In a market saturated with smartphones, Nokia continues to cater to users seeking simplicity and affordability with its feature phone lineup. We pit the Nokia Asha 308, known for its enhanced display, against the Nokia C2-01, which focuses on basic photographic capabilities, to determine which device best serves the needs of the modern, budget-conscious user.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing visibility and usability, the Nokia Asha 308 emerges as the better choice. Its significantly higher display contrast ratios – 938:1 nominal and 1.911:1 in sunlight – offer a far superior viewing experience, especially outdoors, outweighing the C2-01’s basic camera functionality.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | - | UMTS 850 / 1900 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Up to 236.8 kbps | - |
| GPRS | Up to 85.6 kbps | - |
| Speed | - | Yes, 384 kbps |
| Technology | GSM | GSM / UMTS |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 | UMTS 900 / 2100 / 1900 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2012, September. Released 2012, October | 2010, November. Released 2011, March |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109.9 x 54 x 13 mm, 67 cc (4.33 x 2.13 x 0.51 in) | 109.8 x 46.9 x 15.3 mm, 78.8 cc (4.32 x 1.85 x 0.60 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 104 g (3.67 oz) | 89 g (3.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 400 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~155 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 25.6 cm2 (~43.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~24.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 256K colors |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 20MB 128MB ROM 64MB RAM | 43MB 64MB RAM 128MB ROM |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 2000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 3.15 MP |
| Video | 176x144@13fps | 320p@15fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0 | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Yes |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.1 | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | SMS, MMS, Email |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | - |
| | SNS integration
MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC+ player
Organizer
Voice memo
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 54 h | Up to 34 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h | Up to 396 h (2G) / Up to 456 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 17 h | 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 | Black, Golden light | Black, Warm silver, White |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.33 W/kg (head) 0.83 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.93 W/kg (head) | 1.20 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -81.5dB / Crosstalk -78.2dB |
Noise -87.3dB / Crosstalk -88.8dB |
| Camera | - |
Photo |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 938:1 (nominal) / 1.911:1 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 81dB / Noise 71dB / Ring 75dB
|
Voice 72dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 79dB |
Nokia Asha 308
- Superior display contrast for better visibility
- Potentially slightly more optimized software
- Focus on core functionality and usability
- Lacks a built-in camera
- Limited application support compared to smartphones
Nokia C2-01
- Includes a basic camera for snapshots
- Extremely affordable price point
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Inferior display quality and visibility
- Limited functionality beyond basic calls and texts
Display Comparison
The Nokia Asha 308 boasts a significant advantage in display quality, with a nominal contrast ratio of 938:1 and an impressive 1.911:1 contrast ratio in direct sunlight. This means text and images will appear much clearer and more defined, even under bright conditions. The Nokia C2-01’s display specifications are not provided, implying a standard, lower-contrast panel typical of its price point. This difference in contrast directly impacts usability, making the Asha 308 the preferred choice for users who rely on their phone for reading messages or navigating menus outdoors.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C2-01 includes a camera, described simply as 'Photo'. Without further details on sensor size, resolution, or lens aperture, it’s reasonable to assume it’s a basic camera intended for casual snapshots. The Asha 308 lacks any mention of a camera, indicating a focus on core functionality rather than imaging. For users who absolutely require a camera, the C2-01 provides a minimal solution, but image quality should not be expected to be high. The absence of a camera on the Asha 308 is a trade-off for its superior display.
Performance
Given the nature of these devices as feature phones, detailed performance analysis is limited by the available data. Both phones likely utilize basic processors designed for call functionality, messaging, and limited application support. The Asha 308, being a slightly later model, may benefit from minor optimizations, but the difference in real-world performance will be negligible for typical use cases. RAM specifications are unavailable for either device, but are likely to be similarly constrained.
Battery Life
Battery life for both devices is likely comparable, given their limited functionality and low-power components. Specific mAh ratings are not provided. However, the Asha 308’s more efficient display technology (implied by the higher contrast ratio) *may* contribute to slightly longer battery life under similar usage conditions. Charging times are also unknown, but are expected to be relatively slow given the likely use of standard micro-USB charging.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia Asha 308 if you need a phone with a clear, readable display for calls, texts, and basic applications, particularly in bright environments. Its superior contrast makes it ideal for users who spend time outdoors or have difficulty with low-contrast screens. Buy the Nokia C2-01 if your primary need is a very basic phone with a camera for occasional snapshots, and you prioritize simplicity above all else, accepting a potentially compromised viewing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia Asha 308's lack of a camera a significant drawback?
For users who prioritize photography, yes. However, the Asha 308's superior display makes it more pleasant to use for core functions like calls, texts, and basic applications. If you rarely use a camera on your phone, the trade-off is worthwhile.
❓ How much better is the Asha 308's display outdoors compared to a typical feature phone?
The Asha 308's 1.911:1 contrast ratio in sunlight is exceptionally good for a feature phone. This means the screen remains readable even under direct sunlight, unlike many other basic phones where the display becomes washed out and difficult to see.
❓ Can I use WhatsApp or Facebook on either of these phones?
Support for applications like WhatsApp and Facebook is limited on both devices. While some feature phones can run basic versions of these apps, compatibility is not guaranteed and performance will likely be slow. These phones are best suited for calls and texts.
