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?
🏆 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.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, April 02 | 2023, February 23 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 147.3 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-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.71 inches, 81.4 cm2 (~77.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | Adreno 308 | - |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), upgradable to Android 11 (Go edition), Android One | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide), AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Po 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan, Charcoal, Sand | Dark Cyan, Charcoal |
| Models | TA-1216, TA-1205 | - |
| Price | About 170 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.64 W/kg (head) 1.17 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.38 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.