Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia C21 Plus and the Huawei Pura 70 Pro. These two phones occupy very different spaces in the market, so this comparison is less about direct competition and more about understanding the spectrum of choices available to consumers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Huawei Pura 70 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | Nokia is slightly taller, but overall similar sizes. Both are comfortable for average hands. |
| Weight | 178g | 220g | Nokia is noticeably lighter, making it easier for one-handed use and long periods of holding. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Standard smartphone design for both. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Pro offers a bit more screen real estate, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Pro's higher resolution results in a much sharper and clearer display. |
| Pixel Density | 269 ppi | 460 ppi | Pura 70 Pro's higher PPI means clearer images, crisper text and overall better visual clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED on the Pura 70 Pro offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors and better contrast than Nokia's LCD display. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Pro offers smoother scrolling and animations making for a snappier experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Pro's display is far more visible in bright sunlight due to its much higher maximum brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Kirin 9010 (7 nm) | Pura 70 Pro's chipset is significantly more powerful, making it faster for everyday tasks and demanding apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 869,707 | Pura 70 Pro is far faster. Expect much smoother, more responsive performance. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | 8 (Maleoon 910) | Pura 70 Pro has a far more powerful GPU, offering better graphics for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.4, 1/1.3", 1.2µm) | Pura 70 Pro's main camera offers higher resolution, larger sensor and wider aperture - better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Pura 70 Pro's selfie camera has more resolution, better for detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 48MP (f/2.1) | Pura 70 Pro has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom - a huge advantage. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.5MP (f/2.2) | Pura 70 Pro has a dedicated wide angle lens, much more versatile photography. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Nokia has a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps; No Stabilisation | Yes; Slow-motion: Yes, 960 fps | Pura 70 Pro offers 4K recording, image stabilization, and much faster slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Basic, PDAF | Advanced, OIS, Zoom, PDAF, CDAF, LAF | Pura 70 Pro has significantly more advanced features including optical image stabilization, and different autofocus systems. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5050mAh | Pura 70 Pro has a larger battery, it is likely to offer longer battery life, although real-world use will vary. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Pro charges much faster (from zero to full in a fraction of the time). |
| Wireless Charging | N/A | 80W wireless, 20W reverse wireless | Pura 70 Pro has ultra-fast wireless charging and can wirelessly charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Unknown | The Pura 70 Pro OS is not specified, a significant drawback in this comparison. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Pura 70 Pro offers faster and more reliable Wi-Fi with support for newer standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 | Pura 70 Pro supports more advanced Bluetooth audio codecs. |
| GPS | Standard | Advanced | Pura 70 Pro supports more satellite systems for more accurate location tracking, especially in difficult locations. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 256/512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Pro has significantly more storage to store large files, photos, videos. |
| RAM | 2/4 GB | 12 GB | Pura 70 Pro will handle multitasking and heavy apps much smoother. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows additional storage via SD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Audio Features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Pura 70 Pro offers a superior audio experience with richer sound and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both offer biometric security. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Pura 70 Pro has a more complete sensor package for more features and functionalities. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus:
- Strengths: The primary advantage of the Nokia C21 Plus is its affordability. It is a basic smartphone designed for essential tasks. It also boasts a lighter weight which could appeal to users that prefer a device easier to handle for longer periods.
- Limitations: The Nokia C21 Plus is clearly an entry-level device. Its display is basic with a low resolution, and the performance is very limited due to its underpowered processor, leading to slower load times, lag in more demanding apps, and generally a less responsive feel. The camera is also very basic, it will not give you outstanding pictures.
Huawei Pura 70 Pro:
- Strengths: The Huawei Pura 70 Pro is a high-end flagship device. Its high-resolution OLED display, powerful processor, advanced camera system with optical zoom, and fast charging are exceptional. The audio quality is also much higher with stereo speakers.
- Limitations: The Pura 70 Pro is significantly heavier than the Nokia. The software is not specified, which is a red flag. The absence of expandable storage might be a problem for some, though it offers plenty of internal storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia C21 Plus: Best suited for users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing. It's a good option for first-time smartphone users or as a secondary device, particularly if low cost is a primary concern.
- Huawei Pura 70 Pro: Ideal for users who want a high-performance smartphone with a stunning display, a great camera, and fast charging. Perfect for those who consume a lot of media, take many photos/videos, play graphically intensive games and need a device that can keep up with them.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the Nokia C21 Plus is the obvious choice.
- What is your primary use case? If you need a high-performance phone, the Huawei Pura 70 Pro is the way to go. If you need a very basic phone for basic tasks, then the Nokia C21 Plus will be enough.
- Do you value advanced camera features, a high-quality display, and fast performance? If so, the Pura 70 Pro is the clear winner. If you only need a basic camera, screen, and are happy with the basic operation of the phone, the Nokia is an acceptable option.
Scenario-based recommendations:
- Budget-conscious user: Buy the Nokia C21 Plus.
- Social media enthusiast who takes a lot of pictures: Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Pro
- Mobile gamer: Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Pro.
- Basic user who only needs a phone for calls and texts: Buy the Nokia C21 Plus.
- User who values audio quality: Buy the Huawei Pura 70 Pro
My Choice
Personally, I would choose the Huawei Pura 70 Pro without a second thought. As a tech enthusiast, the massive upgrade in performance, the stunning display, and the superior camera system make it the clear winner for me. The faster charging speeds, superior audio, and more modern features are essential for my daily needs. The Nokia C21 is too basic and would just not meet my daily needs. The main thing holding back my recommendation would be the unknown operating system. It is critical to know if it runs Google services and the type of experience that could be expected. If this information was available, it would only make the Pura 70 Pro even more desirable.
