Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C21 and C22 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering a familiar Nokia experience. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a comprehensive comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C22 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly faster charging. Both phones share the same processor and offer a durable build, but the C22's charging advantage makes it a more practical daily driver, especially for those needing a quicker top-up.
| 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, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| 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) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 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) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| 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 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 13 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | USB Type-C 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-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Sand, Midnight Black |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | - |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C21
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Slow charging
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
Nokia C22
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
- 10W fast charging
- Affordable price
- Basic camera performance
- Limited storage options
- Modest performance
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C21 and C22 feature a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). Expect decent viewing angles and color reproduction for the price point, but don't anticipate flagship-level sharpness or vibrancy. The screens are functionally similar, offering a standard viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 typically features a dual-camera setup with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. The C22 also has a dual-camera setup, often with a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but struggles in low light. Both offer basic photography capabilities.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, both phones deliver adequate performance for basic tasks. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily, but everyday usage like browsing, social media, and messaging should be smooth enough. The shared chipset means performance is virtually identical between the two.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Nokia C22 includes 10W wired charging, while the C21 typically lacks this feature, relying on slower charging speeds. This is a significant difference in convenience.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is ideal for users prioritizing a simple, durable phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing. The Nokia C22 is a better choice for those who value slightly faster charging and appreciate a bit more convenience in their daily routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C21 and C22?
The primary difference is the Nokia C22 includes 10W wired charging, while the C21 typically lacks this feature. Both share the same chipset and display.
❓ Are these phones 4G capable?
Yes, both the Nokia C21 and C22 support 4G LTE connectivity.
