The Tecno Pop 9 and Nokia C21 Plus represent the ultra-budget end of the smartphone spectrum, targeting first-time buyers or those needing a reliable secondary device. However, they approach this segment with vastly different internal hardware. The Pop 9 boasts a modern Mediatek Dimensity 6300, while the C21 Plus relies on the older Unisoc SC9863A. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for the price.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing performance and future-proofing, the Tecno Pop 9 is the clear winner. Its Dimensity 6300 chipset offers a significant leap in processing power and efficiency compared to the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A, justifying the potential price difference. However, the C21 Plus remains a viable option for extremely basic usage.
| 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 |
| 5G bands | SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, September 24 | 2022, February 28 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, October 08 | Available. Released 2022, April 29 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, aluminum frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 165 x 77 x 8 mm (6.50 x 3.03 x 0.31 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 | 189 g (6.67 oz) | 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 (~82.4% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.4 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Dimensity 6300 (6 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MC2 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 14 | Android 11 (Go edition) |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 32GB 2GB RAM, 32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 13 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, AF
Auxiliary lens | 5 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | Dual-LED flash | LED flash |
| Single | 8 MP | 5 MP |
| Video | Yes | 720p |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with dual speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 4.2, A2DP |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | Yes | No |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted); unspecified sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 10W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Ion 4000/5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Aurora Cloud, Azure Sky, Midnight Shadow | Dark Cyan, Warm Gray |
| Models | KL4 | 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 9
- Significantly faster processor (Dimensity 6300)
- Faster charging (18W)
- More efficient chipset (6nm process)
- Potential for higher price
- Brand recognition may be lower than Nokia
Nokia C21 Plus
- Familiar and reliable brand (Nokia)
- Potentially lower price
- Simpler user experience
- Slow processor (Unisoc SC9863A)
- Slow charging (10W)
- Less efficient chipset (28nm process)
Display Comparison
Neither device is expected to excel in display quality, given their price points. Specifics like panel type and resolution are missing, but the focus here is on the underlying performance impact. The more powerful chipset in the Tecno Pop 9 *could* support a higher refresh rate display in future iterations, offering a smoother visual experience, something the Unisoc-powered C21 Plus is unlikely to achieve. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both, and color accuracy will be basic.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed camera specs, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the chipset plays a role in image processing speed. The Dimensity 6300 in the Tecno Pop 9 will likely handle image processing tasks faster and more efficiently than the Unisoc SC9863A in the Nokia C21 Plus. This could result in quicker capture times and potentially better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Expect both phones to feature basic camera setups, and avoid placing high expectations on image quality.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Pop 9’s Mediatek Dimensity 6300, built on a 6nm process, is a substantial upgrade over the Nokia C21 Plus’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The Dimensity 6300’s octa-core configuration, featuring two high-performance Cortex-A76 cores clocked at 2.4GHz alongside six efficiency cores, provides significantly more processing power than the C21 Plus’s four Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6GHz and another four at 1.2GHz. This translates to faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface on the Pop 9. The 6nm process also means better thermal efficiency, reducing the likelihood of throttling during sustained tasks. The C21 Plus will struggle with anything beyond basic tasks.
Battery Life
While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Tecno Pop 9’s 18W charging is a significant advantage over the Nokia C21 Plus’s 10W charging. This means the Pop 9 will recharge much faster, minimizing downtime. The more efficient Dimensity 6300 chipset may also contribute to better battery life, despite potentially having a similar capacity to the C21 Plus. The Unisoc chip's older 28nm process is inherently less efficient, leading to faster battery drain during use.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Pop 9 if you need a phone capable of handling more demanding apps, occasional gaming, and benefit from faster charging speeds. It’s ideal for users who want a device that won’t feel outdated quickly. Buy the Nokia C21 Plus if you prioritize simplicity, extended battery life for very light use (calls and texts), and a familiar, reliable brand – and are willing to accept significantly slower performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Tecno Pop 9 be able to run popular social media apps smoothly?
Yes, the Mediatek Dimensity 6300 chipset is more than capable of handling popular social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok without significant lag. The Cortex-A76 cores provide the necessary processing power for a smooth user experience.
❓ Is the Nokia C21 Plus suitable for playing mobile games?
The Nokia C21 Plus is not well-suited for gaming. The Unisoc SC9863A chipset lacks the graphical power to run most modern mobile games at playable frame rates. Expect significant lag and stuttering, even on low settings.
❓ How long will it take to fully charge the Tecno Pop 9 with the 18W charger?
While a precise time is unavailable, the 18W charging should fully charge the Tecno Pop 9 in approximately 2-3 hours, depending on battery capacity. This is considerably faster than the Nokia C21 Plus’s 10W charging.
❓ Does the Nokia C21 Plus receive regular software updates?
Nokia is known for providing relatively consistent software updates, even for its entry-level devices. However, the frequency and duration of support for the C21 Plus may be limited compared to higher-end models.
