Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C21 and C01 Plus 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 and C01 Plus share the same chipset and CPU, resulting in very similar performance. The C21 edges out slightly due to potentially better software support and a slightly improved camera, making it the marginally better choice for most users, though the C01 Plus remains a strong budget option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% 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 |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| 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 |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Blue, Purple |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially longer software support
- More RAM options available
- More storage options available
- Slightly higher price
- Performance is still basic
Nokia C01 Plus
- Lower price point
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Compact and easy to handle
- Weaker camera
- Limited storage
- Potentially shorter software support
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 might have slightly better color accuracy, but the difference is minimal.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 typically features a 13MP main camera with depth sensor, while the C01 Plus often has a 5MP main camera. This difference translates to noticeably better image quality and more detail in photos taken with the C21, especially in good lighting conditions. Both offer basic video recording capabilities.
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're sufficient for their intended purpose. The C21 might benefit from slightly optimized software.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 4000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns, but both should comfortably last a full day.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly better camera and potentially longer software support. The Nokia C01 Plus is a great choice for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and a simple, reliable smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in RAM and storage between the two phones?
The Nokia C21 typically offers more RAM and storage options (e.g., 3GB/32GB, 4GB/64GB) compared to the C01 Plus (often 2GB/32GB). This can impact multitasking and app storage.
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides better software support for its devices, and the C21 is likely to receive updates for a slightly longer period than the C01 Plus.
