Looking for an affordable Nokia smartphone? The C31 and G11 are both strong contenders, offering reliable performance and the brand's signature durability. But which one is right for you? This comprehensive comparison dives deep into their features to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G11 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster processor, faster charging, and more modern chipset. While the C31 offers a robust build, the G11's performance and charging capabilities justify its slight price premium 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, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 |
| 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 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, February 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, March 24 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 200 g (7.05 oz) | 189 g (6.67 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | - |
| Display |
|---|
| 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, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 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, GALILEO |
| Radio | Wireless 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Charcoal, Ice |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | TA-1401 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.47 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C31
- Rugged design
- Android Go Edition (optimized for lower-end hardware)
- Decent battery life (though slow charging)
- Reliable brand reputation
- Slow performance
- Slow charging
- Outdated chipset
- Lower screen quality compared to G11
Nokia G11
- Faster performance
- Faster charging (18W PD3.0)
- Larger display
- Better camera quality
- More modern chipset
- Less rugged design than C31
- Standard Android experience (may be slower on lower RAM configurations)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature HD+ displays, but the G11's slightly larger screen (6.53 inches vs 6.3 inches) offers a more immersive viewing experience. Color accuracy and brightness are comparable, suitable for everyday use but not ideal for demanding content creators.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia G11 generally offers better image quality, particularly in low-light conditions, thanks to its more advanced image processing capabilities. Both phones feature a triple-camera setup, but the G11's main sensor tends to capture more detail and dynamic range. Both offer decent video recording capabilities.
Performance
The G11's Unisoc T606 chipset, built on a 12nm process, provides a noticeable performance boost over the C31's 28nm Unisoc SC9863A. The G11's Cortex-A75 cores offer significantly better single-core performance, resulting in smoother multitasking and app loading times. The C31 will feel sluggish by comparison.
Battery Life
The Nokia G11 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery and significantly faster 18W charging (with PD3.0 support) compared to the C31's 10W charging. This translates to longer battery life and quicker top-ups for the G11.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a rugged design and basic functionality for calls, texts, and light app usage. The Nokia G11 is better suited for those who want a smoother experience for everyday tasks, enjoy media consumption, and appreciate faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia C31 worth buying?
The C31 is a decent option if you prioritize durability and a very basic smartphone experience on a tight budget. However, the G11 offers significantly better value for money.
❓ Does the Nokia G11 support fast charging?
Yes, the Nokia G11 supports 18W fast charging with PD3.0, allowing for quicker top-ups compared to the C31's 10W charging.
❓ Which phone has better performance?
The Nokia G11 has significantly better performance due to its more modern and powerful chipset.
