Alright, let's dive deep into this comparison between the Nokia C21 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. These two phones occupy very different tiers in the smartphone market, and that’s immediately obvious in their specs. However, let's break it down methodically.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at their specifications, along with a clear picture of how these specs translate into real-world usability:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 158 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm | Nokia is taller and thicker, Samsung is more compact and sleek. Samsung will feel more pocketable, Nokia may feel bulky |
| Weight | 178g | 209g | Nokia is significantly lighter. Samsung's weight may feel more premium but Nokia will be more comfortable for extended use |
| Build Material | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on the screen | Samsung screen is better protected against scratches and minor impacts. Nokia screen protection is unknown and maybe less resistant. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.4" | Nokia offers a slightly larger screen for media consumption, but the Samsung has a far superior quality display |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | Samsung’s display is considerably sharper and clearer; text and images will be more refined, Nokia display will feel pixelated to many users |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 403 | Samsung has a much sharper screen with more detail. Noticeable difference in viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Samsung's AMOLED offers superior blacks, colors, and power efficiency. Makes a big difference for photos, videos, and gaming |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Samsung provides smoother animations and transitions, Nokia’s will feel less fluid |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both lack specific brightness data, making sunlight visibility a potential concern but both phones should have adequate brightness for indoor use. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Exynos 2200 (4nm) | Samsung's chip is significantly more powerful; faster loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming. Nokia’s chipset is entry level |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,188,176 | Huge performance gap. Samsung is much faster and more capable in all applications. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Xclipse 920 (AMD) | Samsung’s GPU is modern and superior for graphics-heavy tasks like gaming. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57") | Samsung's main camera is far superior in resolution and sensor size; better clarity and low-light performance. Nokia main camera is basic. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | N/A | 8MP (f/2.0) | Samsung has a dedicated telephoto lens for zoomed photos and better portrait shots. Nokia lacks this feature |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 10.8MP (f/2.4, 1/2.65") | Samsung's front camera is better quality with a larger sensor and more detail. Nokia's selfies will look very basic compared to Samsung |
| Portrait Camera (Depth) | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Nokia has a depth sensor for portrait shots. Samsung lacks this but has better AI processing. |
| Wide Angle Camera | N/A | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.1") | Samsung’s wide angle camera adds versatility; Nokia lacks this. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps | Samsung offers professional-grade video recording quality. Much better video quality and image stabilisation on Samsung device. |
| DXOMark Score | N/A | 127 (Mobile) | Samsung’s camera system is significantly more sophisticated, offering better overall image and video quality. Nokia's camera is not tested |
| Camera Features | Limited, basic | Extensive, advanced | Samsung has advanced features like OIS, 8K recording, RAW support etc. Nokia's camera is very basic with no advanced features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4500mAh | Samsung has a larger battery, likely giving it better battery life. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | Samsung charges significantly faster; crucial for quick top-ups. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse, Wireless, No charger | Samsung has extra features like wireless charging and reverse charging, making it more convenient. No charger in box for Samsung |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 13 with upgrades to 17 | Samsung runs a newer version of Android with more features, security upgrades and software update eligibility |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Samsung supports faster, more reliable Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi 6); better for high-bandwidth tasks |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | Samsung offers more modern, efficient and capable bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Samsung supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 128GB/256GB | Samsung provides much more storage for apps, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 2GB/4GB | 8GB | Samsung has ample RAM for smooth multitasking; much faster and no lags |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device offers expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Samsung’s audio quality is significantly better with spatial audio and stereo sound |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Both phones have basic biometric security features |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Samsung offers additional sensors for advanced features like VR, augmented reality and more accurate motion data. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus
- Strengths: The Nokia C21 Plus is designed for those who need a basic smartphone for essential tasks. It's lightweight, has a large screen, and a decent battery capacity for daily tasks. It's also very affordable, which is its main draw.
- Competitive Advantages: Its main advantages lie in its simplicity, ease of use, and affordability.
- Limitations: The Nokia C21 Plus suffers from a low-resolution display, underpowered performance, basic cameras, and an older version of Android. This phone is not suitable for any serious multitasking, demanding applications, or photography.
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
- Strengths: The S23 FE offers a high-quality display, robust performance, and versatile camera setup. It also boasts modern features like wireless charging, faster charging, and a very capable software experience.
- Competitive Advantages: Its key advantage is its balance of flagship-level features at a more accessible price point than the true flagships. The vibrant AMOLED display, powerful processor, and advanced camera capabilities are significant advantages.
- Limitations: Its limitations are mainly in its lack of expandable storage and potentially shorter battery life under heavy use (though it is a bigger battery) due to the high-performance chipset and the fact that the charger does not come in the box. Also, the device can get slightly warm under heavy loads.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia C21 Plus Users: Ideal for first-time smartphone users, seniors, or anyone who needs a simple, no-frills device for basic communication and light browsing. Suitable for users who prioritize battery life over performance and want a budget-friendly device. It's a good choice for a secondary or backup device.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE Users: Best for users who want a high-performing phone with a great display, versatile camera system, and modern features like wireless charging. It’s well-suited for photography enthusiasts, avid gamers, and anyone who needs a phone for demanding tasks and daily use. Users who prioritize overall performance, media consumption, and advanced software features will be very happy with this device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that will help you decide between the Nokia C21 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE:
What is your budget?
- Nokia C21 Plus: If budget is the primary concern, and you just need a basic phone, this is a reasonable choice.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: If you're willing to spend more for significant performance and feature upgrades, the S23 FE is worth the investment.
What will you use your phone for primarily?
- Nokia C21 Plus: Best for calls, messaging, very light browsing and basic social media.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: Ideal for gaming, photography, video recording, heavy social media use, streaming, and any other resource-intensive applications.
How important are advanced features and performance to you?
- Nokia C21 Plus: If you're okay with basic features and very limited performance capabilities, this will do the job.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 FE: If you value a high-quality display, modern features like wireless charging, and excellent performance, the S23 FE is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User
- Recommendation: Nokia C21 Plus. If you just need a simple device for calling, texting, and very light browsing, the Nokia C21 Plus is sufficient. It will save you a lot of money while still doing the essentials.
- Scenario 2: Enthusiast Gamer and Photographer
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. Its powerful chipset, high-quality display, and superior camera system will ensure a much better gaming experience, and the ability to capture high-quality videos and photos. It also has much better storage options.
- Scenario 3: Everyday User
- Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 FE. The S23 FE delivers a much more well-rounded experience for everyday users by virtue of its features and powerful chip set. It has all the essentials and the addition of premium level features at an accessible price.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I had to choose between these two phones for myself, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE without a second thought. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I regularly use my phone for a variety of resource-intensive tasks including editing photos, recording videos, gaming, multitasking, and testing out applications. The Nokia C21 Plus simply would not suffice for my daily needs.
The Samsung S23 FE’s superior screen quality (AMOLED, higher resolution, 120 Hz), better processing power (the massive difference in AnTuTu score speaks volumes), higher quality camera system with a wide range of features and more advanced software, not to mention things like wireless charging are crucial for me. While the Nokia C21 Plus has its place as a basic phone for very light use, the S23 FE provides a far superior all-around experience and is the only one I can comfortably recommend for anyone looking for anything beyond the bare essentials. Ultimately, if you value performance, usability, and a more well-rounded feature set, the S23 FE justifies its higher price tag quite handily.
