The itel A04 and Nokia C01 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they approach it with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices to determine which offers the best value for users prioritizing essential smartphone functions.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing more than just the most basic functionality, the Nokia C01 Plus is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over what we can reasonably expect from the itel A04, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. However, the itel A04 may appeal to those on the tightest of budgets.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~170 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 102.4 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Cyan, Violet, Sandstone Black | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
itel A04
- Likely the most affordable option
- Functional for basic communication
- Potentially compact and lightweight
- Expectedly low performance
- Limited features and functionality
- Unknown display and camera quality
Nokia C01 Plus
- Octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor
- More responsive user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Still limited by budget constraints
- Low-resolution display
- Slow charging speeds
Display Comparison
Specific display details for the itel A04 are unavailable. Given its market positioning, it likely features a low-resolution LCD panel. The Nokia C01 Plus also utilizes an LCD, but its focus is on providing a functional viewing experience rather than competing on display quality. Both devices will likely suffer from narrow viewing angles and limited brightness, making outdoor visibility a challenge. The absence of any display specifications for the itel A04 suggests a cost-cutting approach, potentially resulting in a lower-quality panel compared to the Nokia.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications for both devices are likely to be minimal. While both may include a rear camera, image quality will be limited by sensor size and image processing capabilities. The Nokia C01 Plus likely features a 5MP main camera, while the itel A04’s camera resolution is unknown. Both devices likely include basic software features, but don't expect advanced modes or high-quality results. The focus here is on functionality rather than photographic excellence. Any secondary cameras on either device (often 2MP macro lenses) are unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The Nokia C01 Plus is equipped with the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor featuring a cluster of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture provides a basic level of multitasking capability. The itel A04's processor remains unspecified, but given its price point, it almost certainly utilizes a less powerful chipset, likely a quad-core MediaTek or Unisoc offering. The Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core configuration and higher clock speeds will translate to faster app loading times and smoother scrolling on the Nokia C01 Plus, particularly noticeable when compared to the expected performance of the itel A04.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both devices is likely in the 3000-4000 mAh range, sufficient for a day of light use. However, the efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C01 Plus may provide slightly better battery life compared to the itel A04, assuming the latter uses a less efficient processor. Charging speeds are likely to be slow on both devices, utilizing Micro-USB connectivity. The itel A04’s battery performance will be heavily dependent on its processor’s power consumption, which is currently unknown.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A04 if you need a phone solely for calls, texts, and extremely light app usage, and price is the absolute deciding factor. It's a device for those who prioritize minimal cost above all else. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prefer a slightly smoother user experience, even for basic tasks, and want a phone capable of handling a few more apps without significant lag. The Unisoc chipset offers a tangible benefit for a small price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia C01 Plus suitable for playing games?
The Nokia C01 Plus is not designed for gaming. While it can handle very simple games, the Unisoc SC9863A chipset lacks the graphical power for modern, demanding titles. Expect low frame rates and significant lag in anything beyond basic 2D games.
❓ What kind of storage does the Nokia C01 Plus offer, and is it expandable?
The Nokia C01 Plus typically comes with 16GB of internal storage, which is quite limited. Fortunately, it includes a microSD card slot, allowing you to expand storage up to 128GB. This is highly recommended to accommodate apps, photos, and videos.
❓ Will the itel A04 receive software updates?
Given its ultra-budget positioning, the itel A04 is unlikely to receive frequent or long-term software updates. It may ship with Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end hardware, but even updates to this version are not guaranteed.
❓ What type of charging port do both phones use?
Both the itel A04 and Nokia C01 Plus utilize a Micro-USB port for charging. This is an older standard and results in slower charging speeds compared to USB-C.
