The Nokia C-series aims to deliver reliable smartphones at affordable prices. The Nokia C22 and C21 are two contenders in this space, offering similar features but with subtle differences. This comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C22 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly improved charging speed and potentially more durable design. Both offer similar performance, but the C22's 10W charging provides a small advantage for those prioritizing faster top-ups. Ultimately, the choice depends on price and availability.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2022, May 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~77.5% 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 13 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB 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 | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 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-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand, Midnight Black | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1356, TA-1352 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C22
- Slightly faster 10W charging
- Potentially more durable design
- Higher resolution main camera (50MP)
- Performance limited by chipset
- HD+ display not ideal for multimedia
- Basic camera features
Nokia C21
- Lower price point (typically)
- Long battery life (5000mAh)
- Reliable Nokia brand
- Slower charging speed (likely)
- Performance limited by chipset
- HD+ display not ideal for multimedia
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C22 and C21 typically feature a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. Expect similar viewing experiences in terms of color accuracy and brightness, suitable for everyday tasks but not ideal for demanding multimedia consumption. The C22 may have a slightly more modern display coating for improved scratch resistance, but this is not always guaranteed.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C22 generally features a 50MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor, while the C21 typically has a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the C22's higher resolution main sensor *could* potentially capture slightly more detail in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer basic camera functionality and are best suited for casual snapshots.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the C22 and C21 will be virtually identical. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media use. Demanding games and multitasking will likely result in noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
Both phones typically house a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. However, the Nokia C22 supports 10W wired charging, while the C21's charging speed is unspecified but likely slower. This means the C22 will charge faster, a notable advantage.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C22 is ideal for users who need a basic smartphone with slightly faster charging and potentially a more robust build. The Nokia C21 is a great option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and don't require faster charging. Both are suitable for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C22 and C21?
The main differences are the charging speed (10W for C22 vs likely slower for C21) and the main camera resolution (50MP for C22 vs 13MP for C21). Performance is largely the same.
❓ Are these phones good for gaming?
No, neither phone is suitable for demanding games. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset is designed for basic tasks and will struggle with graphically intensive games.