The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C21 and the Samsung Galaxy A03 Core. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the best overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
Both phones share the same chipset, meaning performance is largely similar. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core likely edges out the Nokia C21 due to Samsung's typically better software optimization and potentially a slightly better display. Ultimately, it depends on your brand preference and specific needs.
| 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 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 28 | 2021, November 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 03 | Available. Released 2021, December 06 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) | 164.2 x 75.9 x 9.1 mm (6.46 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 195 g (6.88 oz) | 211 g (7.44 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 (~81.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | PLS 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 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, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Dark Blue, Warm Gray | Black, Blue |
| Models | TA-1356, TA-1352 | SM-A032F, SM-A032F/DS, SM-A032M |
| Price | About 70 EUR | £ 74.99 |
| SAR | - | 0.30 W/kg (head) |
| SAR EU | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) | 0.24 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C21
- Clean Android experience
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Reliable brand reputation
- Dual Camera Setup
- Potentially lower display quality
- Performance can be sluggish
- Limited software updates
Samsung Galaxy A03 Core
- Samsung's One UI interface
- Potentially better display quality
- Good brand recognition
- Slightly better software optimization
- Can have bloatware
- Single Camera Setup
- Performance can be sluggish
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, but Samsung often has slightly better color accuracy and brightness. The Nokia C21 might have a slightly lower resolution, though both are adequate for everyday use. Expect similar viewing experiences.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 typically features a dual-camera setup (13MP + 2MP) while the Galaxy A03 Core often has a single 13MP main camera. Image quality will be decent in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Samsung's image processing might offer slightly more vibrant colors.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, performance will be adequate for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding multitasking. Both phones will likely exhibit some lag with heavier applications. The Samsung's software optimization might provide a marginally smoother experience.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life with moderate usage. Actual battery performance will depend on usage patterns and software optimization. Expect similar battery endurance from both devices.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C21 is a good choice for those loyal to the Nokia brand and prioritizing a clean Android experience. The Samsung Galaxy A03 Core is ideal for users who prefer Samsung's One UI and potentially a slightly more polished overall experience, especially if display quality is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Samsung generally offers longer software update support than Nokia in this price range, although both are limited compared to higher-end devices.
❓ Can I play games on these phones?
Yes, but don't expect high frame rates or demanding graphics. Casual games and less intensive titles will run reasonably well.
