The Nokia C30 and Xiaomi Redmi 10C represent two distinct approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The C30 prioritizes a large display and a familiar Nokia experience, while the Redmi 10C aims for a performance edge with a more modern chipset. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Xiaomi Redmi 10C is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 680 chipset, built on a 6nm process, delivers significantly faster performance than the Nokia C30’s Unisoc SC9863A, making it more responsive for daily tasks and light gaming. While the C30 offers a larger screen, the Redmi 10C’s efficiency and faster charging outweigh this advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 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 | 2022, March 21 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 12 | Available. Released 2022, March 23 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 in) | 169.6 x 76.6 x 8.3 mm (6.68 x 3.02 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 237 g (8.36 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) | 720 x 1650 pixels (~268 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.71 inches, 106.5 cm2 (~82.0% 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 (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, MIUI 13 |
| 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 | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, (wide)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 26mm (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP, f/2.2 |
| 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 | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Green, White, Dark Grey | Graphite Gray, Ocean Blue, Mint Green |
| Models | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 | 220333QAG, 220333QBI, 220333QNY, 220333QL |
| Price | About 100 EUR | £ 99.00 / € 109.86 |
| SAR | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C30
- Larger display size for media consumption
- Familiar Nokia build quality
- Potential for longer software support (Nokia's strength)
- Significantly slower processor
- Less efficient chipset (higher power consumption)
- Slow 10W charging
Xiaomi Redmi 10C
- Faster and more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Faster 18W charging
- Improved image processing capabilities
- Potentially less durable build quality
- Xiaomi’s MIUI software can be resource-intensive
- May receive fewer guaranteed software updates than Nokia
Display Comparison
Both devices feature large displays, but details beyond size are scarce. The Nokia C30’s larger screen is its primary visual advantage, though resolution is likely 720p on both. Without knowing panel technology (IPS vs. TFT) or brightness levels, it’s difficult to assess color accuracy or outdoor visibility. However, the Redmi 10C’s more efficient chipset may allow for a slightly brighter display without significant battery drain.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is likely similar, given both devices target the budget segment. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make definitive claims. However, Qualcomm’s image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 680 generally offers better image processing capabilities than Unisoc’s ISP. This could result in slightly better dynamic range and noise reduction in the Redmi 10C’s photos. The presence of a dedicated night mode on the Redmi 10C, even if basic, suggests a focus on low-light photography that the C30 likely lacks.
Performance
The performance gap is the most significant differentiator. The Xiaomi Redmi 10C’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is a substantial upgrade over the Nokia C30’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The 6nm process node translates to significantly improved power efficiency and thermal management, allowing the Snapdragon 680 to sustain higher clock speeds for longer. The CPU architecture also favors the Redmi 10C; its Kryo 265 Gold cores (2.4 GHz) are considerably faster than the Cortex-A55 cores (1.6 GHz) in the Nokia C30. This difference will be noticeable in app loading times, multitasking, and overall system responsiveness.
Battery Life
While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (around 5000mAh is typical for this segment), the Redmi 10C benefits from a more efficient chipset and faster 18W charging. The Nokia C30 is limited to 10W charging, meaning significantly longer charge times. The Snapdragon 680’s 6nm process will draw less power during typical usage, potentially extending battery life despite similar capacity. The faster charging on the Redmi 10C is a practical advantage for users who need to quickly top up their battery.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia C30 if you prioritize a very large display for media consumption and prefer the simplicity of the stock Android experience with guaranteed software updates. Buy the Xiaomi Redmi 10C if you value performance and responsiveness for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and casual gaming, and appreciate faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Redmi 10C handle popular games like PUBG Mobile or Call of Duty?
The Snapdragon 680 in the Redmi 10C can run PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty, but expect to play at lower graphics settings (Medium or Low) and frame rates to maintain a smooth experience. The Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C30 will struggle with these titles, even on the lowest settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge each phone?
With its 10W charging, the Nokia C30 will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0%. The Redmi 10C’s 18W charging will significantly reduce this time, potentially to around 2 hours, depending on the charger used.
❓ Is the difference in performance between these two phones noticeable for everyday tasks?
Yes, the difference is quite noticeable. The Redmi 10C will feel much more responsive when opening apps, browsing the web, and multitasking. The Nokia C30 may exhibit lag and slowdowns, especially with multiple apps open.
❓ Which phone is better for watching videos?
The Nokia C30’s larger screen provides a more immersive viewing experience, assuming both phones have similar resolutions. However, the Redmi 10C’s more efficient chipset may allow for longer video playback on a single charge.
