Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C21 Plus and C22 are both contenders in the budget segment. But with similar specs, which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus and C22 are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and CPU. The C21 Plus generally offers slightly better camera performance and a more refined design, making it a marginally better choice for most users, though the C22's repairability is a significant advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 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, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 29 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| 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) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Splash protection | Splash and dust 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 13 (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 | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | USB Type-C 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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray | Sand, Midnight Black |
| Models | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 | - |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 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 better camera performance
- More refined design
- Reliable Nokia brand
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited upgrade potential
- Basic performance
Nokia C22
- Repairable design (easier to fix)
- Longer software support (potentially)
- Reliable Nokia brand
- Lower resolution main camera
- Basic performance
- Slow 10W charging
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. While both are LCD panels, the C21 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy, though this is difficult to definitively confirm without testing.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 Plus typically features a 13MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor, while the C22 has a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the C21 Plus often produces slightly better image quality in well-lit conditions due to potentially better image processing. Low-light performance is expected to be similar on both.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds, but they should handle everyday usage without significant lag. The shared chipset means performance will be very similar.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly better camera and a more polished aesthetic on a tight budget. The Nokia C22 is a great choice for those who value repairability and longevity, wanting a phone that's easier to fix and potentially upgrade in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Nokia phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides longer software support for its devices. While specifics vary, the C22 is likely to receive updates for a slightly longer period due to its modular design and focus on repairability.
❓ Can I easily repair the Nokia C22?
Yes, the Nokia C22 is designed with repairability in mind. Nokia provides repair manuals and spare parts, making it easier and more affordable to fix common issues.
