The itel A25 and Nokia C01 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both rely on Unisoc chipsets to deliver basic functionality, but significant architectural differences exist that impact real-world performance. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best experience for the money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing multitasking and smoother app operation, the Nokia C01 Plus is the clear winner. Its octa-core processor, despite sharing the same 28nm process as the itel A25’s quad-core chip, provides a noticeable performance boost. However, the itel A25 remains a viable option for those with extremely basic needs and a tighter budget.
| 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 | 2020. Released 2020 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Discontinued | 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 | 720 x 1280 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~294 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% 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 9.0 (Pie) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 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 | Unspecified | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | 3020 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Violet, Blue | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | - | 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 A25
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Decent battery life for basic tasks
- Slow performance with multitasking
- Limited app support
- Lower quality camera
Nokia C01 Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Slightly improved camera processing
- May be slightly more expensive
- Still limited by budget hardware
- Slow charging speeds (likely)
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both target basic readability. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution means display quality won't be a deciding factor for most users. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be minimal on both devices. Details are scarce, but given the target market, image quality will likely be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. The focus should be on functionality rather than photographic excellence. Without sensor size or aperture information, it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but the Nokia C01 Plus may benefit from slightly improved image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset. The itel A25 utilizes the Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core processor clocked at 1.4 GHz. In contrast, the Nokia C01 Plus features the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip with a heterogeneous core configuration: four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture allows the Nokia C01 Plus to handle more demanding tasks concurrently. While both are built on a 28nm process, the additional cores and higher clock speeds of the Nokia C01 Plus translate to significantly improved multitasking and app launch times. The itel A25 will likely struggle with more than a few apps open simultaneously.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are missing for both devices. However, given their basic hardware and low-resolution displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging wattage is also unknown, suggesting slow charging speeds are likely. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C01 Plus *could* translate to slightly better battery endurance, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial without specific battery capacity figures.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A25 if you need a functional smartphone primarily for calls, texts, and light web browsing, and are constrained by a very limited budget. It’s a no-frills device for essential communication. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prefer a more responsive experience for running multiple apps, social media, and occasional light gaming. The extra cores offer a tangible improvement in usability, justifying a potential price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core processor in the Nokia C01 Plus provides enough processing power to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the itel A25 for these common tasks.
❓ Is the itel A25 suitable for a first-time smartphone user or an elderly person?
The itel A25's simplicity and low cost make it a reasonable option for a first-time smartphone user or someone who primarily needs a device for calls and texts. However, its limited performance may be frustrating for users accustomed to faster devices.
❓ Can either of these phones play modern mobile games?
Neither phone is designed for gaming. While basic 2D games might be playable on the Nokia C01 Plus at low settings, more demanding titles will likely be unplayable or suffer from severe lag on both devices. The Unisoc chipsets lack the graphical power required for modern mobile gaming.
❓ What type of storage does each phone use, and is it expandable?
Details on storage type (eMMC vs. UFS) are unavailable. However, both phones likely utilize eMMC storage to keep costs down. Expandable storage via microSD card is highly probable on both models, given their target market, but this needs to be verified with specific product listings.
