Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C30 and C31 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their specs and performance to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C31 offers a slightly improved design and potentially better durability with its reinforced polymer frame. While both share the same chipset, the C31's subtle upgrades and potentially better software support make it the marginally better choice for most users, despite the similar price point.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 in) | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | - | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 |
| 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 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | Yes |
| 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 | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Dark Grey | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| Models | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C30
- Very affordable
- Large battery
- Android Go Edition (optimized for lower-end hardware)
- Slow charging
- Basic camera system
- Plastic build feels less premium
Nokia C31
- Slightly more modern design
- More versatile camera system (ultra-wide)
- Potentially better durability (reinforced polymer)
- Likely longer software support
- Slow charging
- Performance similar to C30
- Still a budget device with limitations
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.26-inch HD+ (720 x 1600) IPS LCD display. While the resolution is the same, the C31 might offer slightly improved color accuracy or brightness due to potential panel variations. However, the difference is likely minimal and won't be noticeable for most users.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C30 typically features a 13MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor. The Nokia C31 usually upgrades to a 13MP main camera, a 5MP ultra-wide camera, and a 2MP macro camera. This gives the C31 a clear advantage in versatility, allowing for wider shots and close-up photography.
Performance
Both devices are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, meaning performance will be very similar. Expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect to run demanding games or multitask heavily without some slowdown.
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 C30 is ideal for users prioritizing affordability above all else and needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light usage. The Nokia C31 is a better fit for those seeking a slightly more robust build, a more modern design, and potentially longer software support, even if the core performance is similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is Android Go Edition?
Android Go Edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for smartphones with limited RAM and storage. It uses optimized apps and reduces background processes to improve performance.
❓ How long will Nokia provide software updates for these phones?
Nokia typically provides at least 2 years of security updates and 1 major Android OS upgrade for their devices. The C31 is likely to receive slightly longer support than the C30.
