Looking for an affordable smartphone that delivers reliable performance? The Nokia C30 and C21 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one is the better choice for your needs? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C30 edges out the C21 thanks to its slightly improved charging speed and potentially larger battery capacity (though official figures vary). Both offer similar performance, but the C30's added charging convenience makes it a more appealing option for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28 - Australia, UK, Ireland | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - LATAM, Brazil |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2022, May 03 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 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 |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 195 g (6.88 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% 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 11 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 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 |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | 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 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Dark Grey | Dark Blue, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 | TA-1356, TA-1352 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 70 EUR |
| SAR | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 0.43 W/kg (head) 1.55 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C30
- Slightly faster charging (10W)
- Potential for slightly better battery life
- Dual-camera setup with depth sensor
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Performance is still limited by the chipset
- Camera quality is average
- HD+ display resolution isn't the sharpest
Nokia C21
- Affordable price point
- Reliable performance for basic tasks
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Clean Android experience
- Slower charging speed
- Single camera setup
- Performance is limited
- HD+ display resolution isn’t the sharpest
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia C30 and C21 typically feature a 6.5-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the panels are similar in resolution and size, slight variations in brightness and color accuracy might exist, but these are generally unremarkable in this price range. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate sharpness for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C30 generally boasts a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), while the C21 often features a single 8MP main camera. The C30's depth sensor allows for portrait mode with background blur. Image quality on both phones is adequate in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. Video recording capabilities are limited to 1080p at 30fps.
Performance
Powered by the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the two phones is expected to be very similar. Don't expect blazing-fast speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. These phones are best suited for basic tasks like calling, texting, browsing, and light social media use. Multitasking with many apps simultaneously might result in noticeable slowdowns.
Battery Life
While both phones are advertised with 5000mAh batteries, the C30 often has slightly better real-world battery life due to software optimizations. The C30 also supports 10W wired charging, whereas the C21 only supports standard charging (likely 5W). This difference in charging speed can be significant for users who frequently need to top up their battery.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C30 is ideal for users prioritizing slightly faster charging and potentially longer battery life. The Nokia C21 is a good choice for those seeking a very basic, reliable smartphone and are comfortable with slower charging speeds. Both are excellent for first-time smartphone users or those needing a secondary device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the Nokia C30 and C21 typically ship with Android 11 (Go edition), offering a lightweight and optimized experience for lower-powered devices. Updates may be limited.
❓ Are these phones 4G capable?
Yes, both the Nokia C30 and C21 support 4G LTE connectivity for fast mobile data speeds.
