Alright, let's break down the Nokia C21 Plus and the Huawei P60 Pro. It's a classic David versus Goliath scenario, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty and see what each phone offers in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table to get us started:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Huawei P60 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Size | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 161 x 74.5 x 8.3 mm | C21 Plus is slightly larger and thicker, might feel less comfortable in smaller hands or tight pockets. |
| Weight | 178g | 200g | C21 Plus is lighter, which may make it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.67" | P60 Pro's slightly larger display provides a more immersive viewing experience for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1220 x 2700 | P60 Pro's higher resolution offers significantly sharper visuals, making text and images much clearer and more detailed. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 444 | P60 Pro's higher PPI will result in smoother graphics and less pixelation in text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | P60 Pro's OLED provides much better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the C21 Plus’s LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | P60 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate means smoother scrolling, animations, and a more fluid user experience. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | P60 Pro's chip is far more powerful, enabling smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and more demanding games. The C21 Plus will struggle with intensive tasks. |
| Antutu Score | 109,200 | 1,228,811 | P60 Pro delivers performance that is over 10 times that of the C21 plus. Meaning apps load and run noticeably faster. Games run smoothly and multitasking is possible. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 730 | P60 Pro has a much better GPU for graphically intensive applications and games, while C21 Plus is limited to basic tasks. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 48MP (f/1.4, OIS) | P60 Pro will capture far more detailed and better low-light photos with its larger sensor and wider aperture. OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) helps in low light shots and during video recording. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 31MP (f/2.4) | P60 Pro will capture much clearer, more detailed selfies. The wider aperture on the C21 Plus might be slightly better in low light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 48MP (f/2.1) | P60 Pro allows for optical zoom, useful for capturing distant subjects without a loss of quality. Not present in the C21 Plus. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 13MP (f/2.2) | P60 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens for capturing wide landscapes or group photos, not present on C21 plus. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP | None | Nokia c21 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps, 1080p@960fps | P60 Pro offers significantly better video quality with 4K resolution and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DxOMark | - | 156 | P60 Pro achieves a score of 156 in the DxOmark testing signifying that it is a good phone for photography. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4815mAh | P60 Pro has a larger battery, which means it will likely last longer on a single charge, but it also has more power-hungry components. |
| Charging | 10W | 88W fast charge | P60 Pro charges much faster, allowing you to quickly top up the battery; Wireless charging is also a great addition. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | C21 Plus is running an older version of android and the OS for the P60 is not given. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | P60 Pro offers faster Wi-Fi speeds and better performance in crowded networks. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 | P60 Pro has a more modern Bluetooth version for faster connections and better audio transmission. |
| GPS | Basic | Advanced | P60 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32/64GB | 256/512GB | P60 Pro has much more storage, which is great for storing photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 2/4GB | 8/12GB | P60 Pro has much more RAM, which means it will handle multitasking better. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Stereo Speakers | P60 Pro delivers a more immersive audio experience thanks to the stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted | Basic | Both phones come with fingerprint sensors for easy unlocking. |
| Build | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones use similar screen protection technology, but the exact version is unknown for both. |
| Sensors | |||
| Basic | Advanced | P60 Pro includes additional environmental sensors, Biometric sensors and more for an enhanced user experience. | |
| ### 2. Key Insights |
- Nokia C21 Plus: This phone is all about affordability. It provides basic smartphone functions and is designed for users on a very tight budget. Its main advantages are its lighter weight and lower price point. But it lacks in performance, screen quality, and camera capabilities.
- Huawei P60 Pro: The P60 Pro is a powerhouse focused on high-end performance, photography, and overall user experience. Its standout features include its superior display, powerful processor, excellent camera system with impressive zoom capabilities, faster charging, and additional features such as wireless charging and a high quality display. It comes at a much higher price point and it is much more bulky than the C21 plus.
- The Trade-Offs: The C21 Plus is designed to be as budget-friendly as possible, and that comes at the cost of performance, screen and camera quality. The P60 Pro comes with a much higher price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia C21 Plus:
- Best For: Users who need a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and very light social media usage. Ideal for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device.
- Use Cases: Making calls, basic messaging, very light web browsing, and as a backup phone.
- Huawei P60 Pro:
- Best For: Tech enthusiasts, photography lovers, and users who demand the best possible performance and features.
- Use Cases: Professional photography, gaming, heavy multitasking, and streaming high-quality media.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
What’s Your Budget?
- If your budget is very limited, the Nokia C21 Plus might be the only option.
- If you are willing to pay more, the Huawei P60 Pro is well worth the extra cost for those who need high-end performance and a great camera.
What Do You Use Your Phone For?
- If you mainly make calls and send texts, the C21 Plus is sufficient.
- If you take lots of photos, play games, or need to multitask, the P60 Pro is the way to go.
How Important Are the Extras?
- If you don't care about fast charging, premium screen quality, advanced camera features or a very powerful processor, the C21 Plus is ok.
- If you want the best display, best cameras, the fastest performance, then the P60 Pro is an obvious choice.
Final Decision:
Personally, if I had to choose, I would pick the Huawei P60 Pro without hesitation. Despite the significant price jump, the benefits of the P60 Pro are substantial and justify the extra cost for my usage. As a tech enthusiast, I value excellent display quality for media consumption and smooth animations, and a great camera is also a very high priority for me. Furthermore, having a reliable phone that can handle resource-intensive tasks without stuttering is paramount for me and my daily workflow. The Nokia C21 Plus is perfect for those with basic needs, but for me, I want the latest features, a premium camera, and great performance, which makes the P60 Pro the clear choice. The P60 Pro is better for most users, the only question is if it is in your budget.
