The Nokia C1 and Nokia 2.3 represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The C1 aims for absolute affordability, while the 2.3 attempts to offer a more modern experience with a more powerful chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device delivers the best value for your money.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia 2.3 is the superior choice. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset, clocked at 2.0 GHz, provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Nokia C1’s 1.3 GHz quad-core processor, making it better suited for everyday tasks and light multitasking. While both are entry-level, the 2.3 offers a noticeable performance boost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Global |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Global |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2019, December 11. Released 2020, December 11 | 2019, December 05. Released 2019, December 19 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | 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) | 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7 mm (6.21 x 2.97 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-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 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| | - | Always-on display |
| 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), upgradable to Android 11, Android One |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.4 |
| 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, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2500 mAh, removable | Li-Po 4000 mAh, non-removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Red | Cyan Green, Sand, Charcoal |
| Models | TA-1165 | TA-1211, TA-1214, TA-1206, TA-1209 |
| Price | About 50 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.81 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 1.30 W/kg (body) | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.40 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C1
- Lowest possible price point
- Functional for basic communication
- Simple and easy to use
- Very slow performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Outdated processor
Nokia 2.3
- Significantly faster processor
- More responsive user experience
- Better multitasking capabilities
- More efficient chipset
- Still an entry-level device
- Camera quality is likely limited
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Neither Nokia provides detailed display specifications. However, given their price points, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The C1’s lack of chipset detail suggests a simpler display driver, potentially impacting color accuracy. The 2.3, benefiting from the Helio A22’s integrated graphics, may offer slightly better color reproduction and smoother scrolling, though neither is expected to compete with higher-end displays.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are likely to feature basic camera setups. Without specific sensor details, it’s safe to assume both rely on low-resolution sensors. The Nokia 2.3’s more powerful chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, potentially resulting in marginally improved image quality in good lighting conditions. However, neither phone is expected to excel in low-light photography. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on the 2.3 is largely a marketing feature, offering limited practical benefit due to the low resolution.
Performance
The core difference lies in the processors. The Nokia C1’s quad-core 1.3 GHz CPU is significantly underpowered compared to the Nokia 2.3’s Mediatek Helio A22, featuring quad-core Cortex-A53 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz. The Helio A22 is built on a more efficient 12nm process, meaning better thermal management and potentially longer sustained performance. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the 2.3. The 2.3’s GPU will also outperform the C1’s, offering a better experience with basic games.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn’t specified for either device. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. The Nokia 2.3’s more efficient 12nm Helio A22 chipset will likely result in better battery life compared to the C1, despite potentially having a similar capacity. Charging wattage is also unknown, but both are likely to support slow charging speeds.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C1 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price point and your usage is limited to basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app use. It’s a functional device for first-time smartphone users or as a backup phone. Buy the Nokia 2.3 if you prioritize a smoother user experience, occasional social media browsing, and the ability to run more apps without significant lag. The 2.3 is the better option for anyone wanting a more capable, albeit still budget-friendly, smartphone.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia 2.3 be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Nokia 2.3’s Mediatek Helio A22 chipset is capable of running Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. While it won’t offer a high-end experience, it will provide a usable and reasonably smooth experience for browsing and basic interaction. The Nokia C1 may struggle with these apps, experiencing noticeable slowdowns.
❓ Is the Nokia C1 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for making calls and sending texts?
Yes, the Nokia C1 is perfectly adequate for basic communication. Its primary strength is its affordability, making it a suitable choice for users who only need a phone for calls and texts. However, be aware that its slow processor will make other tasks, like browsing the web, frustratingly slow.
❓ Can I play games on the Nokia 2.3?
The Nokia 2.3 can handle very basic games, but don't expect a high-performance gaming experience. Simple 2D games and less demanding 3D titles will be playable, but more graphically intensive games will likely suffer from low frame rates and lag. The Nokia C1 is even less suited for gaming.
