Looking for an affordable Nokia smartphone? The C31 and G11 Plus 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 Plus edges out the C31 thanks to its more efficient chipset and slightly better performance. While both offer solid value, the G11 Plus's improved processor makes it the preferable choice for smoother multitasking and a more responsive experience, despite similar charging speeds.
| 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, 5, 8, 40, 41 - India |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, June 29 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, July 20 |
| 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) | 164.8 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) | 192 g (6.77 oz) |
| | Splash resistant | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| 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, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| 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 12, upgradable to Android 13 |
| 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, 128GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.67", PDAF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" |
| 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 | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| 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 (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh | Li-Ion 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan | Lake Blue, Charcoal Grey |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | - |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia C31
- Rugged design
- Reliable brand
- Decent battery life
- Triple camera system
- Slower performance
- Outdated chipset
- Slow charging
- Lower screen quality compared to G11 Plus
Nokia G11 Plus
- Better performance
- More efficient chipset
- 50MP main camera
- Modern design
- Good value
- 10W charging
- Camera performance can be inconsistent in low light
- HD+ display resolution
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering decent viewing angles and adequate brightness for everyday use. However, the G11 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy due to its more modern chipset, though the difference is likely minimal. Resolution is similar, so expect comparable sharpness.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C31 typically features a triple camera setup (13MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro) while the G11 Plus often has a dual camera setup (50MP main, 2MP depth). While megapixel count isn't everything, the G11 Plus's 50MP main sensor should capture more detailed images in good lighting conditions. Both phones offer decent image quality for their price range, but the G11 Plus likely has a slight edge.
Performance
This is where the G11 Plus shines. The Unisoc T606 with its Cortex-A75 cores provides a noticeable performance boost over the C31's SC9863A. Expect smoother app loading, faster multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the G11 Plus. The C31 is adequate for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both devices are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, providing all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging is limited to 10W wired, which is relatively slow by today's standards, but sufficient for overnight charging.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a rugged design and basic functionality. It's a great option for first-time smartphone users or those needing a dependable device for calls, texts, and light browsing. The Nokia G11 Plus is better suited for users who want a slightly faster experience, better performance for casual gaming, and a more modern feel without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and T606 chipsets?
The Unisoc T606 is a more modern and efficient chipset with Cortex-A75 cores, offering significantly better performance compared to the older and less powerful SC9863A found in the Nokia C31.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge each phone?
Both phones use 10W charging, so expect a charging time of around 2.5 - 3 hours to fully charge the 5000mAh battery.