In a market saturated with smartphones, the feature phone stubbornly persists, offering simplicity and incredible battery life at rock-bottom prices. We pit the Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini against the Nokia 105 4G (2nd Edition) – two contenders vying for the attention of users prioritizing basic communication and extended uptime over app ecosystems and high-resolution displays. Given the limited publicly available specifications, this comparison will focus on brand reputation, typical feature phone characteristics, and inferred capabilities based on market positioning.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a reliable, no-frills 4G feature phone, the Nokia 105 4G (2nd Edition) is the stronger choice. Nokia’s established quality control and software support, even on basic devices, provide a more predictable user experience than the Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini, which lacks detailed public specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | No | - |
| Speed | - | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012 | 2024, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, December |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 111 x 47 x 16.5 mm (4.37 x 1.85 x 0.65 in) | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 mm (4.78 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 92 g (3.25 oz) | 93 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~19.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | IPS LCD |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | - | 48MB 128MB RAM |
| Phonebook | 500 entries | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | - |
| Video | Yes | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio, recording | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes | No |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 400 h | - |
| Talk time | Up to 8 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1800 mAh battery | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Charcoal |
| Price | About 20 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini
- Potentially larger battery capacity (implied by 'Jumbo' branding)
- May offer a larger display size
- Competitive price point
- Limited public specifications
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially less refined software experience
Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
- Reliable brand reputation (Nokia)
- Optimized software for smooth operation
- FM radio and potential pre-installed apps
- Potentially smaller battery capacity
- May have a smaller display size
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both devices likely feature color displays, typical of modern feature phones, but specific resolutions and panel technologies remain unknown. Given Karbonn’s focus on affordability, the K36+ Jumbo Mini’s display may prioritize size over quality, potentially offering a larger viewing area at the expense of sharpness. Nokia generally employs more consistent display quality across its range, suggesting the 105 4G will have a more refined visual experience, even if the size is smaller. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, as minimizing them isn't a priority in this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely include a basic rear camera, primarily for capturing simple snapshots. Image quality will be limited by the low resolution of the sensors (likely VGA or 2MP). The Nokia 105 4G may offer slightly better image processing due to Nokia’s software expertise, but expectations should remain low. Neither phone is intended for serious photography.
Performance
Performance is dictated by the MediaTek chipset commonly found in 4G feature phones. Both devices will handle calls, texts, and basic FM radio without issue. The Nokia 105 4G benefits from Nokia’s software optimization, potentially leading to smoother menu navigation and faster app loading times (for pre-installed apps). The Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini’s performance is harder to predict without specific chipset details, but it will likely be comparable, though potentially less refined. RAM capacity is likely similar – sufficient for basic operation but not multitasking.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key strength of feature phones. The Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini’s ‘Jumbo’ branding suggests a larger battery capacity than the Nokia 105 4G. This could translate to several days of standby time and extended talk time. However, the Nokia 105 4G’s optimized software and efficient chipset may partially offset the capacity difference. Both phones will likely support micro-USB charging, with charging times varying depending on the charger’s wattage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini if you need a potentially larger battery capacity (implied by 'Jumbo' branding) and are comfortable with a less established brand. Buy the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition if you prioritize brand reliability, a known user interface, and access to Nokia’s basic software features like FM radio and potentially pre-installed apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Nokia 105 4G support VoLTE calling, and is it compatible with all 4G carriers?
The Nokia 105 4G (2nd Edition) does support VoLTE (Voice over LTE), enabling 4G calling on compatible networks. However, carrier compatibility can vary. It's crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure the phone's 4G bands are supported in your region.
❓ What kind of storage does the Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini offer, and is it expandable via microSD card?
Feature phones typically have limited internal storage (likely in the single-digit megabyte range). The Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini almost certainly supports microSD card expansion, allowing users to store more contacts, messages, and potentially a few photos. However, the maximum supported microSD card capacity is likely limited to 32GB.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on either of these phones?
While some feature phones now support limited versions of WhatsApp, it's unlikely either the Karbonn K36+ Jumbo Mini or the Nokia 105 4G will run the full WhatsApp or Facebook apps. They may support WhatsApp Lite or Facebook Lite if available, but functionality will be severely restricted.
