Looking for an affordable and reliable smartphone? The Nokia C31 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 C31 and C21 Plus are remarkably similar, sharing the same chipset and CPU. The C31 edges out slightly due to potentially improved software support and a slightly more modern design, making it the marginally better choice for most users, despite the minimal difference.
| 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 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 | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 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 | Wireless 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 5050 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C31
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly more modern design
- Additional camera sensors (depth, macro)
- 10W charging is slow
- Performance is limited
- HD+ display isn't the sharpest
Nokia C21 Plus
- Lower price point
- Reliable brand
- All-day battery life
- 10W charging is slow
- Performance is limited
- Fewer camera features
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While the C31 might have a slightly more refined panel, the difference is negligible in everyday use. Expect adequate brightness and color reproduction for the price range.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C31 typically features a 13MP main camera with additional depth and macro sensors, while the C21 Plus often has a 13MP main camera with a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is acceptable in good lighting conditions, but expect noise and limited detail in low light. The C31's additional sensors *could* offer slightly more versatility.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, both phones offer adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding gaming capabilities. The C31 *might* benefit from slightly optimized software, but the core performance will be very similar.
Battery Life
Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life with moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, so expect relatively slow charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly more modern design and potentially longer software support. The Nokia C21 Plus is a great option for those seeking the absolute lowest price point and a dependable, basic smartphone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference in software support between the C31 and C21 Plus?
Nokia typically provides longer software support for newer models. The C31 is likely to receive Android updates for a slightly longer period than the C21 Plus.
❓ Can I play demanding games on either of these phones?
No, both phones are not designed for demanding games. They can handle basic games, but performance will be limited.
