Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C22 and C21 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment. But with similar specs, which one offers the better value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus edges out the C22 due to its slightly improved camera and potentially better software support. Both offer solid build quality and Nokia's reputation for reliability, but the C21 Plus provides a marginally better overall experience for a similar price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| 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) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | 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 (~82.1% 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sand, Midnight Black | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C22
- Repairable design
- Nokia's build quality
- Clean Android experience
- 50MP Main Camera (potential for detail)
- Slower charging
- Limited performance
- Basic camera features
- Potentially shorter software support
Nokia C21 Plus
- Slightly better camera
- Potentially longer software support
- Nokia's build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Slower charging
- Limited performance
- Basic camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. While the resolution is the same, slight variations in color accuracy and panel quality might exist, but are unlikely to be significant differences.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C21 Plus generally boasts a slightly better camera setup, often featuring a 13MP main sensor with depth sensor compared to the C22's 50MP main sensor (with potential for lower quality due to processing). Image quality in good lighting should be comparable, but the C21 Plus might offer slightly better portrait mode and low-light performance.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, both devices offer similar performance. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but demanding games and multitasking will reveal the chipset's limitations. Real-world performance will depend heavily on software optimization.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C22 is ideal for users prioritizing a repairable design and basic functionality. The Nokia C21 Plus is a better choice for those seeking slightly improved camera performance and potentially longer software updates, without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Nokia C22 nor the C21 Plus support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
❓ How long will Nokia support these phones with software updates?
Nokia typically provides at least 2 years of security updates and one major Android OS upgrade for their smartphones. However, support duration can vary.
❓ Can I expand the storage on these phones?
Yes, both phones feature a microSD card slot for expandable storage, allowing you to add more space for photos, videos, and apps.
