The itel A50 and Nokia C21 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 functionality at an incredibly low cost, but significant differences in their silicon and overall design impact performance and usability. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a slightly smoother experience, the itel A50 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T603 chipset, while still entry-level, offers a more modern architecture than the Nokia C21 Plus’s SC9863A, translating to quicker app loading and better multitasking, despite both phones sharing 10W charging.
| 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 | 2024, May | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, May | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 in) | 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 | 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 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 480 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T603 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB 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 | 8 MP
auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 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 | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Shimmer Gold, Суаn Blue, Lime Green, Misty Black | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | A507LXU | 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 A50
- More modern Unisoc T603 chipset offers better performance.
- Potentially better power efficiency leading to longer battery life.
- Likely smoother user experience for everyday tasks.
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia.
- Software update support may be limited.
Nokia C21 Plus
- Established brand reputation with Nokia.
- Potentially longer software support based on Nokia’s history.
- Reliable and predictable performance for basic tasks.
- Older Unisoc SC9863A chipset offers lower performance.
- Less efficient 28nm process may lead to shorter battery life.
- Slower app loading and multitasking.
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. The focus here isn't on resolution or refresh rate, but on the underlying chipset's ability to efficiently drive the display. While specific display specs are unavailable, the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 likely has a more capable integrated GPU, potentially leading to smoother scrolling and animations compared to the older SC9863A in the Nokia C21 Plus.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Given the price bracket, expect basic image sensors. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T603 might offer slightly better noise reduction and color processing compared to the SC9863A, but the difference will be marginal. Focusing on the primary sensor resolution is less important than the ISP’s capabilities at this price point.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A50’s Unisoc T603 is an octa-core processor, offering a more modern design. The Nokia C21 Plus utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm process chip with an octa-core configuration split into 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This split suggests a more conservative power profile and lower peak performance. The T603, while not a powerhouse, benefits from a newer architecture, potentially offering better single-core performance, crucial for everyday tasks. The Nokia’s SC9863A, being built on a larger 28nm node, will likely exhibit lower energy efficiency and potentially more heat generation under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones feature 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. Battery capacity isn’t specified, but both will likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Unisoc T603’s potentially better power efficiency could translate to slightly longer battery life on the itel A50, offsetting any potential capacity differences. However, real-world battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A50 if you need a phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use, and value a slightly more responsive user experience. It’s ideal for those upgrading from a feature phone. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize brand reputation and potentially longer software support (based on Nokia’s historical commitment), and are willing to accept a slightly slower performance profile. It’s a good option for users who prefer a more established brand in the ultra-budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T603 in the itel A50 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T603 is sufficiently capable of running popular social media apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a usable and responsive experience for these core applications.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus a good choice for someone upgrading from a basic feature phone?
The Nokia C21 Plus is a viable option for a first-time smartphone user, particularly if brand familiarity is important. However, its older chipset means the experience won't be as fluid as the itel A50. It's best suited for users with very basic smartphone needs.
❓ Can either of these phones handle light gaming?
Both phones can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games will likely experience significant frame rate drops and lag due to the limited processing power of the Unisoc chipsets.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Nokia C21 Plus?
Nokia typically provides a reasonable level of software support for its entry-level devices, but it's unlikely to match the support offered for its higher-end models. Expect at least one major Android version update and a few security patches, but long-term support is not guaranteed.
