Nokia's Asha series offered affordable smartphones for emerging markets. The Asha 503 and 210 were popular choices, but which one reigns supreme? This comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia Asha 503 edges out the 210 thanks to its superior display contrast and slightly better overall performance. While the 210 boasts excellent battery life and a dedicated QWERTY keyboard, the 503 provides a more modern and enjoyable user experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 - RM-926900 / 1800 - RM-925 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | - |
| EDGE | - | Class 32 |
| GPRS | - | Class 32 |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/5.76 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM |
| | - | GSM 900 / 1800 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - RM-924 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, November | 2013, April. Released 2013, May |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 102.6 x 60.6 x 12.7 mm (4.04 x 2.39 x 0.5 in) | 111.5 x 60 x 11.8 mm, 76.3 cc (4.39 x 2.36 x 0.46 in) |
| Keyboard | - | QWERTY |
| SIM | Micro-SIM | Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) |
| Weight | 110.2 g (3.88 oz) | 97.3 g (3.42 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass | - |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~133 ppi density) | 320 x 240 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.0 inches, 27.9 cm2 (~44.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~26.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT, 65K colors |
| Platform |
|---|
| OS | Nokia Asha software platform 1.2 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | - | 64MB 32MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | 1000 entries |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@19fps | QCIF@10fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 3.0, A2DP | 2.1, EDR |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS, recording |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | - | SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, IM |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | - |
| | SNS apps
MP4/H.263 player
MP3/AAC player
Photo editor
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | SNS apps
MP4/H.263/WMV player
MP3/WAV/WMA/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 34 h | Up to 40 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 840 h (2G) / Up to 840 h (3G) | Up to 1104 h |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) | Up to 12 h |
| Type | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U) | Li-Ion 1200 mAh, removable (BL-4U) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Yellow, black, green, red, blue, white | Yellow, Black, White, Cyan, Magenta |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 50 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.72 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.43 W/kg (head) 0.64 W/kg (body) | 0.69 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -88.3dB / Crosstalk -82.1dB | - |
| Camera |
Photo | - |
| Display |
Contrast ratio: 635:1 (nominal), 1.281 (sunlight) | - |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 75dB / Noise 72dB / Ring 75dB
| - |
Nokia Asha 503
- Better Display Contrast
- Includes a Camera
- Slightly Better Performance
- More Modern Design
- Shorter Battery Life than 210
- Basic Camera Quality
Nokia Asha 210
- Exceptional Battery Life
- Dedicated QWERTY Keyboard
- Compact and Lightweight
- Lower Quality Display
- No Camera
- Slower Performance
- Outdated Operating System
Display Comparison
The Asha 503 boasts a significantly better display with a nominal contrast ratio of 635:1 and an impressive 1.281 contrast ratio in sunlight. The Asha 210's display specs are unavailable, but generally, it's considered a standard, lower-quality screen typical of budget phones of that era. The 503's screen is noticeably clearer and more vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Asha 503 includes a camera, while the Asha 210 does not. This is a significant advantage for the 503, allowing users to capture photos and videos. Image quality on the 503 is basic but functional for casual snapshots.
Performance
Both phones run on Nokia's Series 40 operating system. The Asha 503 generally offers slightly improved performance due to a potentially more efficient processor and RAM configuration, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading. The Asha 210, while functional, can feel a bit sluggish at times.
Battery Life
The Asha 210 is renowned for its exceptional battery life, often lasting for several days on a single charge. The Asha 503's battery life is respectable but not as impressive as the 210's, likely due to the more demanding display and processor.
Buying Guide
The Nokia Asha 503 is ideal for users who prioritize a better screen and a more responsive interface. The Asha 210 is a great choice for those who heavily rely on messaging and value extended battery life and a physical QWERTY keyboard for quick typing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Asha phone is better for messaging?
The Asha 210's dedicated QWERTY keyboard makes it significantly faster and more comfortable for composing messages.
❓ Can I take photos with either of these phones?
Only the Nokia Asha 503 has a camera. The Asha 210 does not.
❓ Which phone has the longer battery life?
The Nokia Asha 210 is known for its exceptional battery life, often lasting for days.
