Looking for an affordable Android phone? The Nokia C31 and C30 are both contenders in the budget segment, offering reliable performance and the Nokia brand's reputation. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C31 offers a slightly improved design and potentially better camera performance, though both share the same chipset. The C30's longer software support and slightly lower price point make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing longevity and value. It's a close call, leaning towards the C30 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 - 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, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt | 1, 3, 7, 20, 28 - Australia, UK, Ireland |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2021, October 12 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) | 177.7 x 79.1 x 9.9 mm (7.00 x 3.11 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 237 g (8.36 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~257 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 112.3 cm2 (~79.9% 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)
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| 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 | Yes | Unspecified |
| 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, 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 5050 mAh | Li-Po 6000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Green, White, Dark Grey |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | TA-1357, TA-1377, TA-1369, TA-1360, TA-1359 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.33 W/kg (head) 1.19 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.41 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C31
- Slightly more modern design
- Triple camera system with macro lens
- Potentially better camera quality
- Android 12 (upgradeable)
- Slower charging
- Higher price than C30
- Performance similar to C30
Nokia C30
- Longer software support (Android 13, upgrade to Android 14)
- More eco-friendly design (recycled materials)
- Lower price
- Good battery life
- Dual camera system
- Slightly older design
- Performance similar to C31
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.26-inch HD+ display. While the resolution is the same, the C31 might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to potential panel differences, though this is often subtle in this price range. Viewing angles are generally acceptable on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C31 boasts a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth + 2MP macro) compared to the C30's dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth). The C31's additional macro lens offers more versatility, and the main camera likely captures slightly better detail and dynamic range. Both struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
Powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, performance is comparable on both devices. Expect smooth navigation and basic app usage, but don't expect to play demanding games. The C30 might feel slightly snappier due to potentially more optimized software.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 5000mAh battery, promising all-day battery life. Real-world usage will vary, but expect similar performance from both devices. The 10W charging is slow on both, so be prepared for extended charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users who want a slightly more modern design and potentially better camera quality, and are willing to spend a bit more. The Nokia C30 is a great choice for those prioritizing long-term software updates, a more eco-friendly design (recycled materials), and the absolute best value for their money.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these phones ship with?
The Nokia C31 ships with Android 12 and is upgradeable. The Nokia C30 ships with Android 13 and is upgradeable to Android 14.
❓ How long will Nokia support these phones with software updates?
Nokia promises 2 years of security updates and 1 major Android OS upgrade for the C31. The C30 receives 3 years of security updates and 1 major Android OS upgrade.
