Nokia C21 Plus vs Samsung Galaxy A55 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date April 29, 2022 March 15, 2024
Release Year 2022 2024

Physical

Volume 107.57 cm³ 102.25 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.66 "/g 3.1 "/g
Weight 178 g 213 g
Height 164.8 mm 161.1 mm
Width 75.9 mm 77.4 mm
Thickness 8.6 mm 8.2 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dark Cyan
  • Warm Gray
  • Navy
  • Iceblue
  • Lilac
  • Lemon

Display

Screen Size 6.52 " 6.6 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2340
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 82.1 % 85.8 %
Pixel Density 269 PPI 390 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 118.79 mAh/in² 114.78 mAh/in²
Battery Density 46.95 mAh/cm³ 48.9 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support No Yes
Chipset Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) Exynos 1480 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.75 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU IMG8322 Xclipse 530

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features microUSB 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 14
Maximum OS Version 18

Comparison Summary

Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia C21 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy A55. We'll break down the tech specs, translate those into real-world experiences, and figure out who each phone is best suited for.

1. Specifications Breakdown

FeatureNokia C21 PlusSamsung Galaxy A55Real-World Implications
Design
Dimensions164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm161.1 x 77.4 x 8.2 mmThe Nokia is a bit taller and thicker, the Samsung is wider. Both are fairly substantial in hand, with the Nokia being a bit more bulky. The Samsung is slightly more ergonomic and compact.
Weight178g213gThe Nokia is significantly lighter (35g), making it more comfortable for prolonged use. The Samsung feels more solid due to its weight.
Build Quality Screen ProtectionUnknownGorilla Glass VictusThe Samsung has superior screen protection. The Nokia's screen protection is unknown, suggesting it may be more susceptible to damage.
Display
Size6.52"6.6"Both have similar screen sizes; the Samsung's is only a hair larger.
Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2340The Samsung has a much sharper display, with significantly more detail visible. The Nokia may appear less crisp.
Pixel Density269 ppi390 ppiThe Samsung's higher ppi results in a clearer, crisper image, less pixelation, and more detailed text.
TechnologyIPS LCDAMOLEDThe Samsung's AMOLED screen will have deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency, especially with dark mode. The Nokia will appear less visually rich and vibrant.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzThe Samsung display will be far smoother with animations and scrolling, leading to a more responsive and fluid user experience. The Nokia display is more basic with less fluid animations.
Brightness0 nits0 nitsNeither device is capable of producing brightness. This is concerning as they would be impossible to see. It's very likely this data is incorrect.
Performance
ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A (28 nm)Exynos 1480 (4 nm)The Samsung's newer 4nm chip is significantly more powerful and efficient, resulting in much faster performance and better battery life compared to the Nokia's 28nm chip.
AnTuTu Score109,200713,393The Samsung will be much faster in everyday tasks, app launches, and multitasking. It's also capable of much more demanding applications.
GPUIMG8322Xclipse 530The Samsung's GPU will handle more graphically demanding apps and games with much more ease.
Camera
Main Camera13MP50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.56", Sony IMX906)The Samsung will capture significantly more detailed photos in a range of conditions, due to the larger sensor and higher resolution.
Selfie Camera5MP (f/2.2)32MP (f/2.2, 1/2.8", Sony IMX616)The Samsung will capture significantly sharper, more detailed selfies. The wider sensor and higher resolution make a big difference.
Wide Angle LensNone13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06", Sony IMX258)The Samsung provides much more flexibility with its wide angle lens, allowing more of a scene to be captured. The Nokia is limited by it's single, main lens.
Depth Camera2MP (f/2.4)NoneThe Nokia has a secondary depth sensor for better portrait mode images. Samsung lacks this but has a far superior main camera.
Macro LensNone5MP (f/2.4)The Samsung allows for close-up photography, adding to its camera versatility. The Nokia does not have a macro lens.
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps with EIS, 1080p@30/60fps with EISThe Samsung can record in much higher quality (4K), it also has EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation) for smoother video.
Additional FeaturesDigital zoom, Dual camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash2x2 OCL, Pro Video Mode, 4K Video, Digital zoom, Triple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Ultra stable video, AutoFraming, Autofocus, Touch focus, All Pixel Omni- Directional PDAF, NPU AI Engine, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Night Mode, RAW 12 bits, DOL HDRThe Samsung has a far greater array of features, with significant improvements to image stabilization and low light performance.
Battery Life
Capacity4000mAh5000mAhThe Samsung has a larger battery, suggesting longer battery life.
Charging10W fast charging25W fast chargingThe Samsung will recharge much faster, reducing time spent tethered to a wall.
Software
OSAndroid 11Android 14The Samsung runs the latest Android version, with more features and security updates, the Nokia runs an older version that will likely not receive significant updates.
Max VersionN/A18The Samsung has significant version update potential.
Connectivity
Wi-Fi802.11b/g/n802.11a/b/g/n/ac/axThe Samsung supports newer WiFi standards (WiFi 6), allowing for faster speeds and more reliable connections.
Bluetooth4.2 LE5.3The Samsung supports much newer bluetooth profiles allowing for greater flexibility.
GPSGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, GalileoGPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, GalileoThe Samsung has support for additional GPS systems improving reliability and accuracy.
SIMDual Nano-SIMDual Nano-SIM/eSIMThe Samsung can use an eSIM for greater flexibility.
Storage
Internal Storage32GB or 64GB128GB or 256GBThe Samsung offers much more storage for your photos, videos, and apps.
RAM2GB or 4GB8GB or 12GBThe Samsung has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking and performance with demanding apps.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone offers expandable storage.
Audio
Audio QualityBasicDolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo SpeakersThe Samsung offers much higher quality audio with Dolby Atmos support and stereo speakers, making media consumption much more enjoyable.
Security
Fingerprint SensorRear-mountedBasicBoth devices use fingerprint sensors for biometric security, although the sensor type is not specified.
SensorsProximity; AccelerometerFingerprint; Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope; Barometer, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtualThe Samsung has more sensors, unlocking more features like gaming and augmented reality.

2. Key Insights

Nokia C21 Plus Strengths:

  • Lightweight: The phone is significantly lighter making it more comfortable for extended use.
  • Affordable: It's likely a more budget-friendly option, given its specifications, which makes it accessible for users on a tight budget.
  • Depth Sensor: The Nokia has a secondary depth sensor which could help provide better portrait mode images.

Samsung Galaxy A55 Strengths:

  • Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate will provide a much more vibrant and smoother viewing experience.
  • Vastly More Powerful Performance: The Exynos 1480 chip is significantly faster than the Unisoc processor, leading to much smoother app loading, multitasking, and gaming.
  • Much Better Camera System: The higher resolution sensors, wide angle lens, and 4K video capabilities make the camera system far superior in comparison.
  • Larger Battery with Faster Charging: The 5000mAh battery with 25W charging ensures longer battery life and faster recharge times.
  • Latest Software: Comes with the latest version of Android with better security and new features.
  • Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers make media playback far more enjoyable.
  • More Storage and RAM: The base configuration offers much more storage and RAM for smoother multitasking and increased data storage.

Trade-offs and Limitations:

  • Nokia C21 Plus: Significant performance limitations, older software, and a much lower resolution display make it a very basic smartphone.
  • Samsung Galaxy A55: Heavier and potentially more expensive, it may not suit those seeking the most budget-friendly option or those looking for a lightweight phone.

3. User Profiles and Recommendations

Nokia C21 Plus is best for:

  • Budget-conscious users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
  • First-time smartphone buyers: Simple and straightforward, it’s an easy introduction to the world of smartphones.
  • Users who prefer a lighter phone: Those who value comfort over high performance.

Samsung Galaxy A55 is best for:

  • Performance-focused users: Those who want smooth performance for multitasking, gaming, and resource-intensive apps.
  • Photography enthusiasts: Those who want a versatile camera system with high-quality image capture and video capabilities.
  • Users who value a premium experience: Those who appreciate a vibrant display, enhanced audio, and the latest features.
  • Users who want their phone to last a long time: With better version update potential, the Samsung will stay supported for a longer period of time.

Specific Use Cases:

  • Nokia C21 Plus: Ideal as a backup phone, for basic communication, or as a first smartphone for seniors.
  • Samsung Galaxy A55: Perfect for daily use, social media, photography, gaming, media consumption, and content creation.

4. Buying Decision Framework

Three Questions to Ask Yourself:

  1. What is my budget? The Nokia is the budget-friendly option while the Samsung is a significant investment.
  2. How important is performance? If smooth performance is a priority, the Samsung is a no-brainer.
  3. What do I prioritize in a phone camera? If capturing good photos and videos is key, the Samsung is the clear winner.

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: Basic Phone User - A basic user who does not need much processing power and just needs to communicate via calls and texts would prefer the Nokia, its affordability and lightweight nature make it a good choice for basic tasks.
  • Scenario 2: Everyday User - A user who requires an all rounder, good performance, good camera, and good battery would prefer the Samsung. It will provide a smoother and more enjoyable experience day to day.
  • Scenario 3: Content Creator - A user who plans on making videos and taking photos, or gaming, will want the far superior camera and processor on the Samsung.

My Choice and Why

Personally, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy A55. While the Nokia C21 Plus is lighter and more affordable, the sheer gap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and overall user experience makes the Samsung the far superior choice for me. As a tech journalist and analyst, I rely on my phone for various tasks, and the Samsung's superior speed, camera system, and robust software suite would be far more beneficial for me. The better display is essential for visual tasks and the enhanced audio will enhance my media consumption. Although it is heavier, I believe the benefits provided far outweigh this single negative. I also find the version update potential to be a crucial consideration when purchasing a device, as this ensures it stays updated with new security and feature patches for a longer period of time.

Alex Griffin
Alex Griffin

Technology analyst specializing in mobile devices and consumer electronics.

Core Expertise

  • Mobile technology analysis
  • Consumer electronics evaluation
  • Technical specification interpretation
  • User experience insights

Professional Mission Empowering readers to make informed technology decisions by transforming intricate specifications into understandable, practical guidance.

Demystifying technology, one device at a time.