Nokia's C-series phones offer reliable and affordable smartphones for those on a budget. The C32 and C22 are two recent additions, both promising durability and essential features. 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 C22 thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset (22nm vs 28nm) which should translate to marginally better performance and potentially slightly improved battery life. Both are budget options, but the C32 offers a small upgrade.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 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 + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% 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 SC9863A1 (22 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 13 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink | Sand, Midnight Black |
| Price | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 | About 90 EUR |
Nokia C32
- Slightly more efficient chipset
- Potentially better performance
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Large battery capacity
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited camera capabilities
- HD+ display resolution is not ideal
- Performance still limited for demanding tasks
Nokia C22
- Very affordable
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Large battery capacity
- Reliable for basic tasks
- Less efficient chipset
- Slightly slower performance
- 10W charging is slow
- Limited camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar displays, probably around 6.5 inches with an HD+ resolution. Expect decent viewing angles and brightness for everyday use, but don't anticipate vibrant colors or high resolution. The C32 might have a slightly improved panel, but it's unlikely to be a significant difference.
Camera Comparison
Camera specs are likely similar, potentially a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor on both. Image quality will be adequate in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance will be limited. Nokia's software processing will play a key role in the final image quality, and it's difficult to definitively say which phone will perform better without direct testing.
Performance
The Unisoc SC9863A1 in the C32 has a 22nm manufacturing process, while the C22 uses a 28nm process. This means the C32's chipset is generally more power-efficient and potentially faster. Expect both phones to handle basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing without issue, but demanding games or multitasking will likely cause slowdowns. The C32 should handle these tasks slightly better.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery. While the C32's more efficient chipset gives it a slight advantage, real-world battery life will depend on usage patterns. Expect a full day of moderate use from either device.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C32 is ideal for users prioritizing a bit more performance and a slightly more modern chipset within a tight budget. The Nokia C22 is a great choice for those seeking a super-affordable, durable device primarily for basic communication and light usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What is the difference between the Unisoc SC9863A and SC9863A1 chipsets?
The primary difference is the manufacturing process: 28nm for the SC9863A (C22) and 22nm for the SC9863A1 (C32). The 22nm process is generally more efficient, leading to potentially better performance and battery life.
❓ Are these phones 5G capable?
No, neither the Nokia C32 nor the Nokia C22 support 5G connectivity. They both rely on 4G LTE.
