The Tecno Pop 6 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 the lowest possible price point, but they approach this goal with different hardware and software strategies. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user seeking a functional, if basic, smartphone experience, the Nokia C21 Plus emerges as the slightly better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, while not powerful, provides a more defined performance baseline than the Tecno Pop 6, for which detailed specifications are unavailable, suggesting a potentially even more limited experience.
| 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, June 05 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, June 05 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 157.8 x 73.8 x 9.7 mm (6.21 x 2.91 x 0.38 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 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.1 inches, 91.3 cm2 (~78.4% 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 | 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
Auxiliary lens | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual 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 | - | 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 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Sea Blue, Lime Green, Sky Blue | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | BE7 | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | About 120 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
- Potentially the lowest price point available.
- May offer a slightly more compact form factor (speculation).
- Basic smartphone functionality.
- Lack of detailed specifications makes assessment difficult.
- Likely inferior performance to the Nokia C21 Plus.
- Uncertain camera quality.
Nokia C21 Plus
- Known Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a performance baseline.
- 13MP main camera offers reasonable image quality in good light.
- Nokia brand reputation for reliability.
- Slow 10W charging.
- Limited multitasking capabilities.
- Basic camera features.
Display Comparison
Detailed display specifications for the Tecno Pop 6 are absent, making a direct comparison difficult. The Nokia C21 Plus features a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While resolution is modest, the panel's size offers a reasonable viewing area for media consumption. Without knowing the panel technology or brightness of the Tecno Pop 6, it's reasonable to assume the Nokia C21 Plus offers a more consistent viewing experience, even if it isn't particularly vibrant. Both devices likely utilize IPS LCD technology given their price point, meaning viewing angles will be acceptable but color accuracy will be limited.
Camera Comparison
Camera details for the Tecno Pop 6 are unavailable. The Nokia C21 Plus features a 13MP main camera and a 2MP depth sensor. While the 13MP sensor won't rival flagship cameras, it's a reasonable performer in good lighting conditions. The 2MP depth sensor assists with portrait mode effects. It's crucial to note that the image processing on both devices will be basic, and low-light performance will be limited. Without knowing the sensor size or aperture of the Tecno Pop 6's camera, it's difficult to assess its capabilities, but it's likely to be comparable or inferior to the Nokia C21 Plus.
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 handle basic Android Go applications adequately. The Tecno Pop 6's processor remains unspecified. Given Tecno's positioning, it's likely to be a similarly low-end chipset, potentially even less capable than the Unisoc SC9863A. The Nokia C21 Plus's architecture, while dated at 28nm, provides a more predictable performance profile than the unknown Tecno Pop 6. The Nokia's octa-core design also suggests better multitasking capabilities, even if limited.
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, typical for this segment). Battery life on both devices will be heavily dependent on usage, but the Nokia C21 Plus's efficient Unisoc chipset should provide a full day of moderate use. The Tecno Pop 6's battery capacity and charging speed are unknown, but given its price point, it's unlikely to offer significantly better battery performance than the Nokia C21 Plus.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 6 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible upfront cost and you only need a phone for the most basic tasks like calls and messaging. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize a slightly smoother user experience, even for light multitasking, and appreciate the reliability associated with the Nokia brand, backed by its Unisoc SC9863A chipset.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C21 Plus capable of running popular social media apps?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running most popular social media applications like Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. However, expect some lag when switching between apps or loading media-heavy content. It's optimized for lightweight apps and Android Go edition.
❓ How does the Nokia C21 Plus handle basic gaming?
The Nokia C21 Plus can handle very basic 2D games and older, less demanding 3D titles. Don't expect to play graphically intensive games like PUBG or Call of Duty smoothly. Frame rates will be low, and you may experience significant lag.
❓ What is Android Go edition, and how does it affect the user experience on the Nokia C21 Plus?
Android Go edition is a lightweight version of Android designed for devices with limited processing power and storage. It features optimized apps that use less data and storage space, resulting in a smoother experience on the Nokia C21 Plus. However, some features found in the standard Android version may be absent.
❓ Given the lack of specifications for the Tecno Pop 6, is it worth considering over the Nokia C21 Plus?
Unless the Tecno Pop 6 is significantly cheaper than the Nokia C21 Plus, it's generally not worth considering. The Nokia C21 Plus offers a known performance baseline and a more reliable user experience thanks to its Unisoc chipset and Nokia's software support.
