Looking for an affordable smartphone that doesn't completely break the bank? The Tecno Pop 5 LTE and Nokia C21 Plus are both contenders in the budget segment, offering essential features at attractive prices. But which one comes out on top? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus edges out the Tecno Pop 5 LTE thanks to its slightly more refined software experience and the inclusion of 10W charging. Both offer similar performance due to the identical chipset, but Nokia's brand reputation and charging advantage give it a slight edge for overall value.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | LTE | LTE |
| 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 |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 25 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 25 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.9 x 76.1 x 8.8 mm (6.49 x 3.00 x 0.35 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 | - | 178 g or 191 g (6.28 oz) |
| | - | Splash protection |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~81.8% 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, HIOS 7.6 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | 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 | 8 MP
Secondary unknown camera | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice Blue, Deepsea Luster, Turquoise Cyan | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | BD4, BD4i, BD4a | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 80 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) |
Tecno Pop 5 LTE
- Large Display
- Vibrant Colors
- Affordable Price
- Slow Charging
- Potentially Less Refined Software
- Lower Brand Reputation
Nokia C21 Plus
- Cleaner Android Experience
- Trusted Brand
- 10W Charging
- Potentially Better Display Calibration
- Slightly Higher Price
- Modest Performance
- Basic Camera
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a large 6.5-inch display, likely with an HD+ resolution. While both offer decent viewing, the Nokia C21 Plus might have slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to Nokia's generally more conservative display tuning. Expect similar viewing experiences overall.
Camera Comparison
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE likely boasts a slightly higher megapixel count on its main camera, potentially offering marginally better detail in well-lit conditions. However, image processing and software optimization are crucial, and Nokia often delivers more consistent results. Low-light performance will be similar on both, and generally not impressive.
Performance
Performance is virtually identical. Both devices are powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, meaning you can expect adequate performance for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. Don't expect blazing speeds or demanding multitasking capabilities from either phone.
Battery Life
Battery capacity is likely similar (around 5000mAh). The Nokia C21 Plus's inclusion of 10W charging provides a noticeable advantage over the Tecno Pop 5 LTE, which likely charges at a slower rate. This means faster top-ups for the Nokia device.
Buying Guide
The Tecno Pop 5 LTE is ideal for users prioritizing a large display and vibrant colors on a tight budget. The Nokia C21 Plus is a better choice for those who value a cleaner Android experience, a more trusted brand, and the convenience of slightly faster charging.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software?
The Nokia C21 Plus generally offers a cleaner and more streamlined Android experience, closer to stock Android, with guaranteed software updates.
❓ Can these phones handle gaming?
Both phones are suitable for very light gaming. Don't expect to play demanding games smoothly. Basic games and casual titles should run without major issues.
