Looking for a reliable and affordable phone for calls, texts, and basic features? The Nokia 301 and 215 4G are both strong contenders in the budget feature phone market. But which one offers the best experience for your money?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 215 4G edges out the Nokia 301 thanks to its 4G connectivity and slightly improved performance powered by the Unisoc chipset. While the 301 is a classic, the 215 4G's modern features make it the better choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - RM-840, RM-841 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - RM-840, RM-839 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40 - EU, APAC, SSA |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - RM-841 | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 17, 28 - NA, LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, February. Released 2013, April | 2020, October 10. Released 2020, October 17 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 114 x 50 x 12.5 mm, 104.2 cc (4.49 x 1.97 x 0.49 in) | 124.7 x 51 x 13.7 mm (4.91 x 2.01 x 0.54 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 102 g (3.60 oz) | 90.3 g (3.17 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~31.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~28.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| Chipset | - | Unisoc UMS9117 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 256MB ROM, 64MB RAM | 128MB 64MB RAM |
| Phonebook | Yes | Yes |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 3.15 MP | - |
| Video | 320p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP, EDR | 5.0 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | FM radio, built-in antenna |
| USB | Proprietary | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.1 | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS(threaded view), MMS, IM |
| | SNS applications
MP4/H.263/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player
Organizer
Predictive text input | MP3 player |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 888 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G) | - |
| Talk time | Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 6 h (3G) | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 1110 mAh, removable (BL-4U) | Li-Ion 1150 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan, Black, Yellow, Magenta, White | Black, Cyan Green |
| Models | - | TA-1284, TA-1281, TA-1272, TA-1264 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 40 EUR |
| SAR | 1.25 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body) | 1.14 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.29 W/kg (head) | 1.63 W/kg (head) 1.79 W/kg (body) |
Nokia 301
- Extremely affordable
- Excellent battery life
- Durable build quality
- Simple and easy to use
- Outdated chipset
- Low-resolution display
- Basic camera
- No 4G connectivity
Nokia 215 4G
- 4G connectivity
- Slightly improved performance
- FM Radio
- Affordable
- Still a basic feature phone
- Camera quality is limited
- Small screen
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, basic LCD screens, likely around 2.4 inches. Expect limited resolution and color reproduction. The Nokia 215 4G might have a slightly brighter display due to newer panel technology, but the difference will be minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 301 may have a rudimentary VGA camera. The Nokia 215 4G likely includes a slightly better, though still basic, camera. Image quality on both will be low, suitable only for quick snapshots in good lighting conditions.
Performance
The Nokia 301 likely uses a basic, older chipset. The Nokia 215 4G, with its Unisoc UMS9117, offers a noticeable performance boost, resulting in snappier app loading and a more responsive user interface. Expect both to be adequate for basic tasks but not suitable for demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both phones are known for excellent battery life. The Nokia 301 likely has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially offering marginally longer standby time. However, the Nokia 215 4G's more efficient chipset could offset this difference.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 301 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity, long battery life, and a very low price point. The Nokia 215 4G is a better fit for those who want 4G internet access, slightly faster performance, and a more modern feature set without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia 301 and Nokia 215 4G?
The main difference is 4G connectivity and a slightly more modern chipset in the Nokia 215 4G, offering better performance. The 301 is older and lacks 4G.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
The Nokia 301 likely has slightly better battery life due to its potentially larger battery capacity, but the Nokia 215 4G's more efficient chipset could make the difference negligible.
