The TCL 205 and Nokia C21 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic, reliable device. Both rely on the same Unisoc SC9863A chipset, making a direct performance comparison less critical than examining the subtle differences in features and user experience. This comparison will dissect those nuances to determine which phone offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly faster charging experience and potentially better software support, the Nokia C21 Plus edges out the TCL 205. However, the TCL 205 remains a viable option if price is the absolute deciding factor, as it likely will be found at a lower cost.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, October 08 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 159.2 x 75.2 x 8.7 mm (6.27 x 2.96 x 0.34 in) | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.49 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 170.3 g (6.00 oz) | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.22 inches, 96.6 cm2 (~80.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% 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 SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), TCL UI | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/3.06", 1.12µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | No | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Power Gray, Atlantic Blue | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | 4187D | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 110 EUR | About 120 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.57 W/kg (head) 0.65 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.40 W/kg (head) 0.99 W/kg (body) |
TCL 205
- Likely lower price point
- Functional for basic tasks
- Compact and lightweight
- No specified charging speed
- Potentially limited software support
- Basic camera performance
Nokia C21 Plus
- 10W wired charging
- Nokia's reputation for software updates
- Functional for basic tasks
- May be slightly more expensive
- Basic camera performance
- Limited processing power
Display Comparison
Both the TCL 205 and Nokia C21 Plus are expected to feature LCD panels, typical for this price point. Specific details like resolution and brightness are not provided, but we can assume they are similar – likely 720p+ and relatively low brightness. The absence of features like high refresh rates or even full lamination is standard. The user experience will be functional, but not visually impressive. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both devices, maximizing screen real estate within a compact form factor.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is expected to be minimal on both devices. Details regarding sensor size and image processing are unavailable, but it's safe to assume both phones rely on basic sensors for capturing images. The focus should be on functional photography in good lighting conditions, rather than expecting high-quality results. Any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) are likely to offer limited practical benefit. Image processing will be basic, prioritizing speed over detail or dynamic range.
Performance
The core of both devices is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 4 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and 4 cores at 1.2 GHz, all based on the Cortex-A55 architecture. This chipset is designed for basic tasks and will struggle with demanding applications or multitasking. The identical CPU and chipset mean performance will be virtually indistinguishable in everyday use. RAM capacity is a critical factor not specified, but likely limited to 2GB or 3GB in both cases, further restricting multitasking capabilities. Thermal management is unlikely to be a concern given the low power draw of the chipset.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is not specified for the TCL 205, but the Nokia C21 Plus benefits from 10W wired charging. While 10W is slow by modern standards, it's a significant advantage over a device with no specified charging speed, implying potentially slower charging. Both phones likely house batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range, sufficient for a full day of light use. The Nokia C21 Plus's 10W charging will allow for a quicker top-up when needed, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the TCL 205 if you need the absolute cheapest possible smartphone and are comfortable with potentially limited software updates. It's ideal for users who primarily need calling, texting, and very basic app functionality. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prefer a slightly more refined experience, benefit from the inclusion of 10W charging, and value Nokia's reputation for longer software support, even within this budget segment.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc SC9863A chipset struggle with popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
The Unisoc SC9863A is a very basic chipset. While it can run Facebook and Instagram, expect slow loading times, occasional lag, and a generally unoptimized experience. Keeping other apps closed will help improve performance.
❓ How long can I expect the battery to last on a single charge with typical usage (calls, texts, light browsing)?
With typical usage – primarily calls, texts, and light browsing – both phones should last a full day on a single charge. However, heavy usage, such as prolonged video streaming or gaming, will significantly reduce battery life. The Nokia C21 Plus's 10W charging will be beneficial for quick top-ups throughout the day.
❓ Does either phone support Google's Android Go edition, and if so, what are the benefits?
Both the TCL 205 and Nokia C21 Plus are likely to ship with Android Go edition, a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited RAM and storage. Android Go offers optimized apps that use less data and storage space, resulting in a smoother experience on these entry-level devices.
