Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C21 and C21 Plus are strong 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 Plus edges out the C21 thanks to its faster charging. Both offer similar performance and build quality, making the Plus a slightly better overall package for those prioritizing convenience. However, the C21 remains a solid choice if charging speed isn't a major concern.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 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 - LATAM, Brazil | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 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 (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% 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 (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | 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 | 4.2, 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 | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21
- Reliable brand
- Long battery life
- Decent display
- Affordable
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
Nokia C21 Plus
- Reliable brand
- Long battery life
- Decent display
- Faster charging
- Macro lens
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. Color accuracy is typical for this price range, leaning towards slightly muted tones. There's no significant difference in display quality between the two.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The C21 Plus boasts a 13MP main camera, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. While both capture acceptable photos in good lighting, the Plus's macro lens offers a slight advantage for close-up shots. Low-light performance is limited on both.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, performance is virtually identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but don't expect to play demanding games. Multitasking is manageable with moderate app usage.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. However, the C21 Plus supports 10W wired charging, while the C21 charges at a slower rate (likely 5W). This is a significant difference in charging time.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is ideal for users seeking a basic, dependable phone for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Nokia C21 Plus is a better fit for those who want slightly faster charging and appreciate a bit more convenience without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C21 and C21 Plus?
The main difference is the C21 Plus supports 10W fast charging, while the C21 charges slower. The C21 Plus also has a macro lens on its rear camera.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, these phones are not ideal for demanding games. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is designed for basic tasks and light usage.
