Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C21 Plus and C12 are both contenders in the budget segment. But which one offers the best value for your money? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus edges out the C12 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (28nm vs 22nm) and the inclusion of 10W charging. While both offer a similar core experience, the C21 Plus provides a marginally better overall package for a small price difference.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 29 | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | Splash protection | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Models | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C21 Plus
- Slightly more efficient chipset (28nm)
- Potentially slightly higher price
Nokia C12
- Less efficient chipset (22nm), Slower charging
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar displays – likely a 6.3-inch HD+ IPS LCD. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't expect vibrant or high-resolution visuals. The C21 Plus might have a slightly brighter display, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The C21 Plus might have slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, the C21 Plus benefits from a 28nm manufacturing process compared to the C12's 22nm. This generally translates to slightly better power efficiency and potentially a bit less thermal throttling under sustained load. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming.
Battery Life
Both phones likely feature a 4000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate users. However, the C21 Plus supports 10W wired charging, while the C12's charging speed is likely slower (potentially 5W). This difference in charging speed can be significant for users who need to top up their phone frequently.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing slightly better performance and faster charging. The Nokia C12 is a great choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and are willing to compromise on charging speed and potentially a bit of performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and SC9863A1 chipsets?
The primary difference is the manufacturing process. The SC9863A in the C21 Plus is built on a 28nm process, while the SC9863A1 in the C12 uses a 22nm process. A smaller process generally leads to better power efficiency.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus worth the extra money compared to the C12?
If you value slightly better performance and faster charging, the C21 Plus is likely worth the small price difference. However, if you're on a very tight budget, the C12 remains a viable option.
