The budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for money. Today, we're pitting two contenders against each other: the Nokia C30 and the Realme C21Y. Both promise affordability, but which one delivers the better overall experience?
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Realme C21Y edges out the Nokia C30 thanks to its significantly faster processor and more modern chipset. While the Nokia C30 boasts a larger battery and potentially better software support, the Realme's performance advantage makes it the more compelling choice 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 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28 - Australia, UK, Ireland | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2021, June 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2021, July 02 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 in) | 164.5 x 76 x 9.1 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T610 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G52 MP2 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 10/ Android 11 |
| 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 |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/3.06", 1.12µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/5.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | Unspecified | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| 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, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | Reverse wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Dark Grey | Cross Black, Cross Blue |
| Models | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 | RMX3261, RMX3263 |
| 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) | - |
Nokia C30
- Large 5000mAh battery
- Potentially cleaner Android experience
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Android Go Edition (optimized for lower-end hardware)
- Slower processor
- Less vibrant display (potentially)
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited RAM and storage
Realme C21Y
- Faster processor (Unisoc T610)
- Reverse wired charging
- Slightly better color calibration on display
- Triple camera setup
- Realme UI can be cluttered
- Battery life may be slightly shorter than Nokia C30
- Build quality may not be as robust as Nokia
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for indoor use. However, Realme often has slightly better color calibration. The Nokia C30's display might be a bit less vibrant.
Camera Comparison
The Realme C21Y typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), while the Nokia C30 has a 13MP main camera. Image quality is generally comparable in good lighting, but the Realme's depth sensor can improve portrait mode shots. Low-light performance is likely to be similar, and not exceptional on either device.
Performance
This is where the Realme C21Y shines. Its Unisoc T610 chipset, built on a 12nm process, is noticeably faster than the Nokia C30's 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. Expect smoother app loading, quicker multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Realme.
Battery Life
The Nokia C30 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery, potentially offering slightly longer battery life than the Realme C21Y's 5000mAh battery. However, the Realme's more efficient chipset could offset this difference in real-world usage.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C30 is ideal for users prioritizing long battery life and a potentially cleaner Android experience. It's a good option for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light browsing. The Realme C21Y is better suited for users who want a smoother, more responsive experience for everyday tasks, social media, and light gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Realme C21Y has a significantly faster processor (Unisoc T610) compared to the Nokia C30's Unisoc SC9863A, resulting in smoother performance.
❓ Is the Nokia C30's battery life really that much better?
While the Nokia C30 has a 5000mAh battery, the Realme C21Y's more efficient chipset could mean similar real-world battery life. It depends on usage patterns.
