Nokia's reign in the early to mid-2000s is legendary. Two phones that represent that era are the Nokia C5 5MP and the Nokia 6120 Classic. Both offer a nostalgic experience, but which one holds up better today? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C5 5MP edges out the 6120 Classic thanks to its slightly faster processor and better camera. However, the 6120 Classic boasts a more refined design and arguably better build quality, making it a close contest. Ultimately, it depends on your priorities.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 2100 |
| EDGE | Yes | - |
| GPRS | Class 12 | - |
| Speed | HSPA | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2011, June. Released 2011, September | 2007, April |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 112.3 x 46 x 12.3 mm, 56.2 cc (4.42 x 1.81 x 0.48 in) | 105 x 46 x 15 mm, 66 cc (4.13 x 1.81 x 0.59 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 95 g (3.35 oz) | 89 g (3.14 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~182 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~200 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.2 inches, 15.0 cm2 (~29.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.0 inches, 12.4 cm2 (~25.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 16M colors | TFT, 16M colors |
| | - | Downloadable wallpapers, screensavers |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 600 MHz ARM 11 | 369 MHz ARM 11 |
| OS | Symbian 9.3, Series 60 rel. 3.2 | Symbian 9.2, S60 rel. 3.1 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 270MB 256MB RAM 512MB ROM | 32MB 64MB RAM 128MB ROM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@15fps | 320p |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA videocall camera | QVGA videocall camera |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | No |
| 35mm jack | Yes | No |
| Alert types | - | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, AAC ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| | - | 2.5 mm audio jack |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP, EDR | 2.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | - |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps 3.0 | No |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | miniUSB |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | - | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML |
| | MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/WMA player
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Video/Photo editor
Organizer
Facebook, YouTube, hi5, Friendster, MySpace apps
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input | Push to talk
MP4/3GP/RV player
MP3/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input
|
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 30 h | - |
| Stand-by | Up to 600 h (2G) / Up to 672 h (3G) | Up to 250 h (2G) / 240 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 40 min (3G) | Up to 3 h (2G) / 2 h 24 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery (BL-5CT) | Removable Li-Ion 890 mAh battery (BL-5B) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | White, Warm Grey, All Black | Black, Pearl White |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.16 W/kg (head) 0.86 W/kg (body) | 1.12 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.34 W/kg (head) | 1.19 W/kg (head) |
Nokia C5 5MP
- Faster processor
- Better camera (5MP)
- Slightly larger display
- More modern software (S60 5th Edition)
- Build quality not as premium as 6120 Classic
- Battery life slightly shorter
- Can feel a bit bulky
Nokia 6120 classic
- Robust build quality
- Classic Nokia design
- Excellent battery life
- Reliable and durable
- Slower processor
- Lower resolution camera (2MP)
- Smaller display
- Older software (S60 3rd Edition)
Display Comparison
The Nokia C5 5MP features a 2.4-inch QVGA display, offering a slightly larger viewing area compared to the 6120 Classic's 2.2-inch display. Both displays are adequate for their time, but the C5's slightly larger size provides a marginally better experience for browsing and viewing images.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia C5 5MP's 5MP camera is a clear winner over the 6120 Classic's 2MP camera. While image quality won't rival modern smartphones, the C5 captures noticeably more detail and produces brighter images. Both cameras struggle in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Nokia C5 5MP's 600 MHz ARM 11 processor gives it a noticeable performance advantage over the 6120 Classic's 369 MHz ARM 11. Apps load faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother on the C5. However, both phones are limited by their older operating systems and will struggle with modern apps.
Battery Life
The Nokia 6120 Classic generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient design and smaller screen. Expect around 7-10 days of standby time for the 6120 Classic, compared to 5-8 days for the C5 5MP. Both phones feature a BL-5C battery.
Buying Guide
The Nokia C5 5MP is ideal for those seeking a slightly more modern experience with a better camera, while still appreciating a classic Nokia feel. The Nokia 6120 Classic is perfect for users prioritizing a robust build, a classic design, and a reliable, no-frills phone experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Are these phones compatible with modern SIM cards?
These phones use older SIM card sizes. You may need an adapter to use them with modern nano-SIM cards.
❓ Can I install apps on these phones?
Yes, but app availability is limited. They run older versions of the S60 operating system, so only apps compatible with those versions will work.
