Nokia C20 vs. itel Vision 2S: Which Ultra-Budget Phone Wins?

The Nokia C20 and itel Vision 2S represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time smartphone buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both rely on the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, making a direct performance comparison crucial. However, a key difference emerges with the itel Vision 2S offering 18W charging, a feature absent on the Nokia C20. This comparison will dissect these nuances to determine which device delivers the best value.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing convenience, the itel Vision 2S is the better choice. While both phones offer identical processing power thanks to the Unisoc SC9863A, the inclusion of 18W fast charging significantly reduces downtime, making it more practical for daily use. The Nokia C20 remains a viable option for those on the tightest of budgets.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia C20 itel Vision 2S
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - InternationalHSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - InternationalLTE
SpeedHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 MbpsHSPA, LTE
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 66 - LATAM, Brazil-
Launch
Announced2021, April 082021
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 06Available. Released 2021
Body
Dimensions169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in)166 x 76.3 x 8.9 mm (6.54 x 3.00 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIMDual SIM
Weight191 g (6.74 oz)-
Display
Resolution720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density)
Size6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio)6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.0% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm)
GPUIMG8322IMG8322
OSAndroid 11 (Go edition)Android 11 (Go edition)
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC
Internal16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM32GB 2GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1-
Main Camera
Dual-8 MP 0.3 MP
FeaturesLED flash, HDRLED flash
Single5 MP-
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesLED flash-
Single5 MP5 MP
Video720pYes
Sound
3.5mm jack Yes-
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth4.2, A2DPYes
NFCNoNo
PositioningGPSGPS
RadioFM radioUnspecified
USBmicroUSB 2.0microUSB
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/nYes
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer
Battery
Charging-18W wired
TypeLi-Ion 3000 mAh, removable5000 mAh
Misc
ColorsSand, Dark BlueGradation Purple, Gradation Blue, Deep Blue
ModelsTA-1339, TA-1348, TA-1352, TA-1356-
PriceAbout 80 EUR-
SAR0.74 W/kg (head)     1.16 W/kg (body)-
SAR EU0.43 W/kg (head)     1.55 W/kg (body)-

Nokia C20

  • Potentially lower price point
  • Reliable Nokia brand reputation
  • Simple and straightforward software experience

  • Slow charging speeds
  • Limited performance for demanding tasks
  • Basic camera capabilities

itel Vision 2S

  • Faster 18W charging
  • Comparable performance to Nokia C20
  • Potentially better value for money

  • Less established brand reputation
  • Software experience may include bloatware
  • Similar limitations in camera quality

Display Comparison

Both the Nokia C20 and itel Vision 2S are expected to feature basic LCD panels, typical for this price segment. Specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they prioritize power efficiency over visual fidelity. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full HD resolution means the display experience will be functional rather than immersive. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely to be a weak point on both devices. Details are scarce, but it's safe to assume both feature basic sensors. The focus should be on capturing usable images in good lighting conditions. Expect limited low-light performance and a lack of advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). Any macro camera included (often 2MP) will likely offer minimal benefit due to the small sensor size and fixed focus. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over quality.

Performance

The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, a 28nm octa-core processor with a split core configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55. This means performance will be comparable for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. The chipset is not designed for demanding applications or gaming. RAM capacity is a critical factor not specified, but lower RAM (likely 1GB or 2GB) will lead to noticeable slowdowns when multitasking. The identical chipset configuration means thermal management will also be similar – neither phone is expected to generate significant heat under normal usage.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device, but given the low-power chipset, both should offer at least a full day of moderate use. However, the itel Vision 2S gains a significant advantage with its 18W wired charging support. The Nokia C20 likely relies on slower 5W or 10W charging, resulting in considerably longer charge times. This difference in charging speed translates to a more convenient user experience, especially for those who frequently need to top up their battery.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia C20 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and are willing to accept slower charging speeds. It's ideal as a backup phone or for users with limited needs. Buy the itel Vision 2S if you value faster charging and a slightly more convenient user experience, even if it means spending a little more. This phone is better suited for those who rely on their smartphone throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A chipset struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
While the Unisoc SC9863A can handle basic social media apps, expect some lag when scrolling through image-heavy feeds or loading videos. Keeping other apps closed in the background will help improve performance. These phones are best suited for light social media use.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the itel Vision 2S with the 18W charger?
While the exact 0-100% charge time isn't specified, the 18W charging should take approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours, significantly faster than the Nokia C20 which could take 5+ hours with a standard 5W charger. This makes the itel Vision 2S more convenient for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
❓ Can either of these phones play PUBG Mobile or other graphically demanding games?
No. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is not powerful enough to run PUBG Mobile or similar games at playable frame rates. You may be able to run very basic 2D games, but don't expect a good gaming experience.