Nokia's budget phone lineup offers reliable options, but choosing between them can be tricky. The Nokia G11 Plus and C31 both aim to deliver value, but they differ significantly under the hood. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide which one is right for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G11 Plus clearly edges out the C31 thanks to its significantly more powerful chipset and faster CPU. While both offer decent battery life and reliable Nokia build quality, the G11 Plus provides a noticeably smoother and more responsive user experience, making it the better overall 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, 8, 40, 41 - India | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - South Africa, Egypt |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, June 29 | 2022, September 01 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, July 20 | Available. Released 2022, September 01 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 200 g (7.05 oz) |
| | Splash protection | Splash resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.75 inches, 110.0 cm2 (~83.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 12, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB 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 | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 5 MP |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0" | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Charcoal Grey | Charcoal, Mint, Cyan |
| 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 G11 Plus
- More powerful chipset
- Faster performance
- Potentially better camera processing
- Reliable Nokia build quality
- 10W charging is slow
- May lack advanced camera features
Nokia C31
- Very affordable
- Durable build quality
- Long software support commitment (typical for Nokia)
- All-day battery life
- Slow performance
- Less responsive user experience
- Basic camera capabilities
Display Comparison
Both phones feature similar display sizes (around 6.5 inches) and resolutions (likely HD+). However, the G11 Plus might offer slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its more modern chipset potentially enabling better display drivers. Expect both to be adequate for everyday use but not exceptional.
Camera Comparison
While specific camera specs are often similar (likely a 13MP main camera and a depth sensor), the G11 Plus's more powerful chipset could lead to slightly better image processing and low-light performance. Both phones are unlikely to offer flagship-level camera quality, but the G11 Plus may have a slight edge.
Performance
This is where the G11 Plus shines. The Unisoc T606 chipset with Cortex-A75 cores provides a substantial performance boost over the C31's SC9863A and its all-Cortex-A55 configuration. Expect faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience on the G11 Plus. The C31 will feel noticeably slower, especially with demanding apps.
Battery Life
Both phones are expected to have a 5000mAh battery, offering all-day battery life under moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 10W, so expect similar charging times.
Buying Guide
The Nokia G11 Plus is ideal for users who prioritize performance and a smoother experience, even on a budget. The Nokia C31 is a good option for those seeking a very affordable, durable phone primarily for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light browsing, and who value a longer software support commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Nokia phone has better software support?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates. Both phones will likely receive regular security patches and potentially one major Android update, but the C31 might have a slightly longer support window due to its simpler hardware.
❓ Is the Nokia G11 Plus worth the extra cost?
If performance is a priority, then yes. The G11 Plus's faster chipset makes a noticeable difference in everyday use. If you only need a basic phone for calls and texts, the C31 is a more budget-friendly option.
