The Nokia C20 and itel A48 represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic, reliable device. Both phones utilize Unisoc chipsets, but significant differences in core count and clock speeds dictate a clear performance hierarchy. This comparison will dissect those differences and determine which phone offers the best value for its price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C20 is the better choice. Its octa-core processor, despite sharing the same 28nm process as the itel A48’s quad-core chip, provides a noticeably smoother experience for everyday tasks like browsing and messaging. While neither phone excels, the C20 offers a more future-proofed platform for basic smartphone usage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM, Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 06 | Available. Released 2021 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 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 | Dual SIM |
| Weight | 191 g (6.74 oz) | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~288 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Quad-core 1.4 GHz |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9832E (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-T820 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP (wide)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | Yes |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Yes |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | 3000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand, Dark Blue | Black, Purple, Green |
| Models | TA-1339, TA-1348, TA-1352, TA-1356 | - |
| Price | About 80 EUR | - |
| SAR | 0.74 W/kg (head) 1.16 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C20
- Octa-core processor offers better performance.
- More responsive user experience for basic tasks.
- Potentially better multi-tasking capabilities.
- Limited detailed specifications available.
- Likely basic camera performance.
itel A48
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Reliable for basic calling and texting.
- Quad-core processor struggles with demanding tasks.
- Slower app loading times and less responsive UI.
Display Comparison
Neither Nokia nor itel provide detailed display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with standard color reproduction. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity, but on basic usability. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor. Without specific brightness data, it's safe to assume both displays will struggle in direct sunlight.
Camera Comparison
Both phones likely feature basic camera setups, and detailed specifications are scarce. It's reasonable to assume both include a primary rear camera and potentially a VGA front camera. Image quality will be limited by the sensors and image processing capabilities of the Unisoc chipsets. Focusing on megapixel counts would be misleading; the quality of the image sensor and software processing are far more important at this price point. Expect acceptable results in good lighting conditions, but poor performance in low light.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipset: the Nokia C20 features the Unisoc SC9863A with an octa-core CPU (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), while the itel A48 uses the Unisoc SC9832E, a quad-core 1.4 GHz processor. This translates to a significant advantage for the C20 in multi-tasking and app loading times. The Cortex-A55 cores are efficient, but the sheer number of cores in the C20 provides a substantial performance boost. The 28nm fabrication process is shared, meaning thermal efficiency will be similar, but the A48 will likely throttle more quickly under sustained load. The A48's quad-core setup is adequate for basic calling and texting, but will struggle with anything more demanding.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, given their basic functionality and low-power chipsets, both phones should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage (primarily calls and texts). Charging wattage is also unspecified, suggesting slow charging speeds via micro-USB. The efficiency of the Unisoc SC9863A in the C20 might offer a slight edge in battery endurance, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C20 if you prioritize a slightly more responsive user experience and anticipate using the phone for more than just calls and texts. It's suitable for users who occasionally browse social media or use basic apps. Buy the itel A48 if your primary need is a very basic, reliable phone for calls and texts, and you're on an extremely tight budget. It's a good option for those who are less tech-savvy or simply need a functional device without frills.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C20 handle WhatsApp video calls reliably?
The Nokia C20's octa-core processor should be capable of handling WhatsApp video calls, but the experience may be laggy or unstable depending on network conditions. It's not designed for extended video conferencing, but short calls should be manageable.
❓ Is the itel A48 a good option for a senior citizen who primarily needs a phone for calls?
Yes, the itel A48 is a suitable option for a senior citizen who primarily needs a phone for calls and texts. Its simplicity and affordability make it a practical choice, and the quad-core processor is sufficient for basic communication.
❓ Can either of these phones run popular mobile games like PUBG Mobile?
No, neither the Nokia C20 nor the itel A48 are capable of running PUBG Mobile or other graphically demanding games. Their processors and GPUs are simply not powerful enough to provide a playable experience.
❓ What type of charging port do these phones use?
Both the Nokia C20 and itel A48 are expected to use a micro-USB charging port, which is standard for phones in this price range. Charging speeds will likely be slow.
