Alright, let's break down the Nokia C21 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A35. It's a classic case of budget-friendly versus mid-range, and the specs definitely tell a story.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these phones stack up, with a focus on what it all means for you, the user:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Samsung Galaxy A35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 161.7 × 78 × 8.2 mm | Nokia is slightly taller and thicker, Samsung is wider; A35 potentially feels more premium, but the C21 Plus may be better for one-handed use (though is thicker). |
| Weight | 178g | 209g | Nokia C21 Plus feels significantly lighter, enhancing comfort during prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | A35 offers a much sharper and more detailed picture, making text and images clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 390 | The higher PPI on the A35 means sharper text and images. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | A35 boasts superior display quality with deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency for dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | A35 provides much smoother scrolling and animations, a noticeable improvement for everyday use. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits (Note: a value of zero likely means this data is missing or not applicable). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The A35’s chip is vastly more powerful, resulting in much faster performance for apps, gaming and multi-tasking. |
| Antutu Score | 109,200 | 578,500 | A35 is significantly faster, loading apps more quickly, handling complex tasks smoothly, and being more future-proof. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Mali-G68 MP5 | A35 has a much more powerful GPU, which translates to better gaming performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.96", 0.8µm) | A35 takes higher-resolution photos with a larger sensor, resulting in better detail and low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 13MP (f/2.2, 1.12µm) | A35 takes higher-resolution selfies with larger pixels, leading to better quality and clarity. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 8MP (f/2.2) | A35 offers a more versatile camera setup for landscape shots or group photos. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The Nokia includes a dedicated portrait sensor, however, overall camera performance of A35 is far superior. |
| Macro Lens | None | 5MP (f/2.4, 1.12µm) | The A35 offers a dedicated macro lens, allowing closer shots of small objects. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@60fps with EIS | The A35 supports higher video resolution and quality, including 4k video with stabilization, and slow-motion capabilities. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 104 (Photo 107, Video 110) | The A35 has been independently tested, showing strong performance across photo and video, whilst the Nokia C21 Plus has no data |
| Camera Features | Basic features, PDAF, Front Flash | Pro features (OIS, Night mode, AI Engine, etc) | A35 has more advanced features for enhanced creative control, whilst the C21 Plus offers more basic features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | A35 has a larger battery, promising better battery life, though real-world endurance varies. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | A35 charges much faster than the Nokia, meaning less downtime. |
| Other | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 14 | A35 is up to date with a much newer OS version with longer future support. |
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | A35 supports newer WiFi standards, providing faster speeds and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 | A35 has a newer Bluetooth version with better efficiency and more advanced audio codec support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | The Samsung supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Internal Storage | 32GB or 64GB | 128GB or 256GB | A35 offers significantly more storage, providing much more space for photos, videos and applications. |
| RAM | 2 GB or 4 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | A35 offers significantly more RAM for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage options. |
| Audio Features | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Samsung Galaxy A35 has better sound quality. |
| Build Quality | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | Samsung Galaxy A35 has significantly better screen protection. |
| Security Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have fingerprint scanners for biometric security. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | A35 includes more advanced sensor for more accurate motion and proximity detection |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus Strengths:
- Lightweight and Compact: Its lighter weight makes it comfortable for extended use.
- Affordable: This phone is designed to be budget-friendly.
Nokia C21 Plus Weaknesses:
- Outdated Performance: The Unisoc chipset lags significantly behind the A35, leading to slower app loading, and less optimal gaming.
- Lower Resolution Screen: The 720p display is noticeably less sharp than the A35, and doesn't benefit from the contrast and color depth of an AMOLED screen.
- Basic Camera System: The camera is very basic compared to the A35 in terms of features, resolution and sensor quality.
- Older Software: It runs on Android 11, which is outdated and will likely stop receiving updates.
- Basic Connectivity: Has older wifi standards, and no Bluetooth audio codec support.
- Limited Storage and RAM: The base models are very limited for storage and RAM, and there is no option to expand it.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Strengths:
- Superior Performance: The Exynos 1380 is a huge upgrade, enabling smooth multitasking and gaming.
- Excellent Display: The AMOLED screen provides vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a smooth 120Hz refresh rate.
- Versatile Camera System: The 50MP main sensor with additional wide and macro lenses offers much more flexibility.
- High Quality Video: 4K video capture is a major leap from the Nokia phone.
- Future Proof: Runs on Android 14 with guaranteed updates to Android 18.
- Better Audio: Features Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and Stereo Speakers for a better sound experience.
- Better Security and Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus and additional sensors for enhanced security and functionality.
- Improved Connectivity: Boasts newer WiFi standards and Bluetooth 5.3, for faster and more stable connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy A35 Weaknesses:
- More Expensive: It's a mid-range phone that comes at a higher cost than the Nokia C21 Plus.
- Heavier: Weighing 209g, it is less comfortable for one-handed use and during prolonged use compared to the Nokia C21 Plus.
Trade-offs:
- The Nokia C21 Plus sacrifices performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and software longevity for a lower price point.
- The Samsung Galaxy A35 provides an exceptional user experience but at a significantly higher cost.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C21 Plus:
- Ideal User: Someone on a tight budget who needs a basic phone for calls, texts, and light app usage.
- Use Cases: A backup phone, a first smartphone for a child, or a phone for someone who wants simplicity and a light device.
- Recommendation: If you only need the absolute basics and are extremely budget-conscious, the Nokia C21 Plus is your phone.
Samsung Galaxy A35:
- Ideal User: Someone who wants a good all-round phone for everyday tasks, entertainment, and photography.
- Use Cases: Daily driver for social media, browsing, streaming, moderate gaming, and photography.
- Recommendation: If you value performance, quality, and longevity and are willing to pay more, the Galaxy A35 is a clear choice.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
Budget: How much are you willing to spend? If the budget is your absolute limiting factor, the Nokia C21 Plus might be your only option. If you're able to spend more and value a good overall experience the A35 should be considered.
Performance Needs: Do you need a phone for just the basics, or will you be gaming and multitasking heavily? The A35 is far superior in terms of performance.
Feature Priorities: How important are display quality, camera features, and future software updates? The A35 will be the better option for those who value these features.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
Scenario 1: "The Budget Conscious User"
- Need: A basic phone that does calls, texts and browsing.
- Recommendation: Nokia C21 Plus if the budget is truly the limiting factor. Be prepared for basic performance and limitations.
Scenario 2: "The Casual User"
- Need: A phone for everyday use, some streaming, social media, and the occasional photo.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35 is a great all-rounder. It will provide a great experience and is much more feature rich.
Scenario 3: "The Power User"
- Need: Smooth multitasking, good gaming performance, higher quality photography.
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy A35 is the clear choice, providing vastly superior performance for power users.
My Choice
If I were choosing, I'd absolutely go for the Samsung Galaxy A35.
Here's why:
While the Nokia C21 Plus is lighter and more affordable, the A35 offers a far more compelling experience. As someone who appreciates smooth performance, a great display, and capable camera, the A35 checks all the important boxes. The huge performance gap is the main differentiator; you will feel the difference in everyday use. The superior display and camera are also important; it's hard to go back to a basic 720p screen after experiencing the vibrancy and fluidity of a 120Hz AMOLED display. The updated operating system and longer support cycle are also key considerations. It’s about future-proofing and ensuring the phone remains secure and up-to-date for years to come. For me, the extra cost of the A35 is justified by the overall improvements in user experience, performance and future proofing.
