Nokia's budget smartphone lineup offers reliable options, but choosing between models can be tricky. The Nokia C31 and G21 both aim to deliver value, but they have distinct strengths. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G21 emerges as the clear winner. Its superior chipset, faster charging, and exceptional battery life outweigh the C31's slightly more robust build. If longevity and performance are priorities, the G21 is the better choice.
| 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, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, September 01 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, September 01 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| 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) | 190 g (6.70 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, 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 11, upgradable to 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (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, RDS |
| 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 | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 130 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.7 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 171299 (v9)
GeekBench: 1193 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Nokia C31
- Durable build quality
- Affordable price
- Android Go Edition (potentially)
- Slower performance
- Dimmer display
- Slow charging
- Older chipset
Nokia G21
- Excellent battery life
- Faster charging (18W, PD3.0)
- Better performance
- Brighter display
- Potentially less durable than C31
- Higher price than C31
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar contrast ratios (1631:1), but the G21 boasts a measured 500 nits brightness, offering a noticeably better viewing experience, especially outdoors. The C31's display is likely dimmer, impacting visibility in sunlight. Screen sizes are likely comparable, around 6.5 inches, with HD+ resolution on both.
Camera Comparison
While both are listed as 'Photo / Video,' the G21 likely has a slightly better camera system due to its more modern chipset and potentially better image processing capabilities. Expect slightly better image quality and faster processing on the G21. Specific megapixel counts are not provided, but the G21 is generally considered to have a more capable camera.
Performance
The Nokia G21's Unisoc T606 chipset (12nm) is significantly more powerful than the C31's Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The G21's CPU configuration with Cortex-A75 cores provides a substantial performance boost for multitasking and demanding apps. The C31 will feel noticeably slower.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21's standout feature is its incredible battery life, boasting an endurance rating of 126 hours. This is a significant advantage over the C31, which, while decent, doesn't match the G21's longevity. The G21 also supports 18W fast charging and PD3.0, while the C31 is limited to 10W.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C31 is ideal for users prioritizing a durable design and basic functionality at the absolute lowest price point. The Nokia G21 is perfect for those needing longer battery life, smoother performance for everyday tasks, and faster charging capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Both Nokia phones are expected to receive regular security updates and Android version upgrades for a reasonable period, aligning with Nokia's commitment to software support. However, specific timelines vary.
❓ Is the Nokia C31 worth considering if budget is the absolute top priority?
Yes, if your budget is extremely limited and you only need basic functionality, the C31 can be a viable option. However, be prepared for compromises in performance and features.
