Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Nokia C21 Plus and Samsung Galaxy A04e are both contenders in the budget phone arena. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Samsung Galaxy A04e edges out the Nokia C21 Plus thanks to its more powerful processor and slightly better overall performance. While both are budget options, the A04e provides a smoother experience for everyday tasks and light gaming.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | 2022, October 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, April 29 | Available. Released 2022, November 07 |
| 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) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) | 188 g (6.63 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 (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | PowerVR GE8320 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12, One UI Core 4.1 |
| 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, 32GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray | Black, Copper, Light Blue |
| Models | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 | SM-A042F, SM-A042F/DS, SM-A042M, SM-A042M/DS |
| Price | About 120 EUR | ₹ 7,999 |
| SAR | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) | 0.29 W/kg (head) 1.11 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21 Plus
- Clean Android experience
- Potentially longer software support (Nokia's promise)
- Durable build quality
- Good battery life
- Slower processor
- Limited performance
- Basic camera capabilities
- Slow charging
Samsung Galaxy A04e
- More powerful processor
- Smoother performance
- Samsung's display technology (potentially better colors)
- Samsung ecosystem integration
- Software updates may be less frequent than Nokia
- Plastic build
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (typically HD+). The Samsung Galaxy A04e might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Samsung's display technology, but the difference is likely minimal in this price range. Expect both to be adequate for everyday viewing.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are generally comparable, with both phones offering a dual-camera setup on the rear (typically a main lens and a depth sensor). Image quality will depend heavily on software processing. The Samsung Galaxy A04e's image processing might be slightly more refined, but don't expect flagship-level photography from either device. Both will likely struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
Here's where the Samsung Galaxy A04e takes a clear lead. Its Mediatek Helio P35 chipset (12nm) is noticeably faster than the Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) in the Nokia C21 Plus. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the A04e. The C21 Plus will handle basic tasks fine, but may struggle with more demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones typically feature a 5000mAh battery, suggesting excellent battery life. However, the Samsung Galaxy A04e's more efficient chipset could give it a slight edge in real-world usage. Charging speeds are limited to 10W on both devices, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 Plus is ideal for users prioritizing simplicity, a clean Android experience, and potentially longer software support. The Samsung Galaxy A04e is a better choice for those needing a bit more processing power for multitasking and occasional gaming, and who prefer the Samsung ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally promises longer software support for its devices, including the C21 Plus, although actual updates can vary. Samsung provides regular updates for its Galaxy A series, but the duration may be shorter.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Both phones can handle basic games, but the Samsung Galaxy A04e's more powerful processor will provide a smoother gaming experience. Don't expect to play demanding games at high settings on either device.
