The Nokia C10 and Realme C11 (2021) represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, despite similar price points, significant differences in chipset architecture dictate a clear performance advantage for one over the other.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Realme C11 (2021) is the superior choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a noticeably smoother experience than the Nokia C10’s quad-core Unisoc SC7331E, making everyday tasks and light multitasking far more responsive. While both offer basic functionality, the Realme C11 delivers a more future-proofed experience.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, June 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 29 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 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 | 191 g (6.74 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda Glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) | 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 SC7331E (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 MP2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, Realme Go UI |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 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 3000 mAh, removable | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Gray, Light Purple | Cool Blue, Cool Grey |
| Models | TA-1342 | RMX3231 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.36 W/kg (head) 1.44 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C10
- Clean Android experience (likely Android Go Edition)
- Potentially more durable build quality (Nokia's reputation)
- Simpler user interface
- Significantly slower processor
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- No reverse charging
Realme C11 (2021)
- Faster octa-core processor
- Reverse wired charging
- More responsive user experience
- Potentially more bloatware (Realme's UI)
- May receive fewer software updates
- Build quality may not be as robust as Nokia
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. Specifics like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume both are 720p+ and offer adequate, but not exceptional, viewing experiences. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be basic. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make precise comparisons. However, given the market segment, expect 8-13MP main sensors on both. Image processing will likely be minimal, resulting in photos that are acceptable in good lighting but suffer in low-light conditions. Any secondary cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are largely marketing filler and offer limited practical value. The Realme C11 may have a slight edge due to its more powerful processor enabling marginally better image processing.
Performance
This is where the Realme C11 (2021) truly shines. The Unisoc SC9863A’s octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) is a significant upgrade over the Nokia C10’s Unisoc SC7331E quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7. The Cortex-A55 cores in the Realme are more efficient and offer better single-core performance, translating to snappier app launches and smoother scrolling. The Nokia C10 will struggle with even moderate multitasking, while the Realme C11 can handle a few apps simultaneously without significant slowdown. Both chipsets are built on a 28nm process, meaning thermal management isn't a major concern, but the Realme's architecture will simply complete tasks faster.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, but both likely house around 4000-5000mAh batteries. The Realme C11 (2021) includes 10W wired charging and, crucially, reverse wired charging. This allows it to act as a power bank for other devices, a feature absent on the Nokia C10. While 10W charging isn’t fast, it’s sufficient for overnight charging. The Realme’s reverse charging capability adds a layer of utility the Nokia C10 simply cannot match.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C10 if you prioritize extreme simplicity and a clean Android experience, and your usage is limited to basic calls, texts, and very light app use. Buy the Realme C11 (2021) if you want a more responsive device capable of handling multiple apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from the added convenience of reverse wired charging.
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 processor and sufficient RAM (likely 2-3GB) should handle WhatsApp and Facebook without significant issues. Expect some slowdown with multiple apps open simultaneously, but basic social media usage will be perfectly acceptable.
❓ Is the Nokia C10 a good choice for elderly users who need a simple phone?
Yes, the Nokia C10's clean Android Go Edition interface and straightforward functionality make it a suitable option for elderly users or those unfamiliar with smartphones. Its simplicity prioritizes essential features like calls and texts, minimizing complexity.
❓ Can the Realme C11 (2021) charge other devices quickly with its reverse charging feature?
No, the Realme C11 (2021)'s 10W reverse charging is relatively slow. It's best suited for providing a small emergency charge to accessories like wireless earbuds or a smartwatch, rather than fully charging another smartphone.
❓ How will the Unisoc SC7331E in the Nokia C10 perform with mobile gaming?
The Unisoc SC7331E is not designed for gaming. While it can handle very basic 2D games, expect significant lag and low frame rates with more demanding titles. The Realme C11 (2021) offers a slightly better gaming experience, but still isn't ideal for serious mobile gamers.
