The Tecno Pop 5c and Nokia C01 Plus represent the absolute entry point into smartphone ownership. Both devices target users prioritizing affordability above all else, but significant differences in their underlying hardware dictate vastly different user experiences. This comparison dissects those differences, focusing on performance, battery, and usability.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user, the Nokia C01 Plus is the superior choice. Its octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor provides a substantial performance uplift over the Tecno Pop 5c’s quad-core SC7731e, making it noticeably more responsive for everyday tasks, despite likely similar battery performance.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | - | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps | HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, November 12 | 2021, June 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, November 12 | Available. Released 2021, June 28 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Plastic frame, plastic back | Plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 145.2 x 74.1 x 9.9 mm (5.72 x 2.92 x 0.39 in) | 148 x 71.8 x 9.3 mm (5.83 x 2.83 x 0.37 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 150 g (5.29 oz) | 157 g (5.54 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~196 ppi density) | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~295 ppi density) |
| Size | 5.0 inches, 68.9 cm2 (~64.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 5.45 inches, 76.7 cm2 (~72.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC7731e | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-400 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 10 (Go edition), HIOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM | 16GB 1GB RAM, 16GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 2 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Unspecified | 720p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP, LE | 4.2, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Type | Li-Ion 2400 mAh | Li-Ion 3000 mAh, removable |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Lake Blue, Dark Blue | Blue, Purple |
| Models | - | TA-1383, TA-1387, TA-1391 |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 0.84 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.59 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
Tecno Pop 5c
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- Functional for basic communication.
- Simple and easy to use.
- Significantly slower performance.
- Outdated processor architecture.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
Nokia C01 Plus
- Faster and more responsive performance.
- Octa-core processor for smoother multitasking.
- More efficient processor architecture.
- May be slightly more expensive.
- Still limited by budget hardware.
- Camera quality likely similar to Tecno Pop 5c.
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Nokia provide detailed display specifications. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with modest resolutions (likely 720p+). The absence of detailed specs suggests neither device prioritizes display quality. Expect similar viewing angles and color accuracy, with neither offering features like high refresh rates or HDR support. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices to minimize manufacturing costs.
Camera Comparison
Both devices are expected to feature basic camera setups. Details are scarce, but both likely include a primary camera and potentially a secondary depth sensor. Image quality will be heavily reliant on software processing and lighting conditions. Given the target market, expect limited low-light performance and a focus on functional photography rather than high-quality images. The presence of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely marketing fluff and offers minimal practical benefit.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Nokia C01 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A, built on a 28nm process, features an octa-core CPU configuration – four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz (Cortex-A55) and four at 1.2 GHz (Cortex-A55). This contrasts sharply with the Tecno Pop 5c’s Unisoc SC7731e, a quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7 processor. The Cortex-A55 architecture in the Nokia is significantly more efficient and powerful than the older Cortex-A7. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Nokia. While both will struggle with demanding games, the Nokia will handle simpler titles with greater ease. The 28nm process node of the SC9863A, while not cutting-edge, is more efficient than what the SC7731e likely uses, potentially mitigating thermal throttling under sustained load.
Battery Life
Battery capacity details are unavailable for both devices. However, given their similar target market and hardware, both likely feature batteries in the 3000-4000 mAh range. Charging speeds are also likely to be slow, utilizing micro-USB connectivity. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both should provide at least a full day of standby time and several hours of light use. The slightly more efficient processor in the Nokia C01 Plus *could* translate to marginally better battery life, but the difference is unlikely to be substantial.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 5c if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic calling and messaging. It’s a functional device for those with minimal digital needs. Buy the Nokia C01 Plus if you want a smoother, more responsive experience for browsing, social media, and light app usage. The extra processing power justifies the potentially slightly higher cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Nokia C01 Plus handle popular social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp smoothly?
Yes, the octa-core Unisoc SC9863A processor in the Nokia C01 Plus provides enough processing power to run Facebook, WhatsApp, and similar apps without significant lag. While it won't offer a flagship-level experience, it will be noticeably smoother than the Tecno Pop 5c.
❓ Is the Tecno Pop 5c suitable for playing games?
The Tecno Pop 5c is not well-suited for gaming. Its quad-core processor and limited graphics capabilities will struggle with even basic games. The Nokia C01 Plus will offer a slightly better gaming experience, but neither device is designed for serious gaming.
❓ What kind of storage options are available on these phones, and can it be expanded?
Both devices likely offer limited internal storage (around 16GB or 32GB). Crucially, both support microSD card expansion, allowing you to add more storage for photos, videos, and apps. This is essential given the limited internal space.
❓ Do either of these phones support 4G LTE connectivity?
Yes, both the Tecno Pop 5c and Nokia C01 Plus support 4G LTE connectivity, allowing you to access mobile data networks for browsing, streaming, and app usage. However, speeds will vary depending on your carrier and location.
