The itel A90 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 key differences in processing power and charging capabilities create a clear distinction in the user experience. This comparison dives deep into the specs to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the itel A90 emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc T7100 chipset, with a higher clock speed, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s SC9863A. While the Nokia offers a slightly more refined software experience, the itel’s faster processing makes it more responsive for everyday tasks.
| 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 | 2025, April 20 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.6 mm thickness | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 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, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB 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, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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, OTG | 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 | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue, Cosmic Green | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | A6610L | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | $ 76.23 | 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 A90
- Faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 15W charging
- Likely larger display size
- Potentially less refined software experience
- Brand reputation not as strong as Nokia
Nokia C21 Plus
- Cleaner Android experience
- Potentially longer software support from Nokia
- Reputable brand known for reliability
- Slower processor leading to lag
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient chipset
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 720p+ resolution. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic readability. The Nokia C21 Plus benefits from Nokia’s reputation for color calibration, potentially offering slightly more accurate colors, but the itel A90’s larger screen size (assumed, based on typical itel designs) could provide a more immersive viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but both likely feature basic 5-8MP main sensors. The Nokia C21 Plus may benefit from Nokia’s image processing algorithms, potentially offering slightly better dynamic range and color accuracy. However, the difference will be minimal. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on both devices is largely a marketing gimmick, offering limited practical value due to the low resolution and lack of autofocus.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A90’s Unisoc T7100, with its octa-core configuration running at 1.8 GHz, significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A. The SC9863A utilizes a big.LITTLE architecture with a split core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), which, while power-efficient, results in slower overall performance. The T7100’s higher clock speed translates to faster app loading times, smoother scrolling, and a more responsive user interface. The 28nm process node of the SC9863A also suggests lower efficiency compared to the T7100, potentially leading to more heat generation under load.
Battery Life
Both phones offer modest battery capacities, typical for their price range. The itel A90’s 15W wired charging is a clear advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s 10W charging. This faster charging speed will significantly reduce the time required to replenish the battery, making the itel A90 more convenient for users who frequently need to top up their device. While battery life will depend on usage patterns, the itel A90’s more efficient chipset could also contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A90 if you prioritize responsiveness and smoother multitasking, even if it means sacrificing some software polish. It’s ideal for users who need a phone for basic communication, social media, and light app usage. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you value a cleaner Android experience and potentially longer software support, and are willing to accept a slower, more deliberate pace for everyday tasks. It’s a good fit for users who primarily need a phone for calls and messaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7100 in the itel A90 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7100 is sufficiently powerful to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. Its higher clock speed and octa-core configuration provide a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia C21 Plus, ensuring a smoother experience for everyday social media usage.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Nokia C21 Plus with its 10W charging?
Given the 10W charging and likely modest battery capacity (around 3000-4000mAh), expect a full charge to take approximately 3-4 hours. This is significantly slower than the itel A90’s 15W charging, which could reduce charging times to around 2-2.5 hours.
❓ Does either phone support VoLTE or Wi-Fi calling?
Support for VoLTE and Wi-Fi calling will depend on the carrier and region. Both phones are likely to support these features, but it's crucial to check compatibility with your specific mobile network provider before purchasing.
❓ What version of Android do these phones run, and will they receive updates?
Both phones likely run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited resources. Software update support is limited on both devices, but Nokia generally provides slightly longer support windows than itel. Expect at most one major Android version update.
