The itel A60 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 basic functionality, but significant architectural differences exist that impact real-world performance. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C21 Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the itel A60’s quad-core SC9832E, making it more responsive for everyday tasks and light multitasking. While both offer similar battery and charging capabilities, the Nokia’s processing power justifies the slight price premium.
| 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, 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 | 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 | 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 | 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 or 12 (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 | 8 MP
0.3 MP | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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 | microUSB, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dawn Blue, Vert Menthe, Sapphire Black | 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 A60
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Compact and lightweight
- Slow performance due to quad-core processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Basic camera system
Nokia C21 Plus
- Octa-core processor for smoother performance
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Potentially improved camera processing
- Slightly higher price than itel A60
- Slow 10W charging
- Still limited by entry-level hardware
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 they are similar – likely 720p+ and adequate for indoor use. The focus here isn’t on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a deciding factor for either device. Both will likely feature a basic main sensor, potentially accompanied by a low-resolution depth or macro sensor. Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison. However, image processing capabilities are tied to the chipset, and the Nokia C21 Plus’s more powerful processor will likely result in slightly better image quality and faster processing times. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device should be viewed with skepticism; its utility is limited.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A60’s Unisoc SC9832E is a quad-core processor built on a 28nm process. In contrast, the Nokia C21 Plus utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core chip also on 28nm, but featuring a more sophisticated configuration: four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz. This architecture allows the Nokia to handle multiple tasks concurrently with significantly less lag. The A55 cores are more efficient than older Cortex-A series cores, contributing to better sustained performance. While both are entry-level, the Nokia’s octa-core setup provides a clear advantage in multitasking and app responsiveness.
Battery Life
Both the itel A60 and Nokia C21 Plus feature 10W wired charging. This is a slow charging standard, meaning a full charge will take several hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but given the target market and device size, it’s reasonable to assume capacities are similar – likely around 3000-4000 mAh. The Nokia’s more efficient processor *may* translate to slightly better battery life in real-world usage, but the difference will likely be marginal. The charging speed is the primary limitation for both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A60 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling, texting, and very light app use. It’s a functional device for those with minimal demands. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize a smoother user experience, even with basic apps, and anticipate occasional multitasking or slightly more demanding tasks. The extra cores provide a tangible benefit for a small increase in cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C21 Plus struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While not a powerhouse, the Nokia C21 Plus’s octa-core processor should handle Facebook and WhatsApp reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag when switching between apps, but it’s unlikely to be a frustrating experience for casual users. The itel A60 will likely exhibit more noticeable lag with these apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Nokia C21 Plus capable of playing basic mobile games?
The Unisoc SC9863A can handle simple 2D games and older 3D titles at low settings. Don’t expect to play demanding games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty Mobile smoothly. The itel A60 will struggle even more with gaming due to its less powerful processor.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge either the itel A60 or Nokia C21 Plus with the 10W charger?
With the 10W charging, expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours, potentially longer if the phone is being used while charging. Neither device supports fast charging technologies.
❓ Do either of these phones support software updates beyond the initial Android Go edition?
Software update support is limited on both devices. While they likely launched with Android Go edition (a lightweight version of Android), long-term updates are not guaranteed. Nokia generally offers slightly better software support than itel, but don't expect major Android version upgrades.
