The sub-$100 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Nokia C1 2nd Edition and the Realme C11 (2021) aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point. However, significant differences in their underlying hardware mean one offers a substantially better user experience, particularly for those needing more than basic tasks.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C11 (2021) is the clear winner. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s quad-core Unisoc SC7731e. While both phones are limited, the Realme offers a noticeable performance boost for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 05 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 27 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) | 165.2 x 76.4 x 8.9 mm (6.50 x 3.01 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 154 g (5.43 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| 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 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| 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, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, proximity | Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired
Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue, Purple | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | TA-1380 | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.60 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C1 2nd Edition
- Lowest possible price point
- Compact size (6.08-inch display)
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- No reverse charging
Realme C11 (2021)
- Faster octa-core processor
- Reverse wired charging
- Larger display (6.5 inches)
- Still limited performance overall
- Basic camera system
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature basic LCD panels with resolutions around 720p+, typical for this price bracket. However, specifics like brightness and color accuracy are unavailable. The Realme C11 (2021) benefits from a slightly larger screen size (6.5 inches vs. the Nokia C1’s 6.08 inches), potentially offering a more immersive viewing experience, though this comes at the cost of overall device size. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. Details on sensor sizes and apertures are scarce, but both likely feature a primary camera around 8-13MP. The Realme C11 (2021) may include additional sensors (depth, macro), but their quality is likely to be minimal. Image processing will be basic on both, and low-light performance will be poor. Focusing on the primary sensor, the Realme’s more powerful processor could offer slightly better image processing capabilities, but expectations should remain low.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Realme C11 (2021) utilizes the Unisoc SC9863A, an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process. This configuration, with four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four at 1.2 GHz, provides a substantial advantage over the Nokia C1 2nd Edition’s Unisoc SC7731e quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU. The SC9863A’s architecture (Cortex-A55) is also more modern and efficient than the C1’s Cortex-A7, resulting in faster app loading times and smoother multitasking. While neither chipset is a powerhouse, the Realme handles everyday tasks with noticeably less lag.
Battery Life
Both phones feature sizable batteries for their class, likely around 4000-5000 mAh. However, the Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and, crucially, reverse wired charging. This allows the Realme to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Nokia C1 2nd Edition. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s better than the potentially slower charging speeds of the Nokia. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage, but the Realme’s more efficient processor could contribute to slightly longer runtimes.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C1 2nd Edition if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and only intend to use the phone for basic calling, texting, and extremely light app usage. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you prefer a more fluid experience for social media, web browsing, and occasional gaming, even within the constraints of a budget device. The Realme’s faster processor and reverse charging capability add tangible value.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Realme C11 (2021) struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Realme C11 (2021) isn't a powerhouse, its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor should handle WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for basic social media usage, it's adequate. The Nokia C1 2nd Edition will likely struggle more noticeably with these apps.
❓ Can the Realme C11 (2021) be used for light gaming?
The Realme C11 (2021) can handle very light gaming, such as simple puzzle games or older titles. However, demanding games like PUBG Mobile will likely be unplayable or require extremely low graphics settings and frame rates. The Nokia C1 2nd Edition is even less suited for gaming due to its weaker processor.
❓ How useful is the reverse charging feature on the Realme C11 (2021)?
The reverse charging feature is surprisingly useful in a pinch. While 10W charging is slow, it can provide a crucial boost to a completely depleted Bluetooth earbud or smartwatch when you don't have access to a power outlet. It's a unique feature in this price segment.
