the absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests limited low-light performance.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Infinix Smart 8’s Unisoc T606 (12nm) is a significant upgrade over the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The T606’s architecture – featuring two Cortex-A75 cores alongside six A55 cores – provides a substantial boost in single-core and multi-core performance. The older SC9863A relies solely on Cortex-A55 cores, resulting in slower application loading times and less fluid multitasking. The 12nm fabrication process of the T606 also contributes to better power efficiency, potentially extending battery life under load. This translates to a more responsive experience for everyday tasks on the Infinix Smart 8.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Smart 8 and Nokia C21 Plus are equipped with 10W wired charging. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s adequate for their target audience. Battery capacity is not specified, but both likely house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range. The T606’s improved power efficiency in the Smart 8 could offset any potential difference in battery capacity, resulting in comparable real-world battery life. Expect approximately 2-3 hours to fully charge both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 8 if you prioritize responsiveness and multitasking, even if it means sacrificing brand recognition. It’s ideal for users who stream videos, browse social media, or play casual games. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you value a clean software experience and the Nokia brand’s reputation for durability, and your usage is limited to basic communication and light tasks. It’s a good fit for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a simple, reliable device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 8 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the Infinix Smart 8 is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost that ensures a smooth experience even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus a good choice for someone who isn't tech-savvy?
Yes, the Nokia C21 Plus is a good option for first-time smartphone users or those who prefer a simple, straightforward experience. Nokia typically ships its entry-level phones with a clean version of Android, often Android Go Edition, which is designed to be lightweight and easy to use.
❓ Can either of these phones handle basic mobile gaming?
Both phones can handle basic mobile gaming, but the Infinix Smart 8 will offer a noticeably better experience. The Unisoc T606’s GPU is more powerful than the SC9863A’s, allowing for higher frame rates and smoother gameplay in less demanding titles. Expect to play games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without issue on both, but more graphically intensive games will likely require lower settings on the Nokia C21 Plus.
