Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C1 2nd Edition and C20 are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best bang for your buck? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you make the right choice.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C20 emerges as the clear winner. Its octa-core processor and more modern architecture provide a noticeable performance boost over the C1 2nd Edition's quad-core chip, resulting in a smoother user experience and better multitasking capabilities. Both are budget options, but the C20 offers more value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 05 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2021, June 06 |
| 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) | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 154 g (5.43 oz) | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | 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, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Sand, Dark Blue |
| Models | TA-1380 | TA-1339, TA-1348, TA-1352, TA-1356 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C1 2nd Edition
- Extremely affordable
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Clean Android Go Edition experience
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
Nokia C20
- Better performance than C1 2nd Edition
- Dual-camera setup
- Slightly more modern design
- Expandable storage
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Camera performance is average
- Can feel sluggish with demanding apps
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.1-inch HD+ (720 x 1560) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the C20 might offer slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern panel, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing. Viewing angles are acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C20 boasts a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor) compared to the C1 2nd Edition's single 5MP camera. While neither phone excels in photography, the C20's additional depth sensor allows for portrait mode shots. Image quality on both is adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light.
Performance
This is where the C20 shines. The Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor with its Cortex-A55 cores provides significantly better performance than the C1 2nd Edition's Unisoc SC7731e quad-core Cortex-A7 chip. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the C20. The C1 2nd Edition will feel noticeably slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 4000mAh battery. Battery life is generally good on both devices, easily lasting a full day with moderate usage. The C20's more efficient processor might give it a slight edge in battery endurance, but the difference is likely to be minimal.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C1 2nd Edition is ideal for users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and very light app usage. It's a great option for first-time smartphone users or those on an extremely tight budget. The Nokia C20 is better suited for users who want a slightly more responsive phone for everyday tasks, social media, and occasional gaming. It's a good choice for those who want a bit more performance without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. It uses optimized apps and reduces background data usage to improve performance on budget phones.
❓ Can I expand the storage on either phone?
Yes, both the Nokia C1 2nd Edition and Nokia C20 support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps.
