The Tecno Pop 7 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 phones prioritize affordability, but they take slightly different approaches to achieving it. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the best option for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia C21 Plus is the better choice. Its Unisoc SC9863A chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the Tecno Pop 7, making it more responsive for everyday tasks. While both offer 10W charging, the Nokia's overall experience is smoother.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 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 | 2023, March 28 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, April | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.5 x 8.9 mm (6.45 x 2.97 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 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.6% 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 12 (Go edition) | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 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, f/2.0, (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flas | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-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 | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| NFC | No | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | Yes | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Endless Black, Capri Blue | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | BF6 | TA-1433, TA-1431, TA-1426, TA-1424 |
| Price | - | 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 7
- Potentially lower price point
- Simple and straightforward user experience
- Lightweight design (likely)
- Significantly weaker performance
- Unspecified chipset raises concerns about longevity
- Likely lower build quality
Nokia C21 Plus
- More powerful Unisoc SC9863A chipset
- 3000mAh battery offers better endurance
- More responsive user interface
- Slightly higher price compared to Tecno Pop 7
- 10W charging is slow
- Basic camera performance
Display Comparison
Neither Tecno nor Nokia provide display specifications beyond resolution. Given the price point, both likely utilize LCD panels with standard 60Hz refresh rates. The absence of detailed specs suggests neither phone prioritizes display quality; expect basic viewing experiences. Bezels are likely substantial on both devices to minimize manufacturing costs. Color accuracy will likely be uncalibrated and geared towards vibrancy rather than realism.
Camera Comparison
Camera details are sparse for both devices. It's safe to assume both feature basic camera setups, likely with a primary sensor and potentially a secondary depth or macro lens. Given the target market, image quality will be adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but expect significant limitations in low light. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device means image stabilization will rely solely on software processing, which will be limited by the chipsets' capabilities. Focusing on megapixel counts alone is misleading; sensor size and image processing are far more critical, and neither manufacturer provides this information.
Performance
The Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A chipset is the key differentiator. This octa-core processor, built on a 28nm process, features a cluster of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz. This configuration provides a significant performance boost over the Tecno Pop 7, which lacks a specified chipset. The Unisoc’s architecture allows for smoother multitasking and faster app loading times. While neither phone is a gaming powerhouse, the Nokia will handle basic games and social media apps more comfortably. The 28nm node, while older, is a reasonable compromise for cost-effectiveness in this segment.
Battery Life
Both the Tecno Pop 7 and Nokia C21 Plus utilize 10W wired charging, indicating similar charging speeds. While battery capacity isn't specified for the Tecno Pop 7, the Nokia C21 Plus features a 3000mAh battery. The relatively low charging wattage means a full charge will take several hours. The Nokia’s battery capacity, combined with the more efficient Unisoc chipset, likely translates to slightly better real-world battery life, allowing for a full day of light use. However, heavy usage will quickly deplete both devices.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 7 if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and prioritize extreme simplicity. It's a functional device for basic communication. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you value a slightly more responsive user experience and appreciate the benefits of a more capable chipset, even within this ultra-budget segment. The Nokia offers a better balance of usability and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc SC9863A chipset in the Nokia C21 Plus capable of running popular apps like WhatsApp and Facebook smoothly?
Yes, the Unisoc SC9863A is sufficient for running commonly used apps like WhatsApp and Facebook without significant lag. While it won't offer a high-end experience, it provides a noticeably smoother experience than a device without a specified chipset, like the Tecno Pop 7, especially when multitasking.
❓ How long does it take to fully charge the Nokia C21 Plus with the 10W charger?
With the included 10W charger, the Nokia C21 Plus will take approximately 3-4 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is typical for phones with this charging wattage and battery capacity. It's best to charge overnight for convenience.
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 7 receive software updates?
Given its position in the ultra-budget segment, the Tecno Pop 7 is unlikely to receive frequent or long-term software updates. Expect limited security patches and potentially no major Android version upgrades. The Nokia C21 Plus, while also limited, may receive slightly more consistent updates due to Nokia's brand commitment.
