Alright, let's break down the Nokia C21 Plus and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. These two are quite different beasts, and understanding those differences is key to figuring out which one suits you best. Let's get into it!
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key specs, focusing on how they actually impact your day-to-day use:
| Feature | Nokia C21 Plus | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.8 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm | Nokia is slightly wider and thicker, may feel less premium in hand. |
| Weight | 178g | 185g | Nokia is slightly lighter, may feel more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Unknown | Gorilla Glass Victus | Xperia is more durable, offering better protection against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.5" | Similar screen size, negligibly different. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1644x3840 | Xperia's screen is much sharper, noticeably better for reading text, viewing detailed images, and watching high-resolution video. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 643 | Xperia’s display will look significantly clearer and more detailed. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | Xperia has much better contrast, deeper blacks and more vibrant colors, making media consumption far more enjoyable |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Xperia provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming experience; the Nokia will appear more jittery in comparison |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits (data missing). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) | Xperia is way more powerful, leading to much faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and far superior gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,076,100 | Xperia offers drastically better performance, making it far more future-proof. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Adreno 730 | Xperia’s GPU is significantly more powerful, handling graphics-intensive tasks much better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera Resolution | 13MP | 12MP | Similar main camera resolutions, the Xperia is far better due to superior sensor and image processing |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 5MP | 12MP | Xperia captures much sharper and detailed selfies, likely superior in low light as well. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP | Xperia offers optical zoom, allowing closer shots without loss of detail, lacking on the Nokia. |
| Wide-Angle Lens | None | 12MP | Xperia provides versatile shooting options, capturing a wider scene in a single frame. |
| ToF 3D sensor | None | Yes | Xperia has better depth sensing for enhanced portrait mode and AR applications. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP dedicated lens | None | Nokia has a dedicated depth sensor, but overall quality is expected to be inferior to a software implementation on a better camera system like on the Xperia |
| Video Quality | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps | Xperia records much higher quality videos with advanced features like OIS, EIS, and HDR |
| Camera Features | Basic Features | Advanced Features | Xperia has an abundance of extra features such as Optical Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization, Raw Capture, while the Nokia just has the basics |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5000mAh | Xperia has a larger battery for longer use between charges, however, the powerful processor may drain the battery faster as well. |
| Charging | 10W | 30W | Xperia charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging | Xperia allows for charging while keeping the battery cool, extending its overall life span. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 | Android 12 (Upgrade to 13) | Xperia has a newer OS version and will receive more updates, future-proofing the device, Nokia will receive limited updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wifi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Xperia supports faster Wi-Fi standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Xperia offers a more stable, energy-efficient Bluetooth connection, with higher quality audio transfer. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | Xperia offers more accurate GPS thanks to a more comprehensive array of satellite systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + eSIM) | Xperia offers eSIM compatibility in addition to Dual SIM, allowing for more versatile connectivity options. |
| Storage and Memory | |||
| Internal Storage | 32/64 GB | 256/512GB | Xperia provides significantly more storage space for apps, photos, videos and files. |
| RAM | 2/4 GB | 12/16 GB | Xperia enables smoother multitasking and better app loading with more RAM |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device allows for storage expansion. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Xperia has vastly superior audio quality, with better clarity, spatial audio, and immersion |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Xperia offers a more ergonomic fingerprint sensor integrated within the power button. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Xperia offers a wider array of sensors which means more functionality and accuracy in a number of use cases such as gaming. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C21 Plus:
- Strengths: Affordability is its main draw. It offers a basic smartphone experience at a budget price point with a large display and decent battery.
- Competitive Advantages: Low cost makes it accessible to price-conscious buyers.
- Trade-offs: Noticeably slower performance, basic camera system, low-resolution display, and limited features.
Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths: High-end display, flagship performance, versatile camera system, and advanced audio capabilities.
- Competitive Advantages: Top-tier performance, excellent multimedia capabilities, and a more future-proof design with advanced features.
- Trade-offs: Considerably more expensive, may not be the most ergonomic for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia C21 Plus: Best suited for:
- Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize basic functionality over performance and advanced features.
- Users needing a secondary phone for simple tasks like calling, messaging, and light browsing.
- Individuals who are not very demanding in terms of mobile performance, photography, or gaming.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV: Best suited for:
- Tech enthusiasts and power users who want top-tier performance, display quality, and camera versatility.
- Content creators and multimedia consumers who appreciate high-quality audio, video recording capabilities, and an immersive viewing experience.
- Gamers and multitaskers who need a responsive and powerful device for gaming and demanding apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Three Questions to Ask Yourself:
- What's my budget? If money is the primary concern, the Nokia C21 Plus is the only logical choice. If budget is more flexible, the Xperia opens up a realm of high-end performance and features.
- How important is performance? For heavy multitasking, gaming, and app usage, the Xperia is the clear winner. If your needs are basic, the Nokia suffices.
- How much do I care about photography, media, and video? If you want the best possible camera, display, and audio experience, the Xperia is the go-to option. The Nokia has the basics, but it falls short in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget Buyer:
- Recommendation: Nokia C21 Plus. It's the most affordable option and will cover basic mobile needs.
- Scenario 2: Photography Lover:
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV. The advanced camera system, telephoto lens, and high-resolution video recording will greatly enhance photographic and video capabilities.
- Scenario 3: Power User and Gamer:
- Recommendation: Sony Xperia 1 IV. The high-end performance, superior display with a 120Hz refresh rate, and the powerful GPU will make for a much better experience than what the Nokia can offer.
My Choice
If I had to pick between these two, I'd go with the Sony Xperia 1 IV without a doubt. As a tech journalist and someone who enjoys both media creation and consumption, the Xperia 1 IV aligns much better with my needs. The vastly superior performance, camera quality, display technology, and advanced audio capabilities make it an easy choice, despite the significant price difference. The fluidity and premium feel of the Xperia is simply incomparable to the Nokia.
The Nokia C21 Plus is a phone for a very different kind of user – one who has very simple mobile phone needs and wants to spend as little money as possible. While it's an adequate device in that sense, the Xperia simply belongs in a different class.
