The Tecno Pop 6 Go and Nokia C21 Plus represent the absolute bottom end of the smartphone market, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a very basic secondary device. Both aim to deliver smartphone functionality at an incredibly low price point, but they approach this goal with different strategies. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly smoother experience, the Nokia C21 Plus emerges as the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not powerful, provides a more consistent performance than the likely MediaTek or similar entry-level silicon in the Tecno Pop 6 Go, given the latter's lack of published specs. However, the Tecno may offer a lower price.
| 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, LTE | 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 | 2022, May 25 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, May 25 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 160.3 x 78.8 x 10.9 mm (6.31 x 3.10 x 0.43 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 | 480 x 960 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~179 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.0 inches, 92.9 cm2 (~73.5% 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) |
| Chipset | - | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | - | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition), HiOS | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | No | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 16GB 1GB RAM, 32GB 2GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 5 MP, f/2.2, AF
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | - | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 4.2, A2DP | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Ion 4000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ice-crystal Blue, Starfall Grey, Iris Purple, Gradation Sky Blue | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | BE6j | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 100 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 6 Go
- Potentially the lowest price in its class
- Likely lightweight and compact design
- Android Go edition may offer smoother performance on limited hardware
- Unknown processor and specs create uncertainty
- Likely limited software support and updates
- Potentially lower build quality
Nokia C21 Plus
- Known Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides predictable performance
- Nokia's reputation for software stability and updates (within its limitations)
- Larger 6.5-inch display
- Slow 10W charging
- Limited processing power for demanding tasks
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Without specific display details for the Tecno Pop 6 Go, a direct comparison is difficult. The Nokia C21 Plus features a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While HD+ resolution is standard at this price, the panel technology is likely a basic IPS LCD. Neither device is expected to offer high brightness or color accuracy. The Nokia's larger screen size may be preferable for media consumption, but both will struggle in direct sunlight. The absence of display specs for the Tecno suggests a similarly basic panel.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance on both devices will be limited. The Nokia C21 Plus features a 13MP main camera, which, while not exceptional, is a reasonable sensor for basic photography in good lighting conditions. The Tecno Pop 6 Go's camera specs are unavailable, but it likely features a similar or lower resolution sensor. Both phones will struggle in low light and lack advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). Focusing on the main sensor is crucial, as any additional cameras (often 2MP macro lenses) will offer minimal benefit.
Performance
The Nokia C21 Plus is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A, a 28nm octa-core processor with a split core configuration (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55). This chipset is designed for entry-level tasks and will exhibit noticeable lag with demanding applications. The Tecno Pop 6 Go's processor remains unknown, but given its price point, it's likely a comparable MediaTek or Unisoc chip, potentially with less RAM. The Unisoc's architecture, while not cutting-edge, offers a more predictable performance profile than an unknown chipset. The Nokia's processor will handle basic multitasking better than the Tecno, assuming similar RAM configurations.
Battery Life
The Nokia C21 Plus supports 10W wired charging. While slow by modern standards, it's adequate for its battery capacity (likely around 5000mAh, a common size for this segment). The Tecno Pop 6 Go's battery capacity and charging speed are unknown. Given the price point, it's likely to have a similar battery size and charging rate. The Nokia's 10W charging will provide a full charge in approximately 3-4 hours, which is acceptable for overnight charging. Battery life will be similar on both devices, lasting a full day with moderate usage.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 6 Go if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you only need a phone for extremely basic tasks like calls, texts, and light WhatsApp usage. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you value a slightly more responsive user experience, even for simple tasks, and appreciate the Nokia brand's reputation for software stability, despite its limited hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C21 Plus capable of running popular social media apps like Facebook and Instagram?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A can run Facebook and Instagram, but expect a somewhat sluggish experience, especially when scrolling through image-heavy feeds. The processor is designed for basic tasks, and these apps can be resource-intensive. Optimizing app settings and limiting background processes can help improve performance.
❓ How long will software updates be supported on the Nokia C21 Plus?
Nokia typically provides limited software updates for its entry-level devices. The C21 Plus launched with Android 11 (Go edition) and is likely to receive one major Android version update (to Android 12 Go edition) and a few security patches. Don't expect long-term software support comparable to flagship devices.
❓ What type of storage does the Nokia C21 Plus use, and is it expandable?
The Nokia C21 Plus typically comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is expandable via a microSD card slot. This is crucial, as 32GB fills up quickly with apps and photos. Using a microSD card is highly recommended to avoid storage limitations.
