The itel A23S and Nokia C21 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. This comparison dissects their core components to determine which offers the best experience for essential tasks like calling, messaging, and light social media use.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Nokia C21 Plus is the better choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a significant performance advantage over the itel A23S’s quad-core SC9832E, making everyday tasks smoother despite both phones sharing a similar price point.
| 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 | LTE | 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 | 2022 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-T820 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB 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 | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 0.3 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | Unspecified | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 3020 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sky Cyan, Sky Black, Ocean Blue | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | - | 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) |
itel A23S
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Compact and lightweight
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely less responsive user experience
Nokia C21 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- 10W wired charging
- Potentially better software support from Nokia
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget components
- Slow charging speed
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are adequate for indoor use. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution means the display experience will be basic on both. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar and limited on both devices. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable. However, given the price point, expectations should be tempered. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggle in low light. Focusing on the chipset difference, the Nokia’s slightly more powerful processor *may* allow for marginally faster image processing, but the impact will be minimal.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A is an octa-core processor, featuring four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four at 1.2 GHz. This configuration allows for parallel processing, significantly improving multitasking and app launch speeds compared to the itel A23S’s Unisoc SC9832E quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. While both are built on a 28nm process, the additional cores in the Nokia offer a tangible performance boost. The Nokia will handle switching between apps and basic web browsing with noticeably less lag.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for entry-level smartphones. The Nokia C21 Plus includes 10W wired charging, which, while slow by modern standards, is a welcome addition. The itel A23S’s charging speed is unknown, but likely similar. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but both should provide at least a full day of standby time and several hours of light use.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A23S if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your usage is limited to basic calling and messaging. It's a functional device for minimal smartphone needs. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience, even for light multitasking, and appreciate the potential for slightly better software support and a more refined user experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C21 Plus handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core architecture should provide a reasonably smooth experience with apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. While not a powerhouse, it’s significantly more capable than the itel A23S’s processor for these common tasks.
❓ Is the itel A23S a good choice for a first-time smartphone user?
The itel A23S is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user with extremely basic needs – primarily making calls and sending texts. However, be aware that its performance will be limited, and it may struggle with even moderately demanding apps.
❓ Does the Nokia C21 Plus receive regular software updates?
Nokia generally provides more consistent software updates than many other brands in this price segment. While major Android version updates may be limited, security patches and minor improvements are more likely to be delivered to the C21 Plus.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is well-suited for modern mobile gaming. While simple 2D games may be playable at low settings, demanding 3D titles will likely experience significant lag and poor performance due to the limited processing power and graphics capabilities.
