Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C30 and C21 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment. But with similar specs, which one offers the best value? This comprehensive comparison will help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C30 edges out the C21 Plus primarily due to its slightly improved design and potentially better software support. Both offer similar performance thanks to the same chipset, but the C30's subtle upgrades make it the marginally better choice for most users seeking a budget-friendly Nokia.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| 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) | 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 |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| 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 (~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 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 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@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 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Dark Grey | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C30
- Slightly more modern design
- Potentially longer software support
- 13MP main camera with depth sensor
- Durable build quality
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
- Basic camera features
Nokia C21 Plus
- Very affordable
- Reliable brand
- Decent battery life
- Durable build quality
- Slightly older design
- Potentially shorter software support
- Slow charging
- Limited performance
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles for everyday use. However, the C30 might have slightly better color accuracy due to potential software optimizations. The C21 Plus's display is perfectly adequate, but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C30 boasts a 13MP main camera with a depth sensor, while the C21 Plus also has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is comparable, with both producing acceptable results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is weak on both.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, which is adequate for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light social media browsing. Don't expect to play demanding games on either device. Multitasking will be limited.
Battery Life
Both phones feature a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging is slow at 10W wired, so be prepared for extended charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C30 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software updates. The Nokia C21 Plus is a good option for those seeking a very basic, reliable phone at the absolute lowest price point, and who don't need the latest features.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Nokia C30 and C21 Plus?
The main differences are subtle design tweaks and potentially longer software support for the C30. Both share the same chipset and offer similar performance.
❓ Which phone has better battery life?
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery and offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. Battery life will be comparable.
