The Nokia C3 and Motorola C118 represent the extreme end of the smartphone price spectrum. Both aim to deliver basic connectivity and functionality at an incredibly low cost. However, the Nokia C3, with its known Unisoc chipset, offers a degree of transparency the Motorola C118 lacks due to limited publicly available specifications. This comparison will dissect the available information to determine which device provides the most value for the budget-conscious consumer.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing a known, albeit modest, level of performance, the Nokia C3 is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a defined baseline, while the Motorola C118's specifications remain largely unknown, making it a riskier purchase despite potentially similar pricing.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| 4G bands | LTE | - |
| EDGE | - | No |
| GPRS | - | No |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | - |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 04. Released 2020, August 13 | 2005, Q3 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | - |
| Dimensions | 159.9 x 77 x 8.7 mm (6.30 x 3.03 x 0.34 in) | 101.3 x 45.7 x 21.5 mm, 74 cc (3.99 x 1.80 x 0.85 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 184.5 g (6.53 oz) | 86 g (3.03 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 96 x 64 pixels, 3:2 ratio |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) | - |
| Type | IPS LCD | Monochrome graphic |
| | - | Screensaver |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | - |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | - |
| GPU | IMG8322 | - |
| OS | Android 10 | - |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | - | 10 dialed, 10 received, 10 missed calls |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | No |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | - |
| Phonebook | - | SIM based only |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | - |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, AF | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | - |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4 | - |
| Video | 720p@30fps | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Monophonic ringtones, composer |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | No |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | No |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | No |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | - |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes - Football |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | - |
| | - | iTap
Currency converter
Calculator
Stopwatch |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | - | Up to 450 h |
| Talk time | - | Up to 11 h 40 min |
| Type | Li-Ion 3040 mAh, removable | Removable Li-Ion 920 mAh battery |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nordic blue, Sand gold | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 40 EUR |
Nokia C3
- Known chipset (Unisoc SC9863A) provides performance predictability.
- Likely optimized for power efficiency due to the chipset's architecture.
- Nokia's reputation for software updates (though limited on this model).
- Performance is limited for demanding tasks.
- Camera quality is likely subpar.
Motorola C118
- Potentially lower price point than the Nokia C3.
- Motorola brand recognition.
- May offer a slightly different software experience.
- Unknown specifications create uncertainty.
- Performance is entirely speculative.
- Potential for lower build quality due to cost cutting.
Display Comparison
The Nokia C3’s display specifications are not available, but given its market segment, it likely features a basic LCD panel. The Motorola C118 similarly lacks detailed display information. Without knowing resolution, brightness, or panel type for either device, a direct comparison is impossible. However, both are expected to prioritize cost savings over display quality, meaning users should anticipate limited viewing angles and color accuracy on both.
Camera Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in photography. The Nokia C3’s camera specifications are not available, but budget phones typically feature low-resolution sensors and limited image processing capabilities. The Motorola C118 also lacks detailed camera information. It’s safe to assume both devices will struggle in low-light conditions and produce images with limited detail. Any claims of advanced features on either device should be viewed with skepticism.
Performance
The Nokia C3 is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor featuring a split core configuration of 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 and 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This architecture suggests a focus on power efficiency, prioritizing sustained performance over burst speeds. The Motorola C118’s chipset remains unknown. Given its price point, it likely utilizes a similarly entry-level chipset, potentially from MediaTek or Unisoc, but without concrete data, it’s impossible to assess its performance relative to the C3. The Nokia C3’s known architecture provides a tangible benchmark, while the C118 remains a black box.
Battery Life
Battery capacity for both the Nokia C3 and Motorola C118 are unknown. However, given their target market, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Without knowing charging wattage, it’s difficult to estimate charge times. The Unisoc SC9863A’s 28nm process node in the Nokia C3 suggests reasonable power efficiency, potentially translating to all-day battery life with moderate usage. The Motorola C118’s battery performance is entirely speculative without chipset and capacity details.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C3 if you need a smartphone with a predictable performance level for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media use. Its known chipset allows for realistic expectations. Buy the Motorola C118 if you prioritize brand loyalty to Motorola and are willing to accept a degree of uncertainty regarding its internal components, potentially benefiting from a slightly lower price point if available.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C3 capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running lightweight apps like WhatsApp and Facebook. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps. It's designed for basic smartphone functionality, not intensive tasks.
❓ Given the lack of specifications for the Motorola C118, how can I assess its suitability for my needs?
Without specifications, it's difficult. Focus on user reviews if available, and consider the Motorola brand's reputation for reliability. If possible, try to find a store where you can physically handle the device to assess build quality and responsiveness before purchasing.
❓ Will either of these phones receive regular software updates?
Software update support is limited on both devices. Nokia typically provides a few security updates for its budget phones, but major Android version upgrades are unlikely. Motorola's update policy for the C118 is unknown, but given its price point, it's reasonable to expect minimal software support.
