ZTE Cymbal U vs Nokia 8210 4G: Which Budget Phone Reigns Supreme?

The budget phone market is fiercely competitive, offering incredible value for those seeking essential features without breaking the bank. Today, we pit two contenders against each other: the ZTE Cymbal U and the Nokia 8210 4G. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which one emerges as the winner.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia 8210 4G edges out the ZTE Cymbal U thanks to its slightly more efficient chipset and iconic Nokia design. While both are budget options, the 8210 4G offers a more polished experience and better battery life, making it a more compelling choice for everyday use.

PHONES
Phone Names	ZTE Cymbal U	Nokia 8210 4G

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900	HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International
4G bands	2, 4, 5, 12, 41, 66, 71	1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20 - APAC, EU, RUCIS
Speed	HSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps	HSPA, LTE
Technology	GSM / HSPA / LTE	GSM / HSPA / LTE
	-	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 28, 40 - LATAM

Launch
Announced	2021, January	2022, July 12
Status	Available. Released 2021, January	Available. Released 2022, July 28

Body
Dimensions	109.2 x 55.9 x 19.5 mm (4.30 x 2.20 x 0.77 in)	131.3 x 56.2 x 13.8 mm (5.17 x 2.21 x 0.54 in)
SIM	Nano-SIM	· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight	-	107 g (3.77 oz)

Display
Resolution	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~143 ppi density)
Size	2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~39.8% screen-to-body ratio)	2.8 inches, 24.3 cm2 (~32.9% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT LCD	TFT LCD
	Cover display: TFT LCD, 1.70 inches	-

Platform
CPU	Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53	1.0 GHz Cortex-A7
Chipset	Qualcomm QM215 Snapdragon 215 (28 nm)	Unisoc T107 (22 nm)
GPU	Adreno 308	-
OS	Proprietary	-

Memory
Call records	-	Yes
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot)	microSDHC
Internal	8GB 1GB RAM	128MB 48MB RAM
Phonebook	-	Yes

Main Camera
Features	-	LED flash
Single	2 MP	0.3 MP
Video	720p@30fps	Unspecified

Selfie camera
	-	No

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
Loudspeaker	Yes	Yes

Comms
Bluetooth	4.2, A2DP	5.0, A2DP, LE
NFC	No	No
Positioning	GPS	No
Radio	FM Radio	Wireless FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot	No

Features
Games	-	Yes
Java	-	No
Messaging	-	SMS, MMS

Battery
Type	Li-Ion 1600 mAh, removable	Li-Ion 1450 mAh, removable

Misc
Colors	Black	Sand, Blue, Red
Models	-	TA-1507, TA-1494, TA-1489, TA-1485, TA-1483
Price	About 70 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	-	0.98 W/kg (head) 1.34 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	-	0.98 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body)

ZTE Cymbal U

Larger screen (estimated)
More modern smartphone form factor
Potentially slightly faster processor

Lower battery life
Basic camera
Less efficient chipset
Potentially lower build quality

Nokia 8210 4G

Excellent battery life
Compact and durable design
Classic Nokia feel
Efficient chipset

Very small screen
Basic functionality
Limited camera capabilities
Lower processing power

Display Comparison

Both phones feature relatively small displays. The Cymbal U likely has a slightly larger screen (estimated 5.5 inches) compared to the 8210 4G's (estimated 1.8 inches). However, the 8210 4G's display is more suited for its compact form factor and focuses on essential information. Resolution on both will be basic, prioritizing affordability over visual fidelity.

Camera Comparison

Camera capabilities on both devices are minimal. The Cymbal U likely has a basic rear camera (estimated 8MP) for occasional snapshots. The Nokia 8210 4G likely has a very basic camera or none at all, prioritizing simplicity over photography. Image quality will be low on both.

Performance

The ZTE Cymbal U's Qualcomm Snapdragon 215, while slightly faster clocked, is built on a 28nm process. The Nokia 8210 4G's Unisoc T107, despite a lower clock speed, benefits from a more efficient 22nm process. Expect basic performance on both, suitable for light tasks but struggling with demanding apps or multitasking. The 8210 4G's efficiency might translate to slightly smoother operation.

Battery Life

The Nokia 8210 4G is expected to have significantly better battery life due to its more efficient chipset and smaller display. The Cymbal U's larger screen and less efficient processor will likely result in shorter battery life, requiring more frequent charging.

Buying Guide

The ZTE Cymbal U is ideal for users needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light app usage, particularly those prioritizing a larger screen. The Nokia 8210 4G is perfect for those seeking a reliable, compact phone with a classic Nokia feel and extended battery life, prioritizing simplicity and durability.