The LG K22 and Nokia C2 Tava represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting users prioritizing affordability above all else. Both devices aim to provide basic smartphone functionality without breaking the bank, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate distinct user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a functional, if slow, smartphone for basic tasks, the Nokia C2 Tava is the better choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, fabricated on a more efficient 16nm process, delivers noticeably improved performance over the LG K22’s Snapdragon 215, despite both utilizing Cortex-A53 cores.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat6 300/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 40 - Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, September 12. Released 2020, September 12 | 2020, May 29. Released 2020, May 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 155.7 x 75.4 x 8.4 mm (6.13 x 2.97 x 0.33 in) | 150.6 x 72.4 x 9.1 mm (5.93 x 2.85 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 169.5 g (6.00 oz) | 180 g (6.35 oz) |
| | MIL-STD-810G compliant*
*does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~70.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (16 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 10 | Android 10 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, 27mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) | 8 MP, AF
2 MP |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, 24mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio (market/operator dependent) | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, compass | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Titan, Blue | Tempered Blue |
| Models | LMK200Z, LMK200E, LMK200B, LM-K200 | - |
| Price | About 140 EUR | About 100 EUR |
LG K22
- Potentially lower upfront cost.
- Simple and straightforward user experience.
- Qualcomm brand recognition (though limited benefit here).
- Significantly slower performance due to the Snapdragon 215.
- Less efficient chipset leading to potentially shorter battery life.
- Likely lacks fast charging.
Nokia C2 Tava
- Faster performance thanks to the Helio A22 and 16nm process.
- 10W wired charging for quicker top-ups.
- More efficient chipset potentially leading to better battery life.
- May be slightly more expensive than the LG K22.
- Still limited by the entry-level chipset.
- Camera performance will likely be basic.
Display Comparison
Neither the LG K22 nor the Nokia C2 Tava are expected to deliver a premium display experience. Specific display specs (resolution, panel type, brightness) are unavailable, but given the price point, both likely feature low-resolution LCD panels. The lack of information suggests neither device prioritizes display quality. Expect basic visibility under normal lighting conditions, but poor viewing angles and color accuracy.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both feature basic cameras primarily for casual snapshots. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means low-light performance will be poor. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are unlikely to provide significant value, serving more as marketing features than genuine enhancements. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in images lacking detail and dynamic range.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C2 Tava’s Mediatek Helio A22, built on a 16nm process, offers a clear advantage over the LG K22’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 215 (28nm). While both utilize quad-core Cortex-A53 CPUs, the Helio A22’s higher clock speed (2.0 GHz vs 1.3 GHz) and more efficient manufacturing process translate to faster app launch times and smoother multitasking. The Snapdragon 215’s larger node size implies higher power consumption for similar tasks, potentially impacting battery life. The Helio A22 is better suited for light gaming, while the Snapdragon 215 will struggle with even basic titles.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the Nokia C2 Tava benefits from 10W wired charging, a significant advantage over the LG K22, which likely lacks fast charging capabilities. This means the C2 Tava can be topped up more quickly, reducing downtime. While the Snapdragon 215’s less efficient process might necessitate a larger battery to achieve comparable runtime, the C2 Tava’s faster charging offers a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the LG K22 if you absolutely need the lowest possible upfront cost and are willing to tolerate significant performance limitations for tasks like web browsing or app loading. Buy the Nokia C2 Tava if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, even for basic operations, and appreciate the inclusion of 10W wired charging for faster top-ups, making it ideal for users who rely heavily on their phone throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C2 Tava be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
The Nokia C2 Tava’s Mediatek Helio A22 chipset should be capable of running Facebook and Instagram, but expect some lag and slower loading times, especially with multiple apps open. It’s sufficient for basic social media use, but not ideal for heavy multitasking.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 215 in the LG K22 sufficient for playing basic games like Candy Crush?
Yes, the Snapdragon 215 can handle very simple games like Candy Crush, but performance will be limited. Expect lower frame rates and potential stuttering, especially during more visually demanding moments. More complex games will likely be unplayable.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Nokia C2 Tava with the 10W charger?
While a precise charging time isn't available, 10W charging on the Nokia C2 Tava will likely take between 2.5 to 4 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery capacity. This is significantly faster than the LG K22, which likely lacks fast charging.
❓ Does either phone support expandable storage via microSD card?
Information regarding microSD card support is unavailable for either device. However, given their target market, it's highly probable that both the LG K22 and Nokia C2 Tava offer microSD card slots to allow users to expand storage capacity.
