Okay, let's break down these two very different phones. The Nokia C21 Plus and the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra sit at vastly different ends of the smartphone spectrum, and it's important to understand why.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on what the specs mean for your daily use:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Huawei Pura 70 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 162.6 × 75.1 × 8.4 mm | C21 Plus is slightly taller; Both are similar in width and thickness. |
| Weight | 178g | 226g | C21 Plus is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. Pura 70 Ultra feels more substantial in hand. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.8" | Pura 70 Ultra offers a bit more screen real estate for media and browsing. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2844 | Pura 70 Ultra has significantly sharper and more detailed visuals. |
| PPI | 269 | 460 | Pura 70 Ultra displays much crisper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Pura 70 Ultra has deeper blacks, higher contrast, and richer colors than the Nokia. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Pura 70 Ultra offers noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2500 nits | Pura 70 Ultra is much easier to view outdoors in bright sunlight, while the Nokia will struggle. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Kirin 9010 (7nm) | Pura 70 Ultra offers much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 869,707 | Pura 70 Ultra is significantly more powerful and future-proof. C21 Plus is very basic in performance. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Maleoon 910 | Pura 70 Ultra's GPU is significantly more capable of handling graphics-intensive tasks and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (1" sensor, f/1.6) | Pura 70 Ultra captures significantly more detailed and higher-quality images, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.4) | Pura 70 Ultra offers sharper and more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 50MP (f/2.1) | Pura 70 Ultra offers optical zoom capabilities for better close-up photos. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 40MP (f/2.2, 1/1.7") | Pura 70 Ultra can capture wide shots with significantly more detail and better dynamic range. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | C21 Plus has a basic depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K Yes | Pura 70 Ultra captures higher-resolution, more detailed video. |
| Slow-motion video | No | Yes, 960 fps | Pura 70 Ultra captures significantly more dramatic slow-motion videos. |
| DxOMark Score | None | 163 | Pura 70 Ultra has a highly-rated camera system. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5200mAh | Pura 70 Ultra potentially offers significantly longer battery life, but actual endurance depends on usage. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 100W Fast Charging | Pura 70 Ultra charges much faster. |
| Additional Features | None | Reverse, 80W Wireless, Reverse Wireless | Pura 70 Ultra offers far more flexible charging options. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | N/A | C21 Plus uses a much older Android version, while we have no info on Pura 70 OS. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Pura 70 Ultra supports faster Wi-Fi for quicker downloads and more reliable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 | 5.2 | Pura 70 Ultra has better audio quality and range. |
| GPS | Basic Support | Advanced Support | Pura 70 Ultra offers more precise location tracking. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 512/1024 GB | Pura 70 Ultra has a huge storage advantage. C21 Plus has very limited internal storage. |
| RAM | 2/4 GB | 16 GB | Pura 70 Ultra offers far smoother multitasking and faster performance for heavy apps. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows for storage expansion. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Pura 70 Ultra has better audio experience for media consumption. |
| Security | Fingerprint (rear) | Fingerprint | Both provide basic biometric security. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Comprehensive set | Pura 70 Ultra has more sensor functionalities for gaming and advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus Strengths:
- Lightweight: Its most significant advantage is its light build which makes it comfortable for prolonged usage.
- Basic Functionality: It serves as a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and simple tasks.
- Affordability: Though not listed in the provided specs, it's a budget-friendly device, designed to be accessible.
Nokia C21 Plus Weaknesses:
- Poor Performance: The Unisoc chipset is extremely weak, resulting in slow app loading and poor multitasking.
- Low-Quality Display: The low-resolution IPS LCD screen is dull, lacks brightness, and is difficult to view in sunlight.
- Basic Camera: The camera is limited in resolution and features and struggles in low light.
- Limited Storage and RAM: The meager 32/64GB of storage and 2/4GB RAM will be restrictive.
- Outdated Software: Running on Android 11 means it misses out on newer features and security updates.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Strengths:
- Stunning Display: The OLED display is vibrant, sharp, and incredibly bright.
- High-Performance: The Kirin 9010 chip is powerful, providing fast app loading and smooth multitasking.
- Exceptional Camera System: The 50MP main sensor with the large 1-inch sensor, along with multiple lenses and features, is a top performer.
- Excellent Battery Life and Charging: Long-lasting battery, plus incredibly fast wired and wireless charging
- Advanced Connectivity: Supports faster Wi-Fi and Bluetooth standards.
- Generous RAM and Storage: Offers plenty of space and memory for any user needs.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra Weaknesses:
- Heavy: It is substantially heavier than the Nokia, which can be noticeable over time.
- Unknown OS: The operating system is not specified in the list, making it a wildcard.
- Price: Typically, this phone is very expensive, placing it far out of the budget-friendly segment.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C21 Plus:
- Best for: Individuals needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and very light usage. People on a strict budget and those who are less technically inclined would be the target audience.
- Use Cases: A secondary or backup phone, a basic device for seniors or first-time smartphone users. It is suitable for basic usage where performance is not critical.
- Value: Good for those who need the most inexpensive way to make calls and text.
Huawei Pura 70 Ultra:
- Best for: Power users, photography enthusiasts, and tech aficionados seeking a top-tier smartphone experience. Professionals, content creators, and anyone who demands peak performance would be the target audience.
- Use Cases: Photography, videography, gaming, heavy multitasking, and media consumption. Its high-quality camera and top-notch screen are made for these use cases.
- Value: Premium features, premium price. It provides an extremely capable device if you are willing to pay the price.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use case?
- If just need a basic phone for calls and texts, the Nokia C21 Plus may suffice.
- If you desire high-performance gaming, quality photography, and smooth multitasking, the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is far superior.
- How critical is battery life and charging speed?
- If battery is a priority, the Pura 70 Ultra’s 5200mAh battery and incredibly fast charging will suit you much better.
- If you don't need a very long battery life, the C21 Plus’ battery could work, despite the slow charge times.
- What's your budget?
- If you have a strict budget, the Nokia C21 Plus is a cheap and simple option.
- If you have the budget and want the very best, then the Pura 70 Ultra is the obvious choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If your budget is the absolute priority, and you only need a basic phone the Nokia C21 Plus will get the job done.
- Photography Enthusiast: The Huawei Pura 70 Ultra is superior in all aspects, especially in camera performance. It is the clear winner if that is your priority.
- Power User: If you need the absolute best in performance, display, and battery, the Pura 70 Ultra is the clear victor.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the Huawei Pura 70 Ultra. The difference in capabilities is staggering. As a tech journalist and someone who relies on my phone for practically everything, I need a device that performs exceptionally well across the board.
- Performance: The Pura 70 Ultra's Kirin chipset, combined with 16GB of RAM, ensures that I can seamlessly multitask, run demanding apps, and enjoy graphically intensive games without any lag. I value a device that can keep up with my workflow.
- Display: The OLED display is a game-changer for me. The high resolution, high brightness, and vibrant colors make content creation and media consumption far more enjoyable.
- Camera: As someone who often documents my life through photography, the Pura 70 Ultra's camera system is incredible. The main sensor size, aperture, and overall technology outmatch the C21 Plus in every way, making this an easy pick.
- Battery: The longer battery life and fast charging are vital for my on-the-go lifestyle.
The C21 Plus is a functional, very affordable device, but it's a basic smartphone. For me, the advantages of the Pura 70 Ultra outweigh the cost difference. It's not just a better phone; it's a completely different class of device that provides a far more enjoyable and efficient user experience.
