Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C21 and C31 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 C31 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly improved charging speed and potentially more durable design. Both offer similar performance, but the C31's added convenience makes it the better overall choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly Nokia.
| 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 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 720p | Yes |
| 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 | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21
- Affordable
- Decent battery life
- Reliable brand
- Slow charging
- Basic performance
- Limited camera features
Nokia C31
- Slightly better camera versatility
- Faster charging (10W)
- Potentially more durable design
- Reliable brand
- Still basic performance
- HD+ display
- Not a flagship device
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ IPS LCD display. Expect decent viewing angles and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level vibrancy or sharpness. The C31 might have a slightly tougher display glass, but this is not confirmed.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 typically has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The C31 often features a 13MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 2MP macro lens. The C31's extra lens provides more versatility for different shooting scenarios.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, performance will be largely identical. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns. Neither phone is a powerhouse.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the C31's 10W wired charging is a significant advantage over the C21's likely slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is ideal for users prioritizing the absolute lowest price and basic functionality. The Nokia C31 is a better fit for those who want a slightly more refined experience, including faster charging and potentially enhanced durability, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C21 and C31?
The main differences are the C31's faster 10W charging and more versatile camera system with an ultra-wide lens. Both share the same chipset and display.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither phone is ideal for demanding games. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is entry-level and struggles with graphically intensive titles.
