Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C21 Plus and C31 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 C31 edges out the C21 Plus primarily due to its slightly improved durability and potentially longer software support. Both share the same core processor, but the C31's subtle upgrades make it a marginally better choice for most users seeking a dependable budget device.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 29 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | Splash protection | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 |
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| Models | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21 Plus
- Lower price point
- Reliable brand
- Decent battery life
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
Nokia C31
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially more durable build
- Possible longer software support
- Slightly higher price
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the C31 might have a slightly more durable screen due to potential differences in the protective glass used (likely Gorilla Glass 3 vs. standard glass on the C21 Plus). Color accuracy is typical for this price range – not exceptional, but acceptable.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C31 boasts a slightly more versatile camera setup, typically featuring a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens, compared to the C21 Plus's potentially simpler configuration. Image quality is adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be subpar on both.
Performance
Performance is largely identical. Both are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will reveal the limitations of the processor. Don't expect blazing speeds; these are entry-level devices.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with 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 very low price point and basic functionality. The Nokia C31 is a better fit for those who value a bit more durability, a slightly improved camera, and potentially longer software updates, even if it comes at a slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in build quality between the C21 Plus and C31?
The Nokia C31 is generally considered to have a slightly more robust build, potentially featuring Gorilla Glass 3 for improved screen protection, while the C21 Plus may use standard glass.
❓ How long will Nokia support these phones with software updates?
Nokia typically provides at least two years of security updates and one major Android OS upgrade for their devices. The C31 may receive slightly longer support than the C21 Plus.
