Looking for an affordable smartphone that gets the job done? The Nokia C100 and C02 are both contenders in the budget phone arena, offering reliable performance and the Nokia brand's reputation. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C100 edges out the C02 thanks to its more powerful chipset and slightly better performance. While both are budget options, the C100's CPU provides a noticeable boost in responsiveness for everyday tasks. However, the C02 might be a better fit for those prioritizing the absolute lowest price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 41, 66, 71 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 05 | 2023, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, Q2 | Available. Released 2023, May |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 149.6 x 71.9 x 9.7 mm (5.89 x 2.83 x 0.38 in) | 148.7 x 71.2 x 10 mm (5.85 x 2.80 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 191 g (6.74 oz) |
| | Splash protection | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~71.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | - |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | - |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity, barometer | Accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Blue | Dark Cyan, Charcoal |
| Models | TA-1484, TA-1520, N152DL | - |
| Price | About 50 EUR | - |
| SAR | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.35 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C100
- More powerful chipset
- Slightly better performance
- Nokia brand reliability
- Android Go Edition for efficiency
- May be slightly more expensive than C02
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage options
Nokia C02
- Very affordable
- Nokia brand reliability
- Android Go Edition for efficiency
- Decent battery life
- Slower performance
- Basic camera quality
- Limited storage options
- Less responsive UI
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar, basic LCD displays, probably around 6.1 to 6.3 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels (HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use, but not exceptional outdoor visibility. The C100 *might* have a slightly better panel due to potentially more advanced manufacturing, but this is difficult to confirm without detailed reviews.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are often limited on budget phones. Both are likely to feature a single rear camera, probably around 8-13MP. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The C100 *might* have slightly better image processing due to its more powerful chipset, but don't expect flagship-level photography from either device. Front cameras are likely 5MP on both.
Performance
This is where the C100 has a clear advantage. Its Mediatek Helio A22 chipset with a 2.0 GHz quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU is significantly faster than the C02's unspecified quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user experience on the C100. The C02 will likely struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a battery capacity around 4000mAh, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization will play a crucial role in real-world performance, and Nokia's Android Go edition software on both devices should contribute to good efficiency.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C100 is ideal for users who need a bit more processing power for basic apps, social media, and light multitasking. The Nokia C02 is a great choice for those on a very tight budget who primarily need a phone for calls, texts, and essential communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for phones with limited RAM and storage. It uses optimized apps and reduces data usage to provide a smoother experience on budget devices.
❓ How much storage do these phones have?
Both the Nokia C100 and C02 typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. This is sufficient for basic apps and photos, but users may need to expand the storage for more media.
