Nokia C02 vs Nokia 3.2: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C02 and Nokia 3.2 are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering reliable performance and the Nokia brand's reputation. But which one is the better choice for your needs?

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia 3.2 generally wins due to its more powerful processor, slightly better camera, and faster charging. While the C02 is a more basic option, the 3.2 provides a noticeable performance boost and a more modern feature set for a small price difference, making it the more compelling choice overall.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia C02	Nokia 3.2

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands	LTE	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40 - EMEA, APAC, MENA
Speed	HSPA, LTE	HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India

Launch
Announced	2023, February 23	2019, February 24. Released 2019, May 22
Status	Available. Released 2023, May	Discontinued

Body
Build	Plastic back, plastic frame	Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
Dimensions	148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in)	159.4 x 76.2 x 8.6 mm (6.28 x 3.00 x 0.34 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM	Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	191 g (6.74 oz)	181 g (6.38 oz)
	Splash and dust resistant	-

Display
Resolution	720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density)	720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size	5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio)	6.26 inches, 97.8 cm2 (~80.5% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	IPS LCD	IPS LCD

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.4 GHz	Quad-core 1.8 GHz Cortex-A53
Chipset	-	Qualcomm SDM429 Snapdragon 429 (12 nm)
GPU	-	Adreno 504
OS	Android 12 (Go edition)	Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 11, Android One

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 2GB RAM	16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM
	eMMC 5.1	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash, HDR	LED flash
Single	5 MP	13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Video	720p@30fps	1080p@30fps

Selfie camera
Single	2 MP	5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm
Video	720p@30fps	-

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

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP, LE	4.2, A2DP, LE, aptX
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	GPS, GLONASS, BDS
Radio	Unspecified	FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0, OTG
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Features
Sensors	Accelerometer	Fingerprint (rear-mounted, 32/3GB only), accelerometer, proximity

Battery
Charging	-	10W wired
Type	Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 4000 mAh, non-removable

Misc
Colors	Dark Cyan, Charcoal	Black, Steel
Models	-	TA-1156, TA-1159, TA-1164
Price	-	About 140 EUR
SAR EU	-	0.24 W/kg (head) 1.63 W/kg (body)

Nokia C02

Extremely Affordable
Simple and Easy to Use
Durable Build Quality (typical of Nokia)

Limited Performance
Basic Camera
No Fast Charging
Smaller Display

Nokia 3.2

Better Performance
Larger Display
Improved Camera
Faster Charging
More Modern Design

Slightly More Expensive
Still a Budget Phone (performance limitations exist)

Display Comparison

The Nokia 3.2 boasts a 6.26-inch HD+ display, offering a larger and more immersive viewing experience compared to the C02's likely smaller, lower-resolution screen (estimated 5.3-inch). Expect better color reproduction and clarity on the 3.2.

Camera Comparison

While both phones feature basic camera setups, the Nokia 3.2 generally offers a slightly better camera experience. It likely includes a higher resolution main sensor and potentially additional features like HDR. The C02's camera is expected to be more basic.

Performance

The Nokia 3.2's Qualcomm Snapdragon 429 chipset and 1.8 GHz CPU significantly outperform the C02's quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the 3.2.

Battery Life

Both phones likely feature a battery capacity around 3000-4000mAh. However, the Nokia 3.2's 10W wired charging provides a faster charging speed compared to the C02, which likely lacks fast charging support.

Buying Guide

The Nokia C02 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability above all else. It's a good option for basic calling, texting, and light app usage. The Nokia 3.2 is better suited for users who want a smoother experience, a slightly better camera, and a bit more future-proofing, especially if they plan to use more demanding apps.