Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C2 2nd Edition and C30 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features without breaking the bank. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C30 edges out the C2 2nd Edition thanks to its octa-core processor, slightly better battery life, and more modern chipset. While both are budget options, the C30 provides a noticeable performance boost and a more future-proof design, making it the overall winner.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 |
| | - | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28 - Australia, UK, Ireland |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 19 | Available. Released 2021, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154 x 75.9 x 10 mm (6.06 x 2.99 x 0.39 in) | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 180 g (6.35 oz) | 237 g (8.36 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~188 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | Unspecified |
| 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, OTG |
| 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-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Green, White, Dark Grey |
| Models | TA-1468, TA-1454 | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 |
| Price | About 240 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.52 W/kg (head) 0.68 W/kg (body) | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.42 W/kg (head) 1.14 W/kg (body) | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2 2nd Edition
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Limited storage
- Outdated chipset
Nokia C30
- Better performance (octa-core)
- Longer battery life
- Improved camera
- More modern design
- 10W charging
- Still a budget phone (compromises exist)
- Camera still limited in low light
- May lack advanced features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar, basic LCD displays, likely around 6.1-6.3 inches with HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or exceptional clarity. The C30 might have a slightly better panel due to its newer design.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C30 likely boasts a slightly better camera setup, potentially with a higher resolution main sensor (likely 13MP) and a depth sensor. The C2 2nd Edition's camera is expected to be more basic, likely around 5MP. Image quality on both will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited.
Performance
This is where the C30 shines. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A chipset offers a significant performance advantage over the C2 2nd Edition's quad-core processor. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the C30. The C2 2nd Edition will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
The Nokia C30's larger battery capacity (likely 5000mAh) and efficient chipset contribute to longer battery life. Expect all-day usage with moderate use on the C30, while the C2 2nd Edition might require charging before the end of the day with similar usage.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C2 2nd Edition is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity and affordability above all else. It's a great option for basic calling, texting, and light app usage. The Nokia C30 is better suited for users who want a slightly smoother experience, longer battery life, and a more capable camera, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C2 2nd Edition and C30?
The Nokia C30 offers a significantly faster octa-core processor, a better camera, and longer battery life compared to the C2 2nd Edition's quad-core processor and more basic features.
❓ Which Nokia phone is better for gaming?
The Nokia C30 is the better choice for gaming due to its more powerful processor. However, both phones are still limited by their budget hardware and won't handle demanding games smoothly.
