The itel S18 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. This comparison dissects their similarities and subtle differences to determine which offers the best value for the money, given their shared Unisoc SC9863A foundation.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia C21 Plus is the slightly better choice. While both phones offer identical processing power, Nokia’s inclusion of 10W charging, even if slow, provides a more convenient user experience than relying solely on potentially slower, unoptimized charging solutions with the itel S18.
| 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 | 2022 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | 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 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 8 MP (wide)
0.08 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 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 | 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 | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Digital Sliver, Midnight 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
- Potentially lower price point
- Similar processing power to Nokia C21 Plus
- Compact and lightweight design (likely)
- Likely slower and less standardized charging
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less optimized software
Nokia C21 Plus
- Nokia brand reliability
- 10W wired charging for convenience
- Potentially more polished software experience
- Similar processing power to itel S18
- 10W charging is still slow
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the itel S18 and Nokia C21 Plus are expected to feature similar LCD panels, given their price point. Specific details like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but it's reasonable to assume both will target a basic viewing experience suitable for everyday tasks. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD+ resolution means neither device will excel in multimedia consumption. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not detailed, but both devices likely feature a basic rear camera setup. The absence of information suggests neither phone will excel in photography. Expect a primary sensor paired with potentially a depth or macro sensor of minimal resolution. Image processing will be basic, and low-light performance will likely be poor. The focus should be on capturing simple, shareable photos in good lighting conditions, rather than expecting high-quality images.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, a 28nm octa-core processor with a configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical in most scenarios – basic app usage, web browsing, and light social media. The shared chipset eliminates any significant performance advantage for either device. RAM capacity is not specified, but it's likely to be limited (2GB or 3GB), impacting multitasking capabilities. The 28nm process node suggests thermal throttling could be a concern under sustained load, but given the limited processing power, this is unlikely to be a major issue for typical use cases.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the itel S18, but the Nokia C21 Plus benefits from 10W wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it provides a standardized charging solution. The itel S18 likely relies on slower, less efficient charging methods. The actual battery life will depend on usage patterns, but both devices should offer at least a full day of use with moderate usage, given the low-power chipset.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel S18 if you prioritize a potentially lower purchase price and are comfortable with potentially slower charging speeds and a less established brand reputation. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you value the Nokia brand’s reliability, a slightly more polished software experience, and the convenience of even basic 10W wired charging, even if it doesn't dramatically reduce charging times.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A chipset struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
No, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running basic apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. While it's not a powerful processor, it's designed for efficient operation and can handle everyday tasks without significant issues. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus a good option for elderly users who need a simple smartphone?
Yes, the Nokia C21 Plus is a suitable option for elderly users. Its simple interface, reliable brand reputation, and basic functionality make it easy to use. The 10W charging also simplifies the charging process, reducing the risk of damage from improper charging methods.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
While technically possible to *launch* PUBG Mobile on these phones, the experience will be far from ideal. The Unisoc SC9863A lacks the graphical power to run the game smoothly, even at the lowest settings. Expect significant lag and frame rate drops, making the game unplayable for most users.
