Nokia C21 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Nokia C21 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers a great value for your money. With its sleek design and durable build, it is a phone that can withstand everyday use. The 6.52-inch IPS LCD display provides a vibrant and immersive viewing experience. Powered by the Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, the Nokia C21 ensures smooth performance and efficient multitasking. The 8MP main camera captures decent photos, while the 5MP front camera is perfect for selfies. The phone also features a fingerprint sensor for added security. With its affordable price tag, the Nokia C21 is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia C21 showcases a simple yet functional design that emphasizes practicality and durability. With dimensions of 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm (6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 in) and a weight of 195 g (6.88 oz), it offers a comfortable grip and a form factor that is easy to handle with one hand. The device features a glass front, aluminum frame, and a plastic back, which strikes a balance between aesthetics and sturdiness. The back panel has a smooth texture, providing a secure grip and preventing accidental slips. The finishing touches on the Nokia C21 are neat, and the build quality is commendable. The bezels around the 6.52-inch IPS LCD display are reasonably slim, offering an immersive viewing experience. The placement of buttons and controls is ergonomic, ensuring easy access and smooth operation. Despite its affordable price point, the Nokia C21 maintains a sleek design and a premium look and feel. The choice of materials and construction contribute to its robustness, making it capable of handling everyday usage. Overall, the Nokia C21's design and build prioritize functionality and practicality without compromising on aesthetics, making it an attractive option for users seeking a reliable and well-built smartphone.

Display

The Nokia C21 Plus features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD display with a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 77.5%. The display has a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels, offering a pixel density of around 269 ppi. While the resolution may not be the highest, it still provides a decent viewing experience for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, or using social media.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Nokia C21 Plus delivers satisfactory performance. The colors on the display appear natural and vibrant, enhancing the overall visual experience. However, it is important to note that this is not an OLED display, so it may not offer the same deep blacks and high contrast levels as OLED panels.

The display's brightness levels are adequate for indoor use, but outdoor visibility may be slightly compromised under direct sunlight. Nonetheless, the screen's adaptive brightness feature helps in adjusting the brightness based on ambient lighting conditions, providing optimal visibility.

There is no mention of any specific display protection or anti-reflective coating on the Nokia C21 Plus. However, it is worth noting that the device does not come with Gorilla Glass protection, which could potentially make it more prone to scratches and cracks.

Overall, the Nokia C21 Plus offers a decent display for its price range, providing satisfactory color reproduction and visibility for everyday use. While it may not have the highest resolution or the latest display technologies, it still manages to deliver a satisfactory visual experience for its users.

Performance

The performance of the Nokia C21 is driven by its Unisoc SC9863A chipset, an octa-core processor built on a 28nm process. This processor consists of four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and another four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz. While this chipset may not be as powerful as some high-end options, it provides a decent performance for everyday tasks and basic usage scenarios.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Nokia C21 performs reasonably well for its price range. It can handle multitasking and app loading speeds smoothly, providing a lag-free user experience. The processor efficiency is also commendable, offering good power management and battery optimization.

The GPU on the Nokia C21 is the IMG8322, which provides satisfactory graphics capabilities for casual gaming and multimedia experiences. Although it may not deliver top-notch gaming performance, it is capable of handling light to moderate gaming with ease. However, it is important to note that high-end games with demanding graphics may not run as smoothly on this device.

When it comes to gaming benchmarks, the Nokia C21 achieves modest scores. While it may not be able to handle the latest graphics-intensive games at high settings, it can handle simpler games and provide a satisfactory gaming experience. The thermal management on the device ensures that it doesn't overheat during extended gaming sessions.

In terms of synthetic benchmarks, the Nokia C21 may not be at the top of the charts, but it offers a decent performance considering its price point. It may not be the device for power users or those seeking top-tier performance, but for everyday tasks, web browsing, social media, and light gaming, it provides a smooth and responsive user experience.

Overall, the Nokia C21 strikes a balance between performance and affordability. While it may not excel in high-end gaming or processor-intensive tasks, it offers a reliable and lag-free performance for everyday usage. Its system optimization and thermal management contribute to its smooth operation. If you are looking for a budget-friendly device that can handle basic tasks with ease, the Nokia C21 is worth considering.

Software and User Interface

The Nokia C21 Plus runs on the Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, which is specifically designed for entry-level smartphones. This lightweight version of Android is optimized to run smoothly on devices with limited hardware capabilities, ensuring a decent performance on the Nokia C21 Plus. The Go edition also comes with pre-installed Google Go apps, which are lighter versions of popular applications like Gmail, YouTube, and Google Maps. These apps are designed to consume less storage space and use fewer system resources, making them ideal for entry-level devices.

In terms of customization, the Nokia C21 Plus may not offer an extensive range of customization options compared to higher-end smartphones. However, users can still personalize their device to some extent by choosing from a variety of wallpapers, themes, and icon packs available in the Android ecosystem. The interface of the Nokia C21 Plus is clean and straightforward, making it user-friendly and easy to navigate.

One advantage of the Nokia C21 Plus's software is that it does not come with excessive bloatware. Bloatware refers to pre-installed apps that are often unnecessary and take up valuable storage space. The Nokia C21 Plus keeps bloatware to a minimum, allowing users to have more control over the apps they want to install and use. This ensures a cleaner and more streamlined user experience.

Overall, the software on the Nokia C21 Plus provides a decent user experience with its user-friendly interface, lightweight operating system, and minimal bloatware. While it may not offer extensive customization options, it still allows users to personalize their device to some extent. The Android 11 (Go edition) ensures smooth performance on this entry-level device, making it suitable for users who prioritize simplicity and functionality.

Camera

The Nokia C21 Plus comes with an 8-megapixel main camera that offers decent image quality for its price range. While it may not compete with higher-end smartphones in terms of camera capabilities, it still manages to capture fairly sharp and detailed images in favorable lighting conditions. The camera features LED flash and HDR, which helps in achieving balanced exposures and enhancing dynamic range in photos. It performs well in daylight photography, producing natural colors and good sharpness. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles a bit due to its limited low-light sensitivity. The absence of dedicated night mode or advanced noise reduction algorithms affects its low-light performance.

The Nokia C21 Plus also includes a 5-megapixel front-facing camera for selfies. It is equipped with an LED flash, which is a handy feature for capturing better-lit selfies in dimly lit environments. The selfie camera performs adequately for casual social media sharing and video calls.

In terms of video recording, the Nokia C21 Plus can shoot videos at 720p resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). The video quality is decent, but it lacks the ability to capture videos in higher resolutions such as 4K. Video stabilization is not available, so footage may appear shaky if not stabilized manually while recording. However, it does offer features like slow-motion video and time-lapse, which add some creative options for video enthusiasts.

Overall, the camera of the Nokia C21 Plus offers satisfactory performance considering its budget-friendly price point. It is suitable for basic photography needs, but users looking for advanced camera features or exceptional low-light performance may need to explore other options.

Battery Life

The Nokia C21 comes with a removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery, which is decent for a budget smartphone. With its optimized power efficiency and Android 11 (Go edition) operating system, the battery life of the Nokia C21 is quite impressive. Users can expect a good standby time and screen-on time, making it suitable for everyday usage. However, it does not support fast charging or wireless charging options, so charging the device may take longer compared to other smartphones. Nonetheless, the battery performance is reliable, and the battery optimization features help in maximizing the battery backup. The phone also includes a battery saver mode and efficient battery management system, allowing users to extend the battery life further. Overall, the Nokia C21 offers a satisfactory battery capacity and performance for its price range.

Connectivity and Networking

The Nokia C21 Plus offers a range of connectivity options to keep you connected wherever you go. It supports GSM, HSPA, and LTE network technologies, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of carriers. The device also features Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, allowing you to connect to wireless networks for fast internet access. Bluetooth 4.2 is available for wireless data transfer and connecting to compatible devices like headphones or speakers. Unfortunately, NFC is not supported on this device. For charging and data transfer, the Nokia C21 Plus comes with a microUSB 2.0 port. It also has a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to connect wired headphones or speakers. Additionally, GPS is available for accurate navigation and location services. The Nokia C21 Plus supports dual SIM functionality, providing the convenience of using two SIM cards simultaneously. This can be useful for separating personal and work numbers or using local and international SIM cards while traveling. Overall, the Nokia C21 Plus offers a decent range of connectivity features for its price point, ensuring you stay connected and have access to essential functions like internet browsing, data transfer, and navigation.

Additional Features

• Standout Features: The Nokia C21 Plus offers several standout features that make it a compelling choice in its price range. With its large 6.52-inch IPS LCD display and slim bezels, users can enjoy an immersive viewing experience. The device runs on Android 11 (Go edition) and is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, providing smooth performance for everyday tasks.


• Water and Dust Resistance: While the Nokia C21 Plus does not have an official IP rating for water and dust resistance, it is built with a durable design. The glass front, aluminum frame, and plastic back provide a level of protection against accidental spills and everyday dust.


• Additional Sensors: The Nokia C21 Plus features a range of sensors to enhance user experience. It includes an accelerometer, which detects movement and orientation, and a proximity sensor, which automatically turns off the display when the device is close to the user's face during calls. These sensors contribute to the device's overall functionality and convenience.

Comparison with Other Related Phones

The Nokia C21 Plus is a budget smartphone that offers basic features and functionality. When comparing it to related devices in the market, such as the Samsung Galaxy A02, Realme C11, and Redmi 9A, it becomes clear that the Nokia C21 Plus falls behind in terms of specifications and performance.

In terms of display, the Nokia C21 Plus features a 6.52-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While this display size is comparable to its competitors, the resolution is lower, resulting in a less crisp and vibrant visual experience.

The Nokia C21 Plus is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, which is an entry-level processor. In comparison, the Samsung Galaxy A02 and Realme C11 are equipped with more powerful MediaTek processors, offering better performance and multitasking capabilities. The Redmi 9A, on the other hand, features a slightly less powerful MediaTek Helio G25 processor but still outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus.

When it comes to camera capabilities, the Nokia C21 Plus features an 8 MP single rear camera and a 5 MP front camera. While these cameras are sufficient for basic photography needs, competitors like the Samsung Galaxy A02 and Realme C11 offer higher resolution and additional camera features, providing users with better photo quality and versatility.

In terms of software, the Nokia C21 Plus runs on Android 11 (Go edition), a lightweight version of the operating system optimized for entry-level devices. However, its competitors offer more feature-rich and up-to-date software experiences.

One area where the Nokia C21 Plus excels is its affordability. With a price range of around €127.74 / $77.00, it is one of the most cost-effective options in the market. However, considering its lower specifications and performance compared to its competitors, users may need to compromise on certain features for the sake of affordability.

Overall, the Nokia C21 Plus faces tough competition in the budget smartphone segment. While it offers decent basic functionality and affordability, other devices in the market provide better specifications, performance, and features for a similar price range.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nokia C21 offers a budget-friendly option for those seeking a basic smartphone experience. With its durable build and a decently-sized display, it provides a satisfactory viewing experience. The device runs on Android 11 Go edition, ensuring smooth performance for everyday tasks. The camera setup, although modest, captures decent photos in well-lit environments. It also includes essential features like a fingerprint sensor and expandable storage. However, the phone's low RAM might result in occasional slowdowns, and the battery capacity could have been better. Overall, the Nokia C21 is a suitable choice for individuals on a tight budget looking for a reliable smartphone for essential usage.