The Lava Play Ultra and Nokia C21 Plus represent opposite ends of the budget smartphone spectrum. The Nokia C21 Plus aims for affordability and basic functionality, while the Lava Play Ultra aggressively targets performance with a modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best experience for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Lava Play Ultra is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 7300 chipset offers a substantial leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A. However, the Nokia C21 Plus remains a viable option for those on an extremely tight budget needing a basic smartphone.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41 | LTE |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2025, August 21 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, August 25 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 162.1 x 75.4 x 7.8 mm (6.38 x 2.97 x 0.31 in) | 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~87.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | AMOLED, 120Hz, 1000 nits (peak) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G615 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 15, up to 2 major Android upgrades | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, (wide), 1/1.7", PDAF
5 MP (macro) | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 5 MP |
| Video | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 13 MP, (wide) | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (under display, optical), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, 100% in 83 min | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Arctic Slate, Arctic Frost | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | ₹ 12,999 | 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) |
Lava Play Ultra
- Significantly faster processor for smooth performance
- Faster 33W charging for reduced downtime
- More efficient 4nm chipset for better battery life
- Likely higher price point
- Potential for more complex software features
Nokia C21 Plus
- Extremely affordable price
- Simple and easy-to-use interface
- Decent battery life for basic usage
- Slow Unisoc SC9863A processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited performance for demanding tasks
Display Comparison
Display specifications are not provided for either device. However, given the price points, we can infer the Nokia C21 Plus likely features a lower resolution and less vibrant panel than the Lava Play Ultra. The Lava Play Ultra, positioned as a more premium offering, likely benefits from a higher quality display, potentially with a higher refresh rate, though this is unconfirmed. The difference in display quality will likely be noticeable in color accuracy and viewing angles.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are limited. We can assume the Nokia C21 Plus features a basic camera setup geared towards casual photography. The Lava Play Ultra, while details are missing, is likely to have a more capable camera system to justify its higher price point. The Unisoc SC9863A’s image signal processor (ISP) is less sophisticated than the one found in the Dimensity 7300, resulting in lower image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, for the Nokia C21 Plus. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive statement, but the Lava Play Ultra is expected to deliver superior image and video quality.
Performance
The performance gap between these two devices is significant. The Lava Play Ultra’s Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) is a modern, octa-core processor built on a far more efficient manufacturing process than the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 7300’s Cortex-A78 cores, clocked at 2.5 GHz, provide a substantial performance advantage over the C21 Plus’s Cortex-A55 cores, maxing out at 1.6 GHz. This translates to significantly faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a much better gaming experience on the Lava Play Ultra. The 4nm process also means the Dimensity 7300 will generate less heat and consume less power, leading to better sustained performance and battery life.
Battery Life
Battery capacities are not provided. However, the charging speeds reveal a major difference. The Lava Play Ultra supports 33W wired charging, achieving a full charge in 83 minutes, while the Nokia C21 Plus is limited to 10W charging. This means the Lava Play Ultra can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. Even if the Nokia C21 Plus has a slightly larger battery capacity, the Lava Play Ultra’s faster charging will likely result in a more convenient user experience. The Dimensity 7300’s power efficiency also contributes to potentially longer battery life despite the faster charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Lava Play Ultra if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, moderate gaming, and benefit from faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a device that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize extreme affordability and only require basic smartphone functions like calls, messaging, and light social media use. It’s a good choice for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Lava Play Ultra be able to run demanding games like Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile?
The Dimensity 7300 chipset in the Lava Play Ultra is capable of running many popular games, but performance will vary depending on the game's settings. Expect to play at medium settings for a smooth experience in demanding titles like Genshin Impact. Call of Duty Mobile should run well at higher settings.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus suitable for someone who primarily uses WhatsApp, Facebook, and makes occasional calls?
Yes, the Nokia C21 Plus is perfectly adequate for basic tasks like WhatsApp, Facebook, and calls. The Unisoc SC9863A processor is sufficient for these everyday applications, and the phone’s battery life should be sufficient for moderate use.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Lava Play Ultra compared to the Nokia C21 Plus in real-world use?
The Lava Play Ultra’s 33W charging will significantly reduce charging time. While a precise comparison requires testing, expect the Lava Play Ultra to charge from 0% to 100% in around 83 minutes, whereas the Nokia C21 Plus will likely take over 3 hours with its 10W charger.
