The Nokia C1 2nd Edition and itel A48 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic smartphone functionality at an incredibly affordable price point, but they achieve this with different hardware choices. This comparison dissects those choices, revealing which device offers the best experience for users prioritizing essential features.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user needing a basic smartphone for calls, messaging, and light app usage, the itel A48 edges out the Nokia C1 2nd Edition. Its slightly faster 1.4 GHz CPU and more modern Unisoc SC9832E chipset offer a marginally smoother experience, despite both phones running Android Go.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 05 | 2021 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2021 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) | - |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 154 g (5.43 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~288 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Black, Purple, Green |
| Models | TA-1380 | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C1 2nd Edition
- Established brand reputation (Nokia)
- Potential for longer software support
- Android Go edition for optimized performance
- Slower processor (1.3 GHz)
- Older Unisoc SC7731e chipset
- Likely lower performance in demanding apps
itel A48
- Faster processor (1.4 GHz)
- More modern Unisoc SC9832E chipset
- Potentially better power efficiency
- Less established brand (itel)
- Potentially shorter software support lifecycle
- Android Go edition may still feel sluggish
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature low-resolution panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the absence of specific display specs necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. A more powerful chipset, like the itel A48's SC9832E, will translate to fewer stutters during scrolling and app transitions, even on a basic display.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. It's safe to assume both will include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Given the price point, image quality will be limited, particularly in low-light conditions. Focusing on the chipset's image signal processor (ISP) capabilities, the SC9832E in the itel A48 likely offers slightly better image processing than the SC7731e, resulting in marginally improved photos. The absence of OIS or high-resolution sensors means camera performance won't be a deciding factor for most users.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The itel A48’s Unisoc SC9832E, fabricated on a 28nm process, offers a 1.4 GHz quad-core CPU, a slight advantage over the Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s Unisoc SC7731e with its 1.3 GHz quad-core Cortex-A7 CPU. While both are entry-level, the SC9832E’s newer architecture and higher clock speed should result in faster app loading times and a more responsive overall experience. The 28nm process also suggests potentially better power efficiency, though this is offset by the slightly higher clock speed. Neither chipset is suited for demanding tasks or gaming.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given the low-power chipsets and basic displays, both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. The itel A48’s slightly more efficient chipset (due to the 28nm process) *could* translate to a longer runtime, but this is speculative. Charging speeds are also unknown, but likely to be slow, relying on micro-USB connectivity.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C1 2nd Edition if you prioritize brand reliability and a potentially longer software support lifecycle, even if performance is slightly lower. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those needing a very simple, dependable device. Buy the itel A48 if you prefer a slightly more responsive user experience and don't mind a less established brand. This is a good choice for users who frequently use apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Lite.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the itel A48 struggle with WhatsApp video calls?
While the itel A48's Unisoc SC9832E is an entry-level chipset, it should be capable of handling WhatsApp video calls, especially with a stable internet connection. However, expect some potential lag or dropped frames during calls, particularly if other apps are running in the background. The Nokia C1 2nd Edition may struggle even more due to its slower processor.
❓ Is Android Go enough to make either phone feel responsive?
Android Go is designed to run smoothly on low-end hardware by using less storage space and data. While it helps, it can't completely overcome the limitations of the Unisoc SC7731e in the Nokia C1 2nd Edition. The itel A48, with its SC9832E, benefits more from Android Go, offering a slightly more fluid experience, but don't expect flagship-level performance.
❓ Can either phone play PUBG Mobile?
Neither the Nokia C1 2nd Edition nor the itel A48 are suitable for playing PUBG Mobile. The chipsets lack the processing power and graphics capabilities to run the game at playable frame rates, even on the lowest settings. Attempting to play PUBG Mobile will likely result in significant lag and a frustrating experience.
