The Nokia C1 and Infinix Smart 4c represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. Both aim to deliver basic functionality at an incredibly low price point, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate which phone offers a more usable experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and a smoother experience, the Infinix Smart 4c is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a substantial performance advantage over the Nokia C1’s 1.3 GHz processor, making everyday tasks noticeably faster.
| 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 | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 11. Released 2020, December 11 | 2019, November. Released 2019, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 147.6 x 71.4 x 8.7 mm (5.81 x 2.81 x 0.34 in) | 167 x 76 x 8.3 mm (6.57 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 155 g (5.47 oz) | 183 g (6.46 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Yes | - |
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~197 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 |
| Chipset | - | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 9.0 (Pie) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 8 MP
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | Dual-LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, AF | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red | Midnight Black, Quetzal Cyan, Cosmic Purple |
| Models | TA-1165 | X653C |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C1
- Nokia brand recognition
- Potentially simpler software experience
- May receive more consistent (though limited) software updates
- Significantly slower processor
- Less responsive user interface
- Likely inferior gaming performance
Infinix Smart 4c
- Faster and more efficient processor
- Smoother user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- Less established brand reputation
- Potentially more pre-installed bloatware
- Software update support may be less frequent
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Given the context data, we can assume both utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. The lack of specified resolution or screen size suggests both are likely 720p or lower, and around 5-6 inches. The key difference lies in the processing power driving the display; a faster processor in the Infinix Smart 4c will contribute to smoother animations and transitions, even if the panel itself is similar.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The Infinix Smart 4c may have a slight edge due to the more powerful image signal processor (ISP) integrated within the Helio A22 chipset, potentially leading to slightly better image processing. However, expectations should be tempered; both cameras will struggle in low-light conditions and produce images with limited detail.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Infinix Smart 4c’s Mediatek Helio A22 (12nm) is a far more modern and efficient chipset than the Nokia C1’s unnamed quad-core processor clocked at just 1.3 GHz. The 12nm fabrication process of the Helio A22 allows for higher clock speeds and improved power efficiency. The Cortex-A53 cores in the Helio A22, while not high-end, are architecturally superior to what’s likely found in the Nokia C1, resulting in faster app loading times and better multitasking. This translates to a more fluid user experience, especially when switching between apps.
Battery Life
Battery life will heavily depend on usage patterns. While the mAh capacity isn’t specified for either device, the more efficient Helio A22 in the Infinix Smart 4c will likely result in longer battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity to the Nokia C1. The 12nm process node contributes to reduced power consumption, extending the time between charges. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow on both devices, given their budget nature.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C1 if you absolutely need the Nokia brand reputation for software updates (though limited) and prioritize extreme simplicity. It's best suited for users who only need basic calling, texting, and very light app usage. Buy the Infinix Smart 4c if you prefer a more responsive user experience, even for basic tasks, and are willing to trade brand recognition for improved performance. This is the better choice for those who occasionally browse the web or use social media apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Infinix Smart 4c struggle with popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
While the Helio A22 isn't a powerhouse, it's capable of running apps like WhatsApp and Facebook reasonably well. You might experience some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but for basic social media usage, it should suffice. The Nokia C1's slower processor will likely struggle more noticeably.
❓ Is the Nokia C1 a good choice for elderly users who primarily need a phone for calls and texts?
The Nokia C1 could be suitable for elderly users with very basic needs. Its simplicity might be appealing, but the slow processor could still be frustrating even for simple tasks. The Infinix Smart 4c, despite being faster, isn't significantly more complex to use.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile?
Neither phone is realistically capable of playing PUBG Mobile at playable frame rates. The processors are simply too weak, and the integrated graphics lack the power to render the game smoothly. You might be able to run the game at the lowest settings, but expect significant lag and stuttering.
