The itel City 100 and Nokia C21 Plus represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. While both run Android (likely Go Edition given the specs), significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences, particularly in performance and charging speed. This comparison dissects those differences to help you choose the right phone.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the itel City 100 emerges as the stronger choice. Its Unisoc T7250 chipset, built on a more modern 12nm process, delivers noticeably better performance than the Nokia C21 Plus’s older 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The 18W charging also provides a significant convenience advantage, making the City 100 a more responsive and user-friendly device.
| 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 27 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, April 27 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 167.7 x 77.5 x 7.7 mm (6.60 x 3.05 x 0.30 in) | 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 | 185 g (6.53 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 700 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T7250 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14, Pure 14.5 OS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C, 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 | 18W wired
Reverse wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5200 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Navy Blue, Pure Titanium, Fairy Purple | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | C671L | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | 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 City 100
- Significantly faster processor for smoother performance
- Faster 18W charging for reduced downtime
- More modern chipset architecture (Cortex-A75 cores)
- May consume slightly more battery due to higher performance
- Likely similar camera performance to the Nokia
Nokia C21 Plus
- Potentially slightly longer battery life per charge
- Lower price point (potentially, depending on market)
- Reliable brand reputation (Nokia)
- Significantly slower processor leading to laggy performance
- Very slow 10W charging
- Outdated 28nm chipset process
Display Comparison
Neither phone is expected to boast a high-end display. Details are missing, but both will likely feature LCD panels. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather on usability. The absence of high refresh rates or advanced features like LTPO is standard at this price point. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is unlikely to be a key differentiator. Both phones will likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it's safe to assume both will struggle in low-light conditions. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick, offering minimal practical benefit. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality. The itel City 100 *might* have a slight edge if it utilizes a more modern image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the T7250 chipset.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel City 100’s Unisoc T7250, fabricated on a 12nm process, features a more modern CPU architecture – octa-core with 2x Cortex-A75 and 6x Cortex-A55 cores – offering a significant performance advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A. The SC9863A, built on a dated 28nm process, utilizes a less efficient octa-core configuration of 4x Cortex-A55 and 4x Cortex-A55 cores. This translates to slower app loading times, less fluid multitasking, and a generally less responsive experience on the Nokia. The 12nm process of the T7250 also implies better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of performance throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones likely house batteries in the 4000-5000mAh range. However, the real-world impact differs significantly due to charging speeds. The itel City 100’s 18W wired charging is a substantial advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s slow 10W charging. This means the City 100 can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. While the Nokia might offer slightly longer battery life *per charge* due to the less power-hungry chipset, the convenience of faster charging on the itel is a major usability benefit.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel City 100 if you prioritize responsiveness for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The faster processor and charging will make a tangible difference in your daily experience. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if extreme battery life is your absolute top priority and you are willing to sacrifice performance; its less powerful chipset will consume less energy, potentially extending usage between charges, though the slower charging negates some of that benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T7250 in the itel City 100 handle popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc T7250 is sufficiently powerful to run apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia C21 Plus, ensuring a smoother and more responsive experience for everyday social media usage.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the itel City 100 with the 18W charger?
While a precise figure depends on the battery capacity (which is unspecified), 18W charging should fully charge the itel City 100 in approximately 2-3 hours. This is significantly faster than the Nokia C21 Plus, which will likely take 4+ hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia C21 Plus is a viable option for basic communication. Its less powerful processor will be adequate for calls and texts, and it may offer slightly longer battery life per charge. However, the slow charging speed remains a drawback even for basic usage.
❓ Can either of these phones handle mobile gaming?
Neither phone is designed for serious mobile gaming. While they can run less demanding games, expect low frame rates and potential lag in more graphically intensive titles. The itel City 100 will offer a slightly better gaming experience due to its more powerful GPU, but it's still not ideal.
