In a world dominated by smartphones, the humble feature phone still holds appeal for those seeking simplicity, affordability, and exceptional battery life. We're pitting the new Nokia 106 (2023) against the older Nokia 105 (2019) to see which offers the best experience for budget-conscious users.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 106 (2023) likely offers subtle improvements over the 105 (2019), primarily in design and potentially audio quality. However, both are excellent choices for basic calling and texting. The 106's slightly refreshed look gives it a marginal edge, but the 105 remains a strong contender due to its established reliability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| EDGE | Yes | No |
| GPRS | Yes | No |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 18 | 2019, July. Released 2019, September |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May 22 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 115.1 x 49.4 x 14.5 mm (4.53 x 1.94 x 0.57 in) | 119 x 49.2 x 14.4 mm (4.69 x 1.94 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 79.4 g (2.79 oz) | 73 g (2.57 oz) |
| | Flashlight
Splash resistant | Flashlight |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~113 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~17.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.77 inches, 9.7 cm2 (~16.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 65K colors | TFT LCD, 65K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC | No |
| Internal | Unspecified | 4MB 4MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 1.1 | microUSB 1.1 (charging only) |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | No | No |
| Messaging | SMS | SMS |
| | MP3 player | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 619 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 14 h 24 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 1000 mAh | Li-Ion 800 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Red Terracotta, Emerald Green, Charcoal | Black, Blue, Pink |
| Models | TA-1553 | TA-1203, TA-1174, TA-1010, TA-1034 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 10 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.50 W/kg (head) 1.38 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 106 (2023)
- Slightly refreshed design
- Potentially improved audio quality
- Long battery life
- Affordable
- Limited functionality
- Basic display
- No camera
Nokia 105 (2019)
- Ultra-reliable
- Exceptional battery life
- Extremely affordable
- Durable build
- Outdated design
- Basic display
- No camera
- Limited functionality
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, basic LCD screens, likely around 1.8 inches. The 106 (2023) might have a marginally improved resolution or color reproduction, but the difference will be minimal. Expect both to be perfectly adequate for displaying text and simple graphics.
Camera Comparison
Neither phone is expected to have a camera. These are purely communication devices.
Performance
Performance is not a key factor in feature phones. Both devices will handle calls and texts flawlessly. Expect similar, basic performance from both, limited by their simple operating systems.
Battery Life
Both phones boast exceptional battery life, a hallmark of feature phones. The Nokia 105 (2019) was known for weeks of standby time. The 106 (2023) will likely offer similar, if not slightly improved, battery performance.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 106 (2023) is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern aesthetic and potentially improved audio. The Nokia 105 (2019) is perfect for those seeking a tried-and-true, ultra-reliable, and incredibly affordable device for essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the main difference between the Nokia 106 (2023) and the Nokia 105 (2019)?
The primary difference is the design. The 106 (2023) has a slightly more modern look, while the 105 (2019) has a more classic, utilitarian design. Functionally, they are very similar.
❓ How long does the battery last on each phone?
Both phones offer exceptional battery life, typically lasting for days or even weeks on a single charge with moderate use. Exact figures are unavailable, but expect similar performance.
