Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C12 and C21 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive price points. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly more efficient 22nm chipset, potentially offering a bit better performance and battery life. Both are budget phones, so don't expect flagship speeds, but the C12 provides a marginal advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 18 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 02 | Available. Released 2022, May 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, AF | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1356, TA-1352 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C12
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Potentially better battery life
- Compact and lightweight design
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
- No NFC (likely)
- Plastic build
Nokia C21
- Durable and reliable build
- Familiar Nokia software experience
- Decent battery life
- Android Go Edition for smoother performance on limited hardware
- Less efficient chipset
- Slightly lower performance
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C12 and C21 typically feature a 6.3-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, slight variations in brightness and color accuracy might exist, but these are unlikely to be significant differences for the target audience. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are generally similar. Both phones typically feature a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Expect basic features and minimal image processing capabilities.
Performance
The key difference lies in the chipset fabrication process. The C12 boasts a 22nm Unisoc SC9863A1, while the C21 uses a 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The smaller 22nm process generally leads to better power efficiency and slightly improved performance. Both phones have an Octa-core CPU (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), so real-world performance differences will be subtle but noticeable under sustained load.
Battery Life
Both phones usually come with a 4000mAh battery. However, the C12's more efficient chipset gives it a slight edge in battery life. Expect a full day of moderate usage on both devices, but the C12 might stretch that a bit further.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C12 is ideal for users prioritizing basic functionality, affordability, and slightly better performance. The Nokia C21 is a good option for those seeking a durable, reliable phone with a focus on longevity and a familiar Nokia experience, even if it means sacrificing a bit of speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a streamlined version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. It uses optimized apps and reduces background processes to improve performance.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Nokia C12 nor the Nokia C21 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
