The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the itel P55+ and Nokia C21 Plus aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take distinctly different approaches to achieving this, with the itel prioritizing performance and charging speed, while the Nokia leans towards a more conservative, reliable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the itel P55+ is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s SC9863A, and the 45W charging is a game-changer in this price bracket. While the Nokia offers a familiar brand and potentially longer software support, the itel delivers more bang for your buck.
| 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 | 2024, January 26 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, February 13 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 8.0 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 (6.88 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 | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM, 256GB 8GB 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 | Dual-LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | 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 | 45W wired, 70% in 30 min | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Royal Green, Galaxy Blue, Meteor Purple | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | P663LN, P663L | 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 P55+
- Significantly faster 45W charging
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Better performance for multitasking and apps
- Brand recognition is lower than Nokia
- Software update support may be limited
Nokia C21 Plus
- Established brand reputation for reliability
- Potentially longer software support
- Likely runs a streamlined Android Go edition
- Slow 10W charging
- Underpowered Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- Noticeably slower performance
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, though specific resolutions and sizes aren't provided. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but rather basic usability. The Nokia C21 Plus's older chipset may struggle to efficiently drive a higher resolution panel if one were present, making the itel's more modern processor a potential advantage even in this unspecified area. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget positioning.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, given the expected sensor quality in this price range. Both phones likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth or macro sensor. However, the itel P55+'s more powerful processor could enable slightly better image processing, resulting in marginally improved photos. The Nokia C21 Plus's older chipset may struggle with complex image algorithms. Focusing on the main sensor specs (which are not provided) would be more relevant than considering the likely low-resolution auxiliary cameras.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel P55+ utilizes the Unisoc T606, a 12nm processor with an octa-core configuration featuring two Cortex-A75 performance cores and six Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. This architecture provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness and multitasking compared to the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A. The SC9863A, built on a significantly older 28nm process, employs four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz. This difference in core architecture and manufacturing process translates to a substantial performance gap, particularly in app loading times and overall system fluidity. The itel will handle more demanding tasks with greater ease.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn't specified for either device, the itel P55+’s 45W wired charging is a massive advantage. It can reach 70% charge in just 30 minutes, a significant time saver. The Nokia C21 Plus’s 10W charging is comparatively slow, requiring considerably longer to fully charge the device. This difference in charging speed dramatically impacts usability, especially for users who frequently need to top up their phones throughout the day. Even if the Nokia has a slightly larger battery capacity, the itel’s faster charging will likely result in less downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P55+ if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, multitasking, and appreciate significantly faster charging. This is ideal for users who stream videos, play casual games, or rely on their phone for productivity. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize brand reliability, a simpler user experience (likely running Android Go edition), and are less concerned with raw performance or quick top-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel P55+ struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc T606 chipset in the itel P55+ is more than capable of handling everyday apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and web browsing. While it won't offer flagship-level performance, it provides a smooth and responsive experience for common tasks.
❓ Is the 10W charging on the Nokia C21 Plus really that slow?
Yes, 10W charging is considerably slower than the 45W charging on the itel P55+. Expect to spend several hours fully charging the Nokia C21 Plus, whereas the itel P55+ can reach 70% charge in just 30 minutes. This difference is particularly noticeable if you frequently need to top up your phone during the day.
❓ Does the itel P55+ support fast charging protocols beyond its 45W standard?
Information on specific fast charging protocol support (like Power Delivery or Quick Charge) isn't readily available. However, given its focus on 45W charging, it's likely to support at least a basic form of fast charging, but using the included charger is recommended for optimal speeds.
❓ What version of Android does the Nokia C21 Plus run, and will it receive updates?
The Nokia C21 Plus likely runs Android Go edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for lower-end hardware. Nokia typically provides a guaranteed number of security updates, but major Android version updates are less frequent on devices in this price range. Check Nokia's official support page for specific details.
