The Nokia C-series offers affordable smartphones with a focus on durability and reliability. The C31 and C32 are two recent additions, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C32 edges out the C31 thanks to its slightly more efficient 22nm chipset, potentially leading to better battery life and marginally improved performance. Both offer similar features, but the C32's small advantage makes it the slightly better 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 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C31
- Durable build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Reliable brand
- Slightly less efficient chipset
- Basic camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
Nokia C32
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Clean Android experience
- Reliable brand
- Basic camera performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Marginally higher price (potentially)
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature a similar 6.5-inch HD+ display with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Expect decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use, but don't expect vibrant colors or high resolution. The C32 might have slightly improved color accuracy due to the chipset differences, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are expected to feature a 50MP main camera, along with depth and macro lenses. Image quality will likely be similar, with decent performance in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average. Software processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
While both utilize the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, the C32's 22nm process offers a slight advantage over the C31's 28nm. This translates to potentially better power efficiency and slightly smoother performance in everyday tasks. Don't expect flagship-level speeds from either device; they're designed for basic usage like calls, texts, and social media.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery. However, the C32's more efficient chipset could result in slightly longer battery life under typical usage. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is a good option for those prioritizing a robust build and a familiar Android experience on a tight budget. The Nokia C32 is ideal for users who want a little extra efficiency and potentially longer battery life without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What Android version do these phones run?
Both the Nokia C31 and C32 ship with Android 12 (Go Edition), offering a lightweight and optimized experience for budget devices. Nokia promises software updates for a period, but the exact duration may vary.
❓ Is the 10W charging slow?
Yes, 10W charging is relatively slow compared to modern smartphones. Expect a longer charging time to reach 100%.
