Looking for an affordable smartphone? The Nokia C02 and C01 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment, offering reliable performance and the Nokia brand. But which one delivers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C01 Plus takes the crown thanks to its octa-core processor and more efficient chipset. While both are budget phones, the C01 Plus offers noticeably better performance for everyday tasks and a smoother user experience, making it the slightly better choice.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 23 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, May | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic back, plastic frame | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C02
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable Nokia brand
- Affordable price
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited features
Nokia C01 Plus
- Better performance than C02
- More efficient chipset
- Good value for money
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic camera
- HD+ display isn't exceptional
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.1-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. Expect similar color accuracy and resolution on both devices. Neither display is particularly impressive, but they are serviceable for the price.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a single rear camera, typically around 5MP. Image quality will be similar on both, with decent performance in good lighting conditions but struggles in low light. Don't expect exceptional photography from either device.
Performance
This is where the C01 Plus shines. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset with an octa-core processor significantly outperforms the C02's quad-core CPU. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the C01 Plus. The C02 will feel noticeably slower.
Battery Life
Both phones typically come with a 3000mAh battery. Battery life will be comparable, offering a full day of moderate use. However, the C01 Plus's more efficient chipset might provide slightly better longevity.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C02 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and a very basic smartphone experience. The Nokia C01 Plus is better suited for those who want a bit more performance for light gaming, multitasking, and general use without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system do these phones use?
Both the Nokia C02 and C01 Plus typically run Android Go Edition, a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-powered devices.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
While both phones can handle basic games, the Nokia C01 Plus is better suited for light gaming due to its more powerful processor. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly on either device.
