The Nokia C02 and Motorola Moto G22 represent opposite ends of the ultra-budget smartphone spectrum. The C02 prioritizes absolute affordability, while the Moto G22 attempts to deliver a more complete experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Motorola Moto G22 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio G37 chipset provides a substantial performance boost over the Nokia C02’s quad-core processor, making it noticeably faster for everyday tasks and even light gaming. While the C02 is cheaper, the G22’s improved performance justifies the price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 23 | 2022, March 04 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2022, March 04 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | 164 x 75 x 8.5 mm (6.46 x 2.95 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 185 g (6.53 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 103.5 cm2 (~84.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 20W wired (India)
15W wired (Global) |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal | Pearl White, Iceberg Blue, Cosmic Black, Mint Green |
| Models | - | XT2231-1, XT2231-2, XT2231-5 |
| Price | - | About 120 EUR |
Nokia C02
- Lowest possible price point
- Potentially longer standby time due to low-power processor
- Simple and easy to use
- Extremely limited performance
- Likely poor camera quality
- Slow app loading times
Motorola Moto G22
- Significantly faster performance with Helio G37
- Faster charging (20W/15W)
- More versatile camera system
- Higher price than Nokia C02
- Battery life may be shorter under heavy use
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. The Nokia C02’s display specifications are not provided, suggesting a basic LCD panel. The Motorola Moto G22 also utilizes an LCD, but its larger size (6.5 inches) is a benefit for media consumption. Without knowing the Nokia C02’s resolution or brightness, it’s difficult to make a direct comparison, but the G22’s larger screen offers a more immersive viewing experience. Both likely lack high refresh rates, focusing on power efficiency.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar in real-world usage, as both phones target the budget segment. Details on the Nokia C02’s camera are unavailable, but it likely features a single, low-resolution sensor. The Moto G22’s camera setup, while not exceptional, is more versatile with a 50MP main sensor and a depth sensor. The larger sensor size on the G22 will capture more light, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a depth sensor allows for basic portrait mode effects. Both phones likely rely heavily on software processing to enhance image quality.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Nokia C02’s quad-core 1.4 GHz processor is designed for minimal power consumption, resulting in a very basic level of performance. In contrast, the Motorola Moto G22’s Mediatek Helio G37 is an octa-core chipset (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) fabricated on a 12nm process. This means the G22 offers significantly faster processing speeds and improved multitasking capabilities. The Helio G37’s architecture, with its combination of high and low-power cores, allows for better efficiency when handling less demanding tasks, while still providing ample power for more intensive applications. Users will experience noticeable lag and slowdowns on the C02 when opening apps or browsing the web, issues largely mitigated on the G22.
Battery Life
Battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns. The Nokia C02’s battery capacity is not specified, but its less powerful processor should translate to longer standby times. The Motorola Moto G22 offers 20W wired charging (in India, 15W globally), a significant advantage over the C02, which likely supports only basic charging speeds. This means the G22 can be quickly topped up when needed, reducing downtime. While the G22’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the faster charging capability provides a practical benefit for users who frequently use their phones throughout the day.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C02 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling, texting, and very light app use. It’s a suitable option for first-time smartphone users or as a temporary device. Buy the Motorola Moto G22 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, enjoy occasional gaming, or want a phone that will remain usable for a longer period without feeling sluggish.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto G22 handle popular social media apps like TikTok and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Helio G37 chipset in the Moto G22 is capable of running social media apps like TikTok and Instagram without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a much smoother experience than the Nokia C02's processor, which would likely struggle with these apps.
❓ Is the Motorola Moto G22 a good option for playing mobile games?
The Moto G22 can handle light mobile games, but it's not a gaming powerhouse. The Helio G37 is an entry-level gaming chipset. Demanding titles will require lower graphics settings and may still experience occasional frame drops. The Nokia C02 is not suitable for gaming beyond very simple titles.
❓ How much storage does each phone offer, and can it be expanded?
Storage details for the Nokia C02 are unavailable. The Motorola Moto G22 typically comes with 32GB or 64GB of internal storage and supports microSD card expansion, allowing you to add up to 512GB of additional storage. This is crucial for storing photos, videos, and apps.
❓ What software updates can I expect from Nokia and Motorola for these devices?
Nokia generally provides more consistent software updates, even for budget devices, focusing on security patches. Motorola’s update schedule is less predictable, and these phones are unlikely to receive major Android version updates. Expect security updates for a limited period.
