Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C2 2nd Edition 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?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 edges out the C2 2nd Edition thanks to its octa-core processor and more modern chipset. While both are budget phones, the C21 offers a noticeable performance boost, making it a slightly better overall value for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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 | 2022, February 28 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2022, May 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| 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 |
| Radio | Wireless 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | TA-1356, TA-1352 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Very affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Reliable Nokia brand
- Slow performance
- Limited features
- Basic camera
Nokia C21
- Better performance than C2 2nd Edition
- More modern chipset
- Decent battery life
- Still a budget phone with limitations
- Basic camera
- Design is somewhat dated
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. Color accuracy is typical for budget devices, leaning towards slightly oversaturated hues. Neither phone stands out in this category; they are functionally equivalent.
Camera Comparison
Both phones typically feature a single rear camera, likely around 13MP. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Don't expect exceptional photography from either device; they are adequate for casual snapshots. Video recording capabilities are basic, likely limited to 720p resolution.
Performance
This is where the C21 takes a clear lead. The C21's octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides significantly better performance than the C2 2nd Edition's quad-core processor. Expect smoother app loading, quicker response times, and better overall multitasking capabilities on the C21. The C2 2nd Edition will feel noticeably slower, especially with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 4000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery optimization is crucial on both devices to maximize longevity. Actual battery performance will depend heavily on usage patterns.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity and a very tight budget. The Nokia C21 is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for basic apps and occasional multitasking, and who appreciate a slightly more modern chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C2 2nd Edition and C21?
The main difference is the processor. The C21 has an octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while the C2 2nd Edition has a quad-core processor, resulting in better performance on the C21.
❓ Which Nokia C2 phone has better battery life?
Both phones are expected to have a 4000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual performance will depend on usage patterns.
