Nostalgia is a powerful force, and the resurgence of flip phones proves it. We're pitting two contenders against each other: the Samsung C3590, a simple and affordable option, and the Nokia 2720 Flip, boasting a slightly more modern chipset. Let's see which one reigns supreme in this retro battle.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 2720 Flip is the clear winner. Its Snapdragon 205 chipset provides significantly better performance than the C3590's single-core processor. While both offer basic functionality, the Nokia's improved speed and 4G connectivity make it a more compelling choice for modern users.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 - GT-C3595 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - EU |
| EDGE | No | - |
| GPRS | Up to 115 kbps | - |
| Speed | HSPA 7.2/0.384 Mbps (GT-C3595) | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - SIM 1 & SIM 2 - C3592 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - MENA, APAC, GCR |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2013, October. Released 2013, October | 2019, September 05. Released 2019, September 05 |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 100.9 x 50.9 x 17.3 mm (3.97 x 2.00 x 0.68 in) | 192.7 x 54.5 x 11.6 mm (7.59 x 2.15 x 0.46 in) |
| SIM | Single SIM (Mini-SIM) or Dual SIM (Mini-SIM, dual stand-by) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 99.8 (3.49 oz) | 118 g (4.16 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density) |
| Size | 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~34.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~23.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 256K colors | TFT LCD, 256K colors |
| | - | Second external TFT display, 240 x 240 pixels, 1.3 inches |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 416 MHz | Dual-core (2x1.1 GHz Cortex-A7) |
| Chipset | - | Qualcomm MSM8905 Snapdragon 205 (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | Adreno 304 |
| OS | - | KaiOS 2.5.2 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | Yes | - |
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 10MB | 4GB 512MB |
| Phonebook | Yes | - |
| | - | eMMC 4.5 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | LED flash |
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | Yes | Yes |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Video | Yes | - |
| | No | No |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | No | GPS, GLONASS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Games | Yes | - |
| Java | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, IM | - |
| | SNS applications
Organizer
MP3/eAAC+ player
MP4/H.264 player
Voice memo
Predictive text input | SNS applications
MP4/H.264 player
MP3/WAV/AAC player
Organizer
Voice memo
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 460 h | Up to 700 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h | - |
| Type | Li-Ion 800 mAh, removable | Li-Ion 1500 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, Silver, Red | Black, Gray, Red |
| Models | GT-C3595, GT-C3592 | TA-1175, TA-1173, TA-1170, TA-1168 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.87 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.33 W/kg (head) 0.33 W/kg (body) | 1.03 W/kg (head) 1.69 W/kg (body) |
Samsung C3590
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Long battery life (basic usage)
- Very slow performance
- No camera
- Small screen
- Limited functionality
Nokia 2720 Flip
- Faster performance (Snapdragon 205)
- 4G connectivity
- 2MP camera
- Slightly larger screen
- Good battery life
- Camera quality is basic
- Still a feature phone with limited app support
- Can feel slightly bulky
Display Comparison
Both phones feature small, basic LCD screens. The Nokia 2720 Flip's screen is slightly larger (2.8 inches vs 2.4 inches) and may offer marginally better resolution, but overall, display quality is comparable and not a major differentiator. Expect limited viewing angles and washed-out colors on both.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 2720 Flip has a 2MP rear camera, offering a basic photo-taking capability. The Samsung C3590 lacks a camera entirely. Image quality on the Nokia is passable for quick snapshots, but don't expect anything impressive.
Performance
This is where the Nokia 2720 Flip shines. Its dual-core 1.1 GHz Cortex-A7 processor is a massive upgrade over the C3590's 416 MHz single-core CPU. Expect noticeably faster app loading, smoother navigation, and a more responsive user interface on the Nokia. The C3590 can feel sluggish even for basic tasks.
Battery Life
The Nokia 2720 Flip generally offers better battery life due to its more efficient chipset, typically lasting 2-3 days on a single charge. The Samsung C3590's battery life is also good, often lasting a day or two, but the Nokia has a slight edge.
Buying Guide
The Samsung C3590 is ideal for users seeking the absolute cheapest possible phone for calls and texts, prioritizing simplicity above all else. The Nokia 2720 Flip is better suited for those wanting a slightly more capable feature phone with 4G connectivity, a better user experience, and a bit more longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use 4G on the Samsung C3590?
No, the Samsung C3590 only supports 2G networks.
❓ Which phone is better for WhatsApp?
The Nokia 2720 Flip is better suited for WhatsApp due to its faster processor and 4G connectivity, although the experience will still be limited compared to a smartphone.
