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Nokia

Nokia C21 (2022)

Android OS v11.0 Go Edition
Unisoc SC9863A
PowerVR GE8322
1 GB / 16 GB
6.52 inch (720 x 1600 px)
8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus

This phone boasts a 6.52 inch IPS display, a Unisoc SC9863A chipset, and 1 GB of RAM.

Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Nokia C21 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

Nokia C21 / 1

Nokia C21 specifications

BrandNokia
NameC21
ModelC21
Release date2022

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight6.74 oz
Dimensions6.69 x 3.07 x 0.35 inch
Colorsdark blue, sand
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the Nokia C21 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v11.0 Go Edition
SoCUnisoc SC9863A
CPUOcta-core, Quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A55, Quad-core 1.2 GHz Cortex-A55
GPUPowerVR GE8322
PerformanceAnTuTu v9: 101350

The Nokia C21 comes with Android OS v11.0 Go Edition out of the box. Google regularly releases new versions of Android. They have new features, improvements, and security updates. This CPU makes it ideal for running resource-intensive applications. Many consider PowerVR GPUs to highly compete with other leading mobile GPUs. AnTuTu measures and evaluates the performance of different hardware components of a device.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.52 inch
Resolution720 x 1600 px
Multitouch supportyes

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6.52 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Nokia C21 / 1

Memory, storage

RAM1 GB
Internal storage16 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

1 GB of RAM is not typically considered to be enough for a smartphone. The needed RAM amount for good performance depends on factors. These include the OS, the apps, and the services we use. If we use our smartphones for basic tasks like calling, texting, and browsing the web, 32 GB may be sufficient for our needs. We can expand the internal storage of the C21 (16 GB) by using a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

Main camera8 MP, 3264 x 2448 px, autofocus
FlashLED
Selfie camera5 MP

This single camera can be enough for many smartphone users, it depends on their photography needs and preferences. The C21 comes with a basic camera setup and lacks any advanced features.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetoothv4.2, A2DP
GPSA-GPS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBmicroUSB 2.0
Headphone3.5 mm jack

Worldwide, people use 4G networks. They have become the standard for mobile networks in many countries. This Nokia phone can connect to Wi-Fi networks at home, at work, or in public places. We can use Bluetooth to connect our C21 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. This phone has a built-in GPS receiver. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable

The Li-Po 3000 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The C21 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, fingerprint, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Panda Glass

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The C21 smartphone has an accelerometer. The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in C21 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Nokia phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • appropriate screen size
  • microSD slot
  • Dual SIM support

Cons

  • weak performance
  • insufficient memory
  • insufficient internal storage
  • single camera setup
  • no OIS function
  • no 5G support
  • no NFC feature
  • no Type-C USB port
  • low-capacity battery
  • no digital compass
Add Nokia C21 to your comparison

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Updated: May 30, 2024

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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