The itel A90 and Nokia C300 represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both aim for affordability, they take different approaches to achieving it, primarily through chipset selection. This comparison dissects the key differences between the Unisoc T7100-powered itel A90 and the Qualcomm Snapdragon 662-equipped Nokia C300 to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C300 emerges as the better choice. The Snapdragon 662, built on an 11nm process, provides a noticeable performance advantage over the itel A90’s Unisoc T7100, translating to smoother multitasking and a more responsive user experience. While the A90 offers a slightly faster CPU clock speed on paper, the architectural advantages of Qualcomm’s design are more impactful.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, April 20 | 2023, June 02 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April | Available. Released 2023, June 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 8.6 mm thickness | 166.7 x 76.6 x 8.6 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 187 g (6.60 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| 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 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 480 nits (typ), 1500 nits (peak) | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 1.8 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7100 | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 14, itel OS 14 | Android 12 |
| 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 3GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, portrait, night |
| Single | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Starlit Black, Space Titanium, Aurora Blue, Cosmic Green | Blue |
| Models | A6610L | - |
| Price | $ 76.23 | About 60 EUR |
itel A90
- Slightly faster CPU clock speed (1.8 GHz)
- Faster 15W wired charging
- Potentially lower price point
- Less efficient Unisoc T7100 chipset
- Inferior GPU performance
- Potentially limited software support
Nokia C300
- More efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset (11nm)
- Superior GPU performance (Adreno 610)
- Better app compatibility and optimization
- Slower 10W wired charging
- Potentially higher price point
- Slightly slower CPU clock speed
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to boast a high-end display. Details are limited, but the focus here will be on usability rather than visual fidelity. The absence of information regarding panel type (IPS vs. TFT) or resolution suggests both utilize basic displays suitable for everyday tasks. The Nokia C300’s slightly larger screen size (assumed, based on typical Nokia C-series sizing) may offer a more comfortable viewing experience for media consumption, but neither is likely to excel in outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices is likely to be basic. Given the target price point, expect limited image processing capabilities. While megapixel counts may be similar, the Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) in the Nokia C300 will likely offer better noise reduction and dynamic range compared to the Unisoc T7100’s ISP in the itel A90. The presence of a dedicated ISP in the Snapdragon chipset is a significant advantage, even with similar sensor resolutions. Focusing on the primary sensor is key, as auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro lenses) typically offer minimal benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C300’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) benefits from Qualcomm’s established CPU architecture – a combination of Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores clocked up to 2.0 GHz. This contrasts with the itel A90’s Unisoc T7100, an octa-core processor clocked at 1.8 GHz. While the A90’s clock speed is higher, the Snapdragon 662’s more efficient 11nm manufacturing process and optimized core design deliver superior sustained performance and power efficiency. This translates to smoother app launches, faster multitasking, and better gaming performance on the Nokia C300. The Snapdragon 662 also has a more capable Adreno 610 GPU, further widening the performance gap in graphics-intensive tasks.
Battery Life
The itel A90 supports 15W wired charging, while the Nokia C300 is limited to 10W. However, the Snapdragon 662’s superior power efficiency means the Nokia C300 will likely achieve comparable or even better real-world battery life despite the slower charging speed. The 15W charging on the A90 may offer a slightly faster initial charge, but the overall energy consumption of the Unisoc T7100 will likely negate this advantage over a full day of use. Battery capacity details are missing, but the efficiency of the chipset will be the deciding factor.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel A90 if you prioritize a marginally faster CPU clock speed and are operating on an extremely tight budget, accepting compromises in overall performance and potentially software support. Buy the Nokia C300 if you value a more refined user experience, better app compatibility, and the proven efficiency of the Snapdragon 662 chipset, even if it means a slightly slower charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7100 in the itel A90 struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Unisoc T7100 can handle basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, it may exhibit noticeable lag when multitasking or running more demanding features within those apps. The Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia C300 provides a smoother experience for these common tasks due to its more efficient architecture and greater processing power.
❓ Is the 15W charging on the itel A90 a significant advantage over the Nokia C300’s 10W charging?
The 15W charging on the itel A90 will initially charge the battery faster, but the Snapdragon 662’s lower power consumption means the Nokia C300 will likely reach a similar charge level over a comparable period of use. The difference in charging speed is less impactful than the overall power efficiency of the chipset.
❓ Can the Nokia C300 handle light gaming, like casual puzzle games?
Yes, the Nokia C300’s Adreno 610 GPU is capable of handling light gaming, such as puzzle games and simple 2D titles, without significant issues. The itel A90 will be able to play these games as well, but may experience lower frame rates and more noticeable lag.
❓ Which phone is likely to receive more software updates and security patches?
Nokia generally provides better software support and security updates for its devices, even at the budget end. itel’s update track record is less consistent. Choosing the Nokia C300 offers a higher probability of receiving critical security patches and potential Android version upgrades.
