The itel P40 and Nokia C21 Plus represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum. Both devices utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, meaning core performance will be similar. However, key differences in charging speed and potentially software experience create a compelling comparison for users prioritizing value and convenience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking the best value, the itel P40 emerges as the winner. While both phones share the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, the P40’s 18W charging significantly reduces downtime compared to the Nokia C21 Plus’s slower 10W charging, making it more practical for daily use.
| 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 | 2023 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | 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 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 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
0.3 MP | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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 | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Force Black, Dreamy Blue, Luxurious Gold | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | P662L, P662LN | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 130 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 P40
- Faster 18W charging for quicker top-ups
- Likely more competitive pricing
- Similar performance to Nokia C21 Plus
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Software updates may be less frequent
Nokia C21 Plus
- Nokia’s reputation for software reliability
- Potentially longer software support
- Established brand trust
- Slower 10W charging is a significant drawback
- May be slightly more expensive than itel P40
- Similar performance to itel P40
Display Comparison
Both the itel P40 and Nokia C21 Plus are expected to feature basic LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specific details like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but it's safe to assume neither will deliver a particularly vibrant or high-resolution viewing experience. The focus here is functionality over fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar on both devices, relying on software processing to enhance images from their respective sensors. Details on sensor size and aperture are unavailable, but given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the small sensor size and lack of optical image stabilization (OIS). Image quality will be acceptable for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be nearly identical in day-to-day tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 28nm manufacturing process isn't the most efficient, so sustained performance under heavy load may be limited. RAM capacity, not specified, will be a key factor in multitasking; more RAM will mitigate slowdowns. Neither device is positioned for demanding gaming.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified, both phones are likely to house batteries in the 4000-5000 mAh range, typical for this segment. However, the key differentiator is charging speed. The itel P40’s 18W wired charging offers a significant advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s 10W charging. This translates to a substantially faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime and increasing usability. The faster charging is more impactful than a slightly larger battery capacity, as it allows for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P40 if you need faster charging and prioritize minimizing time tethered to a wall outlet. Its 18W charging capability offers a tangible benefit for users who actively use their phones throughout the day. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer the Nokia brand’s reputation for software simplicity and potentially longer software support, and are willing to trade charging speed for that peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A chipset struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is designed for entry-level smartphones. While it can handle apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, expect some slowdowns when multitasking or using more demanding features within those apps. Keeping background apps to a minimum will improve performance.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the itel P40 with the 18W charger?
While a precise time isn't available, the itel P40's 18W charging should take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours for a full charge, assuming a depleted battery. This is significantly faster than the Nokia C21 Plus, which will likely take 4+ hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus likely to receive Android version updates?
Nokia generally provides a reasonable level of software support for its budget devices. While major Android version updates may be limited, security patches are typically provided for a longer period compared to some other brands in this price range. However, the exact update schedule is not guaranteed.
