The ultra-budget smartphone segment is fiercely competitive. Both the Nokia C2 2nd Edition and the Motorola Moto E7i Power aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at the lowest possible price. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Motorola prioritizing processing power while Nokia focuses on a streamlined experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Motorola Moto E7i Power is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor provides a significant performance uplift over the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core CPU, making everyday tasks smoother. However, the Nokia may appeal to those seeking extreme simplicity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2021, February 23 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2021, March 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 165.1 x 75.9 x 9.2 mm (6.5 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 380 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.5 GHz | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, f/2.0, 26mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, 27mm (wide), 1.12µm |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Tahiti Blue, Coral Red |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | XT2097-13 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Potentially simpler software experience
- May offer slightly longer battery life under minimal use
- Likely very affordable
- Significantly slower processor
- Poor multitasking performance
- Likely limited camera capabilities
Motorola Moto E7i Power
- Faster octa-core processor
- Smoother multitasking and app loading
- More responsive user experience
- Slower 10W charging
- May have more pre-installed bloatware
- Potentially less streamlined software
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 Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s display specifications are not provided, but it’s likely a 720p resolution. The Moto E7i Power’s display resolution is also likely 720p. Without knowing the peak brightness or color gamut coverage of either, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner. However, the Motorola’s slightly more modern chipset *could* indicate better display processing capabilities, potentially leading to slightly more vibrant colors.
Camera Comparison
Both devices likely feature basic camera setups. Without detailed sensor information, it’s safe to assume both rely on relatively low-resolution sensors. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s camera specs are unknown, but it’s unlikely to compete with even mid-range offerings. The Moto E7i Power’s camera details are also limited, suggesting a focus on functionality over image quality. Image processing will likely be minimal on both devices, resulting in images that are acceptable in good lighting conditions but suffer in low light. The absence of OIS on either device further limits their low-light capabilities.
Performance
The Motorola Moto E7i Power’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset is the clear performance champion here. Its octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) significantly outpaces the Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s quad-core 1.5 GHz processor. The Cortex-A55 cores, while not high-end, offer a substantial improvement in multi-tasking and app loading times. The 28nm fabrication process of the Unisoc chip isn’t cutting-edge, but it’s sufficient for the intended use case. The Nokia’s quad-core processor will struggle with more demanding applications and multitasking, leading to noticeable lag. Users who frequently switch between apps or play even casual games will find the Motorola a far more pleasant experience.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto E7i Power includes 10W wired charging. While slow by modern standards, it’s typical for this price point. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition’s battery capacity and charging speed are unknown, but it’s reasonable to assume similar specifications. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process, while not the most efficient, may offer a slight advantage in battery life due to its ability to manage power consumption more effectively when idle. However, the Nokia’s less powerful processor may also contribute to longer battery life under light usage. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 2nd Edition if you need a truly basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, and value a simple, uncluttered Android experience. Buy the Motorola Moto E7i Power if you prefer a phone capable of handling multiple apps, occasional gaming, and generally offers a more responsive user experience, even if it means sacrificing some software simplicity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Motorola Moto E7i Power struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
While the Moto E7i Power won't offer a flagship-level experience, its octa-core processor and sufficient RAM should handle Facebook and Instagram reasonably well. Expect some loading times and occasional lag, but it should be usable for casual browsing and posting. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition will likely exhibit more noticeable performance issues with these apps.
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset known for overheating or throttling under load?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a low-power chipset designed for entry-level devices. It's unlikely to overheat significantly, even during prolonged use. However, it *will* throttle performance under sustained load to prevent overheating, resulting in reduced frame rates in games or slower processing speeds during demanding tasks. This is typical for chipsets in this price range.
❓ Can I expect to play games like PUBG Mobile on the Motorola Moto E7i Power?
You can *attempt* to play PUBG Mobile on the Moto E7i Power, but the experience will be far from ideal. You'll likely need to run the game at the lowest graphics settings and frame rate to achieve playable performance. Expect significant lag and stuttering, especially during intense firefights. The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is unlikely to run PUBG Mobile at all.