The Samsung Galaxy M01s and Nokia C300 represent two approaches to the ultra-budget smartphone market. The M01s, an older model, relies on MediaTek's Helio P22, while the C300 leverages Qualcomm's Snapdragon 662. This comparison dissects their core differences, focusing on how chipset architecture impacts real-world performance and user experience.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C300 offers a more refined experience thanks to the Snapdragon 662's superior efficiency and processing power. While the M01s is likely cheaper, the C300's smoother performance and 10W charging provide better value for everyday tasks and light multitasking.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1700 / 1900 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2020, July 16. Released 2020, July 16 | 2023, June 02 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2023, June 14 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 75.8 x 7.8 mm (6.18 x 2.98 x 0.31 in) | 166.7 x 76.6 x 8.6 mm (6.56 x 3.02 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 168 g (5.93 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~80.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | PLS LCD | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz & 4x1.5 GHz) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 9.0 (Pie), upgradable to Android 10, One UI 2.1 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 3GB RAM | 32GB 3GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, portrait, night |
| Triple | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 | 8 MP |
| Video | - | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | - |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, hotspot |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, barometer |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Light Blue, Gray | Blue |
| Models | SM-M017F, SM-M017F/DS | - |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 60 EUR |
| SAR | 0.26 W/kg (head) | - |
Samsung Galaxy M01s
- Potentially lower price point.
- May be readily available in certain markets.
- Simple and straightforward Android experience.
- Older, less efficient chipset.
- Likely slower performance.
- Unknown charging standard.
Nokia C300
- More powerful and efficient Snapdragon 662 chipset.
- Standardized 10W charging.
- Better image processing capabilities.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Potentially larger physical size.
- Android Go Edition may limit app compatibility (depending on version).
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely feature LCD panels, typical for this price bracket. However, the lack of detailed display specs necessitates focusing on the chipset's ability to drive the UI smoothly. A more powerful chipset, like the Snapdragon 662 in the C300, will translate to less stuttering during scrolling and animations, even with a similar panel.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs beyond the presence of cameras, a direct comparison is difficult. However, the Snapdragon 662’s image signal processor (ISP) is generally more capable than the Helio P22’s. This means the Nokia C300 is likely to produce better-quality photos, particularly in challenging lighting conditions, due to superior noise reduction and dynamic range processing. The presence of a more advanced ISP also suggests better video recording capabilities.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C300’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) is a significant step up from the Samsung Galaxy M01s’ MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 11nm process node of the Snapdragon 662 offers improved power efficiency, meaning less heat generation and potentially more sustained performance. While both are octa-core CPUs with a 2.0 GHz peak clock speed, the Snapdragon 662 utilizes Qualcomm’s Kryo architecture – specifically Kryo 260 Gold and Silver cores – which are designed for a better balance of performance and efficiency compared to the Helio P22’s more generic core configuration. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking on the Nokia C300.
Battery Life
Battery capacity isn't specified for either device, making a direct mAh comparison impossible. However, the Nokia C300’s 10W wired charging is a clear advantage. While not fast charging by modern standards, it’s a standardized and reliable charging speed. The M01s’ charging speed is unknown, but the lack of specification suggests it may be slower or utilize a proprietary standard, potentially requiring a specific charger.
Buying Guide
Buy the Samsung Galaxy M01s if your primary need is the absolute lowest possible price and you primarily use your phone for basic communication – calls, texts, and very light app usage. Buy the Nokia C300 if you prioritize a smoother, more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the convenience of standardized 10W charging. The C300 is better suited for users who occasionally browse the web or use social media apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C300 handle popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram smoothly?
Yes, the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia C300 is sufficiently powerful to run social media apps like Facebook and Instagram without significant lag. The improved CPU and GPU performance compared to the Helio P22 in the M01s will result in a more responsive and enjoyable browsing experience.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 662 in the Nokia C300 capable of playing mobile games?
The Snapdragon 662 can handle many popular mobile games, but don't expect high-end graphics settings. It's best suited for less demanding titles or playing games at lower settings to maintain a stable frame rate. The Helio P22 in the M01s will struggle with even moderately demanding games.
❓ Does the Nokia C300 support over-the-air (OTA) software updates?
Nokia is generally committed to providing software updates for its devices, including the C300. This is a significant advantage over some other brands in this price range, ensuring you receive security patches and potential feature enhancements over time.
❓ What type of charging cable does the Nokia C300 use?
The Nokia C300 uses a standard micro-USB cable for charging. While not the latest USB-C standard, micro-USB is widely available and compatible with many existing chargers.
