Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C21 and C12 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a familiar Nokia experience. But which one offers the best value for your money? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C12 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly more efficient 22nm chipset, potentially leading to better battery life and marginally improved performance. Both offer a solid, dependable Nokia experience, but the C12 represents a small but noticeable upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 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 - LATAM, Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2023, January 18 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2023, February 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 160.6 x 74.3 x 8.8 mm (6.32 x 2.93 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 177.4 g (6.24 oz) |
| | - | 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 (~278 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.3 inches, 95.8 cm2 (~80.3% 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 SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 12 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | 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 | 5.2, 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 | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Dark Cyan, Charcoal, Light Mint |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C21
- Familiar Nokia build quality
- Decent battery life
- Reliable software experience
- Slightly less efficient chipset
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Nokia C12
- More efficient chipset (22nm)
- Compact design
- Potentially better battery life
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
- Smaller screen (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar LCD displays, probably around 6.1 inches with a resolution of 720 x 1560 pixels. The C21 might have a slightly larger display, but the difference will be minimal. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use, but don't expect vibrant colors or high contrast.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, with a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor on both devices. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The front-facing camera is likely a 5MP unit on both.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, the C12's 22nm process offers a slight advantage in power efficiency. This translates to potentially smoother multitasking and slightly better sustained performance, especially during extended use. Both phones will handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing without issue, but demanding games are out of the question.
Battery Life
The C12's more efficient chipset should give it a slight edge in battery life. Both phones likely feature a 4000mAh battery, but the C12's improved efficiency could translate to a few extra hours of usage between charges.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly larger screen and a familiar Nokia design. The Nokia C12 is ideal for those seeking the best possible battery life and a more modern, compact design within a tight budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and SC9863A1 chipsets?
The primary difference is the manufacturing process. The SC9863A1 is built on a 22nm process, while the SC9863A is on a 28nm process. This generally leads to better power efficiency and slightly improved performance for the SC9863A1.
❓ How much storage do these phones offer?
Both the Nokia C21 and C12 typically come with 32GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD card. RAM options are usually limited to 2GB or 3GB.
