The itel Vision 3 and Nokia C01 Plus occupy the ultra-budget smartphone segment, a space where incremental differences can significantly impact user experience. Surprisingly, both devices are powered by the exact same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, leading to a head-to-head battle of software optimization, build quality, and brand reputation rather than raw performance.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing brand trust and potentially longer software support, the Nokia C01 Plus is the slightly better choice. However, the itel Vision 3’s 18W charging offers a tangible advantage over the Nokia’s likely slower charging speeds, making it ideal for users who value quick top-ups.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | - | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% 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 |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | - |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
itel Vision 3
- Faster 18W charging for quicker power-ups.
- Potentially more aggressive pricing.
- itel is gaining market share in emerging markets.
- Less established brand reputation.
- Software update support may be limited.
Nokia C01 Plus
- Nokia’s reputation for reliability and build quality.
- Cleaner Android experience (typically).
- Potentially longer software support.
- Slower charging speeds.
- May be slightly more expensive than the itel Vision 3.
Display Comparison
Both the itel Vision 3 and Nokia C01 Plus utilize the Unisoc SC9863A, suggesting similar display capabilities. Given the price point, expect basic LCD panels with resolutions likely around 720x1440 pixels. Neither manufacturer specifies screen brightness in nits, but both will likely struggle in direct sunlight. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full lamination is expected, focusing on cost reduction. Differences, if any, will likely be in color calibration, which is difficult to predict without testing.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. While specifications aren't detailed, the ultra-budget nature suggests basic sensors. Expect a primary camera, potentially 8MP or 5MP, and a secondary depth sensor. The Nokia C01 Plus often includes a 5MP front camera, while the itel Vision 3 may vary. Image quality will be acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect significant noise and lack of detail in low light. Any 'macro' camera included will likely be a 2MP sensor offering minimal practical benefit.
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 virtually identical for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light app usage. The 28nm manufacturing process is relatively dated, indicating limited thermal headroom and potential for throttling under sustained load. Neither device is suited for demanding gaming or intensive multitasking. RAM configurations are not specified, but will likely be limited to 2GB or 3GB, further restricting multitasking capabilities.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, typical for this price segment. The itel Vision 3’s 18W wired charging is a key differentiator. The Nokia C01 Plus likely supports standard 5W or 10W charging, resulting in significantly longer charge times. This means the itel Vision 3 will offer a more convenient charging experience, allowing for quicker top-ups throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel Vision 3 if you need faster charging and are comfortable with a less established brand. Its 18W wired charging is a significant benefit in this price bracket. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you prioritize brand reliability, a cleaner software experience (typically associated with Nokia), and potentially longer software update support, even if it means sacrificing charging speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will either of these phones run PUBG Mobile smoothly?
Unfortunately, no. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is not powerful enough to run PUBG Mobile at acceptable frame rates, even on the lowest settings. Expect significant lag and stuttering, making the experience unenjoyable.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Nokia C01 Plus?
Nokia typically provides at least two years of security updates for its C-series devices. While major Android version updates are less common in this segment, the C01 Plus is likely to receive regular security patches, offering better long-term security than the itel Vision 3.
❓ Is the 18W charging on the itel Vision 3 compatible with any charger?
Yes, the itel Vision 3 supports standard USB-C Power Delivery (PD) charging. While the included charger is likely 18W, you can use any USB-C PD charger with a higher wattage without damaging the device, potentially achieving even faster charging speeds.
