The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, demanding compromises. Both the Nokia C2 and Xiaomi Redmi 10A aim to deliver a functional Android experience at an incredibly low price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Redmi 10A boasting a more modern chipset while the Nokia C2 relies on a simpler, older architecture. This comparison will dissect their strengths and weaknesses to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing responsiveness and multitasking, the Xiaomi Redmi 10A is the clear winner. Its Mediatek Helio G25 chipset, with its octa-core configuration, provides a significantly smoother experience than the Nokia C2’s quad-core Unisoc processor. While the Nokia C2 offers a clean software experience, the performance gap is too substantial to ignore.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - Africa, ME, APAC | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Africa, ME, APAC | 1, 3, 5, 8, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / CDMA2000 / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Saudi Arabia | 1, 3, 5, 8, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 - China |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, March 16. Released 2020, March 22 | 2022, March 29 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2022, March 31 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 154.8 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) | 164.9 x 77.1 x 9 mm (6.49 x 3.04 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 161 g (5.68 oz) | 194 g (6.84 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.7 inches, 83.8 cm2 (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.53 inches, 102.9 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4 GHz | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6762G Helio G25 (12 nm) |
| GPU | - | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 9.0 Pie (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 12.5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 2800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan, Black | Charcoal Black, Sea Blue, Slate Grey |
| Models | - | 220233L2C, 220233L2G, 220233L2I |
| Price | - | € 60.00 / $ 66.55 |
| SAR | - | 0.90 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C2
- Clean Android experience (likely Android Go Edition)
- Potentially more durable build quality (Nokia's reputation)
- Simpler user interface for beginners
- Significantly weaker processor performance
- Limited multitasking capabilities
- Likely struggles with modern apps and games
Xiaomi Redmi 10A
- More powerful Mediatek Helio G25 chipset
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking
- 10W wired charging
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be bloated with pre-installed apps
- Potentially less durable build quality
- May receive fewer software updates than Nokia
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specifications necessitates a focus on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. The Redmi 10A’s more powerful GPU will likely result in a more fluid scrolling experience, even if the resolution and panel quality are similar. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, reflecting their budget nature.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely to be similar, and underwhelming, on both devices. Given the price point, both will likely feature a primary sensor paired with basic auxiliary lenses (often 2MP macro or depth sensors). Without specific sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Redmi 10A’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G25 chipset may offer slightly better image processing capabilities, resulting in marginally improved image quality in good lighting conditions. The 2MP auxiliary cameras on both devices are unlikely to provide significant value.
Performance
The performance disparity is the most significant difference. The Nokia C2’s Unisoc processor, built on a 28nm process, is a quad-core unit clocked at 1.4GHz. This is significantly less capable than the Xiaomi Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 (MT6762G), fabricated on a more efficient 12nm process and featuring an octa-core configuration (4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53). The Helio G25’s higher clock speeds and core count translate to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface. The Redmi 10A will handle basic games more effectively, while the Nokia C2 may struggle with even moderately demanding titles. The 12nm process also suggests better thermal efficiency for the Redmi 10A, reducing the likelihood of throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but both will likely feature batteries in the 3000-5000 mAh range. The Redmi 10A’s 10W wired charging is a slight advantage over the Nokia C2, which likely lacks fast charging capabilities. While 10W isn’t fast by modern standards, it’s still preferable to slower charging options. The more efficient 12nm chipset in the Redmi 10A may also contribute to slightly longer battery life, even with a similar capacity battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C2 if you absolutely need a phone for the most basic tasks – calls, texts, and light app usage – and prioritize a clean, uncluttered Android experience. It’s a good choice for first-time smartphone users or those needing a simple backup device. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10A if you want a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and multitasking without significant lag. Its more powerful chipset and 10W charging offer a more versatile and modern experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10A be able to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Redmi 10A’s Mediatek Helio G25 chipset is sufficiently powerful to run popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The octa-core processor and increased processing power compared to the Nokia C2 will provide a smoother experience, even with multiple apps open.
❓ Is the Nokia C2 a good option for someone who primarily uses their phone for calls and texts?
Yes, the Nokia C2 is a suitable option for users who primarily need a phone for basic communication – calls and texts. Its simpler processor is adequate for these tasks, and the clean Android Go Edition software minimizes unnecessary background processes, potentially extending battery life. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications.
❓ Can the Xiaomi Redmi 10A handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers?
The Xiaomi Redmi 10A should be able to handle basic mobile games like Candy Crush or Subway Surfers without major issues. The Helio G25 chipset offers a noticeable performance boost over the Nokia C2’s Unisoc processor, allowing for a more playable gaming experience, although don't expect high frame rates or detailed graphics.
