Nokia 1.3 vs Nokia C02: A Budget Battle

Looking for an affordable smartphone that gets the job done? The Nokia 1.3 and Nokia C02 are both contenders in the budget space, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one delivers the best value for your money?
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia C02 edges out the 1.3 thanks to its slightly faster processor and potentially improved software experience. While both are entry-level devices, the C02 offers a marginal performance boost making it a slightly better choice for basic tasks and light multitasking.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia 1.3 Nokia C02
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - InternationalLTE
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM-
Launch
Announced2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 022023, February 23
StatusDiscontinuedAvailable. Released 2023, May
Body
BuildGlass front, plastic back, plastic framePlastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions147.3 x 71.2 x 9.4 mm (5.80 x 2.80 x 0.37 in)148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight155 g (5.47 oz)191 g (6.74 oz)
 -Splash and dust resistant
Display
Resolution720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)
Size5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~77.6% screen-to-body ratio)5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUQuad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53Quad-core 1.4 GHz
ChipsetQualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)-
GPUAdreno 308-
OSAndroid 10 (Go edition), upgradable to Android 11 (Go edition), Android OneAndroid 12 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal16GB 1GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash, HDR
Single8 MP, (wide), AF5 MP
Video720p@30fps720p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single5 MP2 MP
Video720p@30fps720p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD4.2, A2DP, LE
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, BDSGPS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0, OTGmicroUSB 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
Battery
TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, removableLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsCyan, Charcoal, SandDark Cyan, Charcoal
ModelsTA-1216, TA-1205-
PriceAbout 170 EUR-
SAR0.64 W/kg (head)     1.17 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.38 W/kg (head)     0.86 W/kg (body)-

Nokia 1.3

  • Larger Display
  • Simple and User-Friendly
  • Affordable Price
  • Decent Front Camera

  • Slower Processor
  • Basic Camera Performance
  • Limited Storage
  • Outdated Design

Nokia C02

  • Slightly Faster Processor
  • Potentially Better Software Experience
  • Compact Size
  • Good Value

  • Smaller Display
  • Basic Camera Performance
  • Limited Storage
  • Outdated Design

Display Comparison

Both phones feature relatively basic LCD displays. The Nokia 1.3 boasts a larger 5.9-inch display compared to the C02's 5.3-inch screen, making it better for watching videos and browsing. However, resolution is likely to be similar (likely 720p), so don't expect stunning visuals on either device. Viewing angles and color accuracy will be standard for this price point.

Camera Comparison

Camera specs are likely similar, with both phones featuring a single rear camera (likely 8MP). Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but don't expect exceptional results. Low-light performance will be a challenge on both devices. The Nokia 1.3 may have a slightly better front-facing camera.

Performance

The Nokia C02 has a slight advantage with a 1.4 GHz quad-core CPU compared to the 1.3's 1.3 GHz processor. While both utilize Cortex-A53 cores, the higher clock speed on the C02 should translate to slightly snappier performance in everyday tasks. Both phones will struggle with demanding games or heavy multitasking.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is a key area to consider. While specific mAh figures are not always readily available, both phones are expected to offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Nokia C02 *might* have a slightly larger battery, but this is speculative without confirmed specs.

Buying Guide

The Nokia 1.3 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity, a larger screen for media consumption, and a very tight budget. The Nokia C02 is better suited for those needing a bit more processing power for occasional apps and a slightly more modern software experience, still within a budget-friendly price range.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both the Nokia 1.3 and C02 run on Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-powered devices.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Both typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card.