Okay, let's break down the Nokia C21 Plus and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4. These two phones are worlds apart, and the differences highlight the incredible range we see in the smartphone market today.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison table, focusing on what matters in real-world usage:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Form Factor | Standard | Foldable | The Z Fold4 can transform into a tablet, offering a very unique user experience. The C21 is a standard, pocketable device. |
| Dimensions | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | 155.1 × 130.1 × 6.3 mm (unfolded) | The C21 Plus is taller and thicker, but the Z Fold4 is significantly wider when unfolded. The Z Fold4 can be clunky in pocket |
| Weight | 178g | 263g | The C21 Plus is much lighter and more comfortable to carry for long periods. The Z Fold4 can feel heavy. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 7.6" (unfolded) | The Z Fold4’s unfolded display is much larger, making it ideal for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1812x2176 | The Z Fold4 has a much sharper and more detailed display. The C21 is fine for basic use, but it will be less sharp. |
| Pixel Density | 269 PPI | 373 PPI | Text and images will appear crisper and clearer on the Z Fold4. The C21’s display will appear somewhat less sharp. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | Unspecified | The C21 Plus has an LCD screen, whereas Z Fold 4 has an unspecified screen. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The Z Fold4 display is significantly smoother, enhancing the experience of scrolling and animations. The C21's refresh rate is adequate for basic browsing |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | The Z Fold4 is dramatically faster, capable of handling demanding tasks and gaming. The C21 is optimized for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,232,800 | The Z Fold4 offers vastly superior performance, with faster loading times, more responsive apps, and a better gaming experience. The C21's performance is very basic. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 730 | The Z Fold4’s graphics performance is much better for gaming and demanding applications. The C21's GPU is basic. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 4400mAh | The Z Fold4 has a slightly larger battery, but its power-hungry display could mean similar battery life to the C21. |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The Z Fold4 will charge much faster, reducing downtime. The C21 will take much longer to charge. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Wireless charging 15W, Reverse wireless charging 9W | The Z Fold4 offers more versatile charging options. The C21 has basic battery features. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57") | The Z Fold4 captures significantly more detailed and higher quality images. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | The Z Fold4 takes better selfies, even in lower light. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.9") | The Z Fold4 can zoom optically, offering better detail at distance. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 13MP (f/2.2, 1/3.06") | The Z Fold4 has a wide-angle lens, allowing for more creative shots. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | The C21 has a depth camera for portrait mode, while Z Fold 4 relies on software processing to create bokeh. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24fps, 4K@60fps, 1080p@60fps, and more | The Z Fold4 captures much higher-quality, professional-grade video. The C21 video recording capability is basic |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Overall 124 | The Z Fold4 has been tested by DXOMark, showing its capability in photo and video, whereas C21 Plus has no rating |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 (upgradeable to 16) | The Z Fold4 has a more modern Android version and will receive more updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) | The Z Fold4 supports faster, more modern Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | The Z Fold4 has a more modern Bluetooth version with more features. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | The Z Fold4 has more robust location tracking with more supported satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual Nano | Dual SIM (Nano SIM + eSIM) | The Z Fold4 offers an eSIM option for more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/64GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The Z Fold4 offers significantly more storage for media, apps, and files. |
| RAM | 2GB/4GB | 12GB | The Z Fold4 has more RAM for smooth multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | The Z Fold4 has stereo speakers for better sound, while C21 Plus is basic. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Rear Fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Z Fold 4 has a more premium side-mounted fingerprint scanner. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | The Z Fold4 has the latest generation of Gorilla Glass for maximum durability. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Gravity, Hall, Geomagnetic | Z Fold 4 has a robust sensor suite, for complex operations |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus
Strengths:
- Affordability: The C21 Plus is a budget-friendly device that covers basic smartphone functionalities.
- Lightweight and Compact: It's comfortable to hold and easy to pocket.
- Decent Battery Life: Its low power display and basic processor will provide a full day of basic use.
- Dual SIM Support: It supports two physical SIM cards, useful for managing multiple numbers.
Limitations:
- Basic Performance: The chipset struggles with demanding tasks, resulting in lag and slow app loading.
- Low-Resolution Display: The screen is not as sharp or vibrant as more expensive phones.
- Basic Camera: Image quality is adequate for casual use but struggles in challenging lighting conditions.
- Older Software: It runs on an older version of Android.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4
Strengths:
- Foldable Design: Offers a unique tablet-like experience when unfolded, great for multitasking and media.
- High-Performance Chipset: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 handles everything from gaming to heavy multitasking without breaking a sweat.
- Stunning Display: The 120Hz display is incredibly smooth, sharp, and vibrant.
- Versatile Camera System: Excellent image quality and flexible lens options.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse charging, excellent sensor suite, and a robust connectivity setup.
- Modern Software: Runs on the latest Android and will receive several years of updates.
Limitations:
- Price: It's one of the most expensive smartphones on the market.
- Bulk and Weight: It's heavy and not comfortable to carry all the time.
- Potential Durability Concerns: Although protected by Gorilla Glass Victus+, its foldable design may be more vulnerable to damage.
- Limited Battery Life The large display means you'll likely need to charge every day.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C21 Plus is best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic phone for calls, texts, and light browsing.
- First-time smartphone users who want an easy-to-use device.
- Those seeking a secondary phone for emergencies or when a smaller device is needed.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is best for:
- Power users who demand top-tier performance, multi-tasking, and the most up-to-date features.
- Tech enthusiasts who want the latest and greatest smartphone technology.
- Users who want a phone and a tablet in one for enhanced productivity and media consumption.
- Mobile creatives and content creators who want a versatile and high-quality camera.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- What's your budget? The C21 Plus is extremely budget-friendly, while the Z Fold4 is a premium-priced device.
- What is your primary use case? Basic communication and browsing vs. demanding tasks and media consumption?
- How important is portability vs. a large screen? The C21 is light, the Z Fold is heavy and bulky, but offers a large display when unfolded.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Tight Budget, Basic Needs: The Nokia C21 Plus is the clear choice. It provides basic smartphone functions without breaking the bank.
- Scenario 2: Media Enthusiast on the Go: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the way to go. Its large, high-resolution display and fast performance make it great for streaming.
- Scenario 3: Tech Enthusiast, Premium Experience: The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4 is the obvious choice. It's the very best in mobile technology.
- Scenario 4: Secondary phone for emergencies: The Nokia C21 Plus offers a cheap, robust experience for calls and texting.
My Choice:
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold4, even though it is much more expensive. While the Nokia C21 Plus is a sensible choice for those on a very tight budget, the Z Fold4's technological prowess is simply too compelling. It’s a device that really pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can be. The foldable design is not just a gimmick; it completely changes how you interact with your phone, offering a vastly superior experience for both productivity and entertainment. The combination of a large, beautiful display, unmatched processing power, a cutting-edge camera system, and advanced features makes it the device that I would enjoy and that would be more useful for me, a tech journalist.
