Looking for an affordable Nokia smartphone? The C21 and G11 are both strong contenders in the budget market, offering reliable performance and the classic Nokia build quality. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G11 is the clear winner. While the C21 is a basic, functional phone, the G11's more powerful chipset, faster charging, and improved display offer a significantly better user experience for a small price difference. It's a worthwhile upgrade.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2022, February 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| 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) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| 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, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 720p | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Charcoal, Ice |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | TA-1401 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21
- Extremely affordable
- Durable build quality
- Long battery life
- Slow performance
- Basic camera
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
Nokia G11
- Faster performance
- Larger display
- Faster charging (18W)
- Improved camera processing
- More efficient chipset
- Slightly more expensive than C21
- Still a budget phone - don't expect flagship performance
Display Comparison
The Nokia G11 boasts a larger 6.5-inch display compared to the C21's 6.3-inch screen. While both are HD+ resolution, the G11's slightly larger size and potentially better panel (likely IPS LCD) offer a more immersive viewing experience. Expect slightly better color accuracy and brightness on the G11.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a dual-camera setup, likely with a 13MP main sensor and a depth sensor. However, the G11's more powerful processor allows for better image processing and potentially improved low-light performance. Expect slightly better detail and dynamic range from the G11's camera.
Performance
This is where the G11 shines. The Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a more efficient 12nm process, is significantly faster than the C21's 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The G11's Cortex-A75 cores provide a noticeable boost in performance for multitasking and demanding apps. The C21 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
Both phones offer large 5000mAh batteries, promising all-day battery life. However, the G11's 18W fast charging support is a significant advantage over the C21's slower charging speeds. This means you'll spend less time plugged in.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is ideal for users who prioritize simplicity, affordability above all else, and need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light usage. The Nokia G11 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience, faster performance for apps and games, and quicker charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia C21 worth buying in 2024?
Only if your budget is extremely tight and you only need a basic phone for calls and texts. Otherwise, the Nokia G11 offers significantly better value.
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and T606 chipsets?
The Unisoc T606 is a newer and more powerful chipset with a more efficient manufacturing process (12nm vs 28nm). It includes Cortex-A75 cores for improved performance, making it noticeably faster than the SC9863A.
