The Nokia C3 and Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition represent opposite ends of the mobile spectrum. The C3 aims to deliver a basic smartphone experience powered by Android, while the 105 4G is a classic feature phone with the added benefit of 4G connectivity. This comparison dissects their core differences to determine which device best suits your needs and budget.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing smartphone functionality, the Nokia C3 is the clear winner, offering a modern Android experience and significantly more processing power thanks to its Unisoc SC9863A chipset. However, the Nokia 105 4G excels in simplicity, battery life, and affordability for those prioritizing basic communication.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 900 / 1800 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, August 04. Released 2020, August 13 | 2024, December |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2024, December |
| 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) | 121.5 x 50 x 14.4 mm (4.78 x 1.97 x 0.57 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184.5 g (6.53 oz) | 93 g (3.28 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 120 x 160 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~111 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.99 inches, 92.6 cm2 (~75.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 1.8 inches, 10.0 cm2 (~16.5% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD |
| 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 | - | Yes |
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC |
| Internal | 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM | 48MB 128MB RAM |
| Phonebook | - | Yes |
| | 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 | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | No |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | USB Type-C |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | - | Yes |
| Java | - | No |
| Messaging | - | SMS |
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | - |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 3040 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nordic blue, Sand gold | Charcoal |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 50 EUR |
Nokia C3
- Android OS provides access to a wide range of apps.
- More powerful processor enables smoother multitasking.
- Larger display enhances media consumption.
- Shorter battery life compared to the 105 4G.
- Potentially slower software updates.
Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition
- Exceptional battery life – days on a single charge.
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Durable and compact design.
- Limited functionality – no app support.
- Small screen size.
Display Comparison
The Nokia C3 features a larger display, though specific details like resolution and panel type are not provided in the available data. This suggests a basic LCD panel. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition, typical of feature phones, has a much smaller screen focused on readability for text. The C3’s larger size is beneficial for media consumption, while the 105 4G prioritizes compactness and energy efficiency. The C3’s display is likely to have a lower pixel density, but the larger size will still offer a more immersive experience than the 105 4G’s limited screen real estate.
Camera Comparison
Camera capabilities are drastically different. The Nokia C3 likely includes a camera, though the resolution isn't specified. The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition typically features a very basic VGA camera, primarily for capturing simple snapshots. The C3’s camera, even if low-resolution, will offer significantly better image quality and features than the 105 4G’s. The C3’s camera is intended for casual use, while the 105 4G’s camera is more of a novelty feature.
Performance
The Nokia C3’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset, with its octa-core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55), provides a substantial performance advantage over the Nokia 105 4G. While the 105 4G is designed for basic call and text functions, the C3 can handle light multitasking, social media browsing, and basic app usage. The Cortex-A55 cores, while not high-end, are a significant step up from the processing power found in typical feature phones. The 28nm process node of the SC9863A is relatively mature, balancing performance and power consumption. The Nokia 105 4G’s processor is likely a single-core or dual-core ARM chip designed for minimal power draw, not performance.
Battery Life
The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition is expected to have significantly longer battery life than the Nokia C3. Feature phones are renowned for their multi-day battery performance due to their low-power components and simple operating systems. The C3, running Android and utilizing a more powerful processor, will require more frequent charging. While the C3’s battery capacity isn’t specified, it will likely be in the 2000-3000 mAh range, whereas the 105 4G’s battery is likely around 1000-1500 mAh, but lasts much longer due to lower power consumption.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C3 if you need access to apps, web browsing, and basic multimedia capabilities, and are comfortable with the Android operating system. It's ideal for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a very affordable secondary device. Buy the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition if you prioritize extreme simplicity, long battery life, and a durable, no-frills device for calls and texts – perfect for emergency use or those who actively avoid smartphones.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Nokia C3 capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A, while an entry-level chipset, is sufficient to run lightweight apps like Facebook and WhatsApp. However, expect some lag when multitasking or using more demanding features within these apps. It's designed for basic smartphone functionality, and these apps fall within its capabilities.
❓ Does the Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition support VoLTE calling, and what carriers are compatible?
The Nokia 105 4G 2nd Edition *does* support 4G VoLTE (Voice over LTE) calling, which is essential for making calls on many modern networks as 3G is being phased out. Carrier compatibility varies by region; it's crucial to check with your mobile carrier to ensure the phone is certified for their network before purchasing.
❓ Can I expand the storage on the Nokia C3 with a microSD card?
While the available data doesn't explicitly state microSD card support, most Nokia C3 variants *do* include a microSD card slot for storage expansion. This is a common feature in budget smartphones, allowing users to increase the available storage for photos, videos, and apps.
