The itel S18 Pro and Nokia C21 Plus represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both devices target first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Crucially, they share the same core hardware, making this a comparison of software experience, brand reputation, and subtle design choices rather than raw power.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a clean software experience and brand reliability, the Nokia C21 Plus is the better choice. While the itel S18 Pro may offer slightly more aggressive pricing, the Nokia’s established software support and build quality provide a more reassuring long-term ownership experience, despite identical core specs.
| 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 | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.9 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, itel OS 8.6 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 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 (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 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 | LED flash |
| Single | 32 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 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 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Liquid Silver, Starry Black | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | 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 S18 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- May include additional accessories in the box
- itel's aggressive marketing in certain regions
- Potentially more bloatware
- Less predictable software update schedule
- Lower brand recognition/trust
Nokia C21 Plus
- Cleaner Android experience
- Nokia's reputation for software support
- Generally better build quality
- Slightly higher price
- May lack some accessories included with the itel
- Performance identical to itel
Display Comparison
Both the itel S18 Pro and Nokia C21 Plus are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their price point. The shared chipset suggests similar display controllers. Without specific display specs (resolution, brightness, color gamut), it’s difficult to differentiate. However, Nokia typically focuses on color accuracy, even in budget devices, potentially offering a slightly more pleasant viewing experience. The 28nm Unisoc SC9863A isn't a power-efficient chipset, so expect neither device to achieve particularly high brightness levels, impacting outdoor visibility.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, relying heavily on software processing given the shared chipset. Both devices will likely feature a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Without knowing the sensor sizes or apertures, it’s difficult to assess image quality. It's probable that both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing gimmick and unlikely to produce usable images.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks like browsing, messaging, and using basic apps. The 28nm manufacturing process is relatively dated, meaning thermal throttling could become a factor during sustained workloads, limiting the sustained performance of both devices. RAM capacity (not specified) will be a key differentiator, with more RAM leading to better multitasking.
Battery Life
Both the itel S18 Pro and Nokia C21 Plus utilize 10W wired charging. Given the relatively low power draw of the Unisoc SC9863A and the expected battery capacities (likely around 4000-5000 mAh, based on market segment), a full charge should take approximately 2.5-3.5 hours. Battery life will be heavily dependent on usage patterns, but both devices should comfortably last a full day with moderate use, prioritizing calls, texts, and light app usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 Pro if you need the absolute lowest possible price and are comfortable with potentially more pre-installed bloatware and a less predictable software update schedule. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a cleaner Android experience, value a more established brand with a history of software support, and are willing to pay a small premium for that peace of mind. Both are suitable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
The Unisoc SC9863A is capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook, but performance will be basic. Expect some lag when switching between apps or loading heavier content. These phones are best suited for light usage, not demanding multitasking.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Nokia C21 Plus?
Nokia typically provides at least two years of security updates for its entry-level devices. While major Android version updates are unlikely, the C21 Plus will receive critical security patches, enhancing its long-term security and usability. Itel's update commitment is less clear.
❓ Is the 10W charging speed sufficient for daily use?
While 10W charging is slow by modern standards, it's adequate for these devices. The low power consumption of the Unisoc SC9863A and the expected battery capacity mean a full charge can be achieved overnight, making it suitable for typical overnight charging habits.
