Nokia 301 vs Nokia C2-01: A Budget Feature Phone Battle

Looking for a reliable and affordable feature phone? The Nokia 301 and C2-01 are both strong contenders in the budget market. But which one reigns supreme? This detailed comparison will break down their features and help you choose the right device.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia 301 generally edges out the C2-01 thanks to likely improved audio quality and potentially a slightly more modern design. However, the C2-01's camera, albeit basic, provides a small advantage for those wanting to capture simple photos. Both are excellent value for their price.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia 301	Nokia C2-01

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	UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100
Speed	HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps	Yes, 384 kbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / UMTS
	HSDPA 850 / 1900 - RM-841	UMTS 900 / 2100 / 1900

Launch
Announced	2013, February. Released 2013, April	2010, November. Released 2011, March
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	114 x 50 x 12.5 mm, 104.2 cc (4.49 x 1.97 x 0.49 in)	109.8 x 46.9 x 15.3 mm, 78.8 cc (4.32 x 1.85 x 0.60 in)
SIM	Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by)	Mini-SIM
Weight	102 g (3.60 oz)	89 g (3.14 oz)

Display
Resolution	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density)
Size	2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~31.3% screen-to-body ratio)	2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 256K colors	TFT, 256K colors

Memory
Call records	Yes	Yes
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC (dedicated slot)
Internal	256MB ROM, 64MB RAM	43MB 64MB RAM 128MB ROM
Phonebook	Yes	2000 entries, Photocall

Main Camera
Single	3.15 MP	3.15 MP
Video	320p@30fps	320p@15fps

Selfie camera
	No	No

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	2.1, A2DP, EDR	2.1, A2DP, EDR
NFC	No	-
Positioning	No	No
Radio	Stereo FM radio	Stereo FM radio, RDS
USB	Proprietary	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	No	No

Features
Browser	-	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite
Games	Yes	Yes
Java	Yes, MIDP 2.1	Yes, MIDP 2.1
Messaging	SMS, MMS, Email, IM	SMS, MMS, Email
	SNS applications MP4/H.263/WMV player MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player Organizer Predictive text input	MP4/H.264 player MP3/WAV/WMA/eAAC+ player Organizer Voice memo/dial/commands Predictive text input

Battery
Music play	-	Up to 34 h
Stand-by	Up to 888 h (2G) / Up to 936 h (3G)	Up to 396 h (2G) / Up to 456 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 20 h (2G) / Up to 6 h (3G)	Up to 8 h 40 min (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G)
Type	Li-Ion 1110 mAh, removable (BL-4U)	Removable Li-Ion 1020 mAh battery (BL-5C)

Misc
Colors	Cyan, Black, Yellow, Magenta, White	Black, Warm silver, White
Price	About 70 EUR	About 70 EUR
SAR	1.25 W/kg (head) 0.98 W/kg (body)	1.33 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.29 W/kg (head)	1.20 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	-	Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -88.8dB
Camera	-	Photo
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 72dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 79dB

OUR TESTS
Audio quality	-	Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -88.8dB
Camera	-	Photo
Loudspeaker	-	Voice 72dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 79dB

Nokia 301

Likely better audio quality
Potentially more modern design
Excellent battery life
FM Radio

May lack a camera
Basic display
Limited features

Nokia C2-01

Basic camera functionality
Excellent battery life
FM Radio
Very affordable

Low-resolution camera
Basic display
Limited features
Older design

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature small, basic LCD screens, typical of feature phones. Expect low resolution and limited viewing angles. The Nokia 301 might have a slightly brighter display, but the difference will be minimal.

Camera Comparison

The Nokia C2-01 has a basic camera, allowing for very low-resolution photos. The Nokia 301 may not have a camera, or if it does, it will be similarly basic. Image quality on both will be poor by modern standards, suitable only for quick, simple snapshots.

Performance

Performance will be similar on both devices – adequate for calls, texts, and basic FM radio usage. Don't expect any advanced features or multitasking capabilities. Both rely on simple, efficient processors to maximize battery life.

Battery Life

Both phones are expected to offer excellent battery life, a hallmark of feature phones. The Nokia 301 might have a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially extending its usage time further.

Buying Guide

The Nokia 301 is ideal for users prioritizing call quality, FM radio, and a slightly more contemporary feel. The Nokia C2-01 is a good choice for those who want a very basic phone with a camera, even if it's just for occasional snapshots.