Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C21 Plus and C21 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a familiar Nokia experience. But which one is the better choice for your needs?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus edges out the C21 thanks to its inclusion of faster charging. Both phones share the same processor and offer a solid, dependable experience for basic tasks. If charging speed matters, the Plus is the clear winner, otherwise, the C21 is a very close second.
| 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 | LTE |
| 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 |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 29 | Available. Released 2022, May 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 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 | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | Splash protection | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% 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 SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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 | 4.2, 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 | TA-1356, TA-1352 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21 Plus
- Faster 10W Charging
- Slightly more modern design
- Reliable Nokia build quality
- Long battery life
- Performance limited by chipset
- Camera quality is average
- HD+ display resolution
Nokia C21
- Affordable price
- Reliable Nokia build quality
- Long battery life
- Decent display
- Slower charging speed
- Performance limited by chipset
- Camera quality is average
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C21 and C21 Plus feature a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is standard for this price range, expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction. The C21 Plus may have a slightly more modern design with a more refined bezel treatment, but the core display experience is largely the same.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 boasts a 13MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor, while the C21 Plus features a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a VGA sensor. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Expect decent results for casual snapshots.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset and an octa-core CPU, both phones offer adequate performance for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds, but they should handle basic usage without significant lag. The 28nm process is a bit dated, so demanding apps will struggle.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Nokia C21 Plus distinguishes itself with 10W wired charging, a significant improvement over the C21's likely slower charging speed (estimated around 5W based on typical Nokia C-series models).
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 Plus is ideal for users who prioritize faster charging and a slightly more modern design. The Nokia C21 is a great option for those seeking a no-frills, budget-friendly device focused on essential functionality and long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C21 Plus and C21?
The main difference is the charging speed (10W for C21 Plus vs. likely 5W for C21) and a slightly improved camera setup on the C21 Plus. Both share the same processor and display.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, these phones are not ideal for demanding games. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is entry-level and will struggle with graphically intensive titles. They are suitable for casual games.
