The Nokia C-series offers affordable smartphones with a focus on durability and reliability. The C32 and C31 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 performance and slightly improved battery life. Both offer similar features, but the C32's minor hardware advantage makes it the preferable choice for most users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | 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 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 25 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 25 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm (6.66 x 3.07 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | Splash and dust resistant | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% 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 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Wireless FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| 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 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| Models | - | TA-1499, TA-1497, TA-1493 |
| Price | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 | About 130 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 0.35 W/kg (head) 1.39 W/kg (body) |
Nokia C32
- More efficient chipset (22nm)
- Potentially higher price than C31
- 10W charging is slow
Nokia C31
- Lower price point
- Durable build quality (typical of Nokia)
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- 10W charging is slow
Display Comparison
Both phones likely feature similar 6.5-inch HD+ displays with a standard 60Hz refresh rate. Expect adequate brightness and color accuracy for everyday use, but don't anticipate flagship-level visuals. The C32 might have a slightly improved coating for better scratch resistance, but this is not officially confirmed.
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 results in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance will be average. Software processing will play a significant role in the final image quality.
Performance
The key difference lies in the chipset fabrication process. The C32's 22nm Unisoc SC9863A1 is more efficient than the C31's 28nm SC9863A. This translates to potentially better performance in demanding tasks and slightly less power consumption. Expect both phones to handle basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming without major issues, but don't expect high-end gaming performance.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery. While the C31 might have slightly better battery life due to the slightly lower power consumption of the display, the C32's more efficient chipset could offset this, resulting in comparable or slightly better battery life.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C32 is ideal for users prioritizing a slightly smoother experience and potentially longer battery life on a tight budget. The Nokia C31 is a solid option for those seeking a dependable and durable phone at the absolute lowest price point, especially if the C32 is significantly more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia C32 worth the extra money over the C31?
If the price difference isn't substantial, the C32's more efficient chipset makes it a worthwhile upgrade. However, if the C31 is significantly cheaper, it remains a solid budget option.
❓ What kind of performance can I expect from these phones?
Both phones are suitable for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect high-end gaming performance or demanding multitasking.
