Alright, let's break down the Nokia C31 and Honor 90. We've got a classic budget contender versus a mid-range powerhouse, and the specs tell a very clear story. I’ll approach this as if I’m chatting with a friend, explaining what these numbers mean in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at the core specs, what they mean for you:
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Honor 90 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | 161.9 × 74.1 × 7.8 mm | C31 is larger and bulkier, Honor 90 is more compact and easier to handle. |
| Weight | 200g | 183g | Honor 90 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Build | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones with no foldable design. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.7" | Negligible difference, both offer large screens for media. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1200x2664 | Honor 90 has a far sharper, more detailed display. |
| PPI | 260 | 435 | Honor 90's display is noticeably crisper, text and images are much clearer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Honor 90's AMOLED has better contrast, deeper blacks, and is more vibrant. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Honor 90 provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Honor 90 is much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Honor 90 has a vastly superior, more efficient processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 701,227 | Honor 90 is much faster in every aspect; app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Adreno 644 | Honor 90 provides better graphics, particularly noticeable in gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 200MP (Samsung ISOCELL HP3) | Honor 90 captures significantly more detailed and sharper images. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 50MP (f/2.4) | Honor 90 takes far superior selfies, although Nokia C31 has a slightly wider aperture for low light. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4, 2.24 µm pixels) | Both offer similar depth sensors, however the Honor 90 is better in low light due to bigger pixel size. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | Nokia C31 provides basic macro shots. |
| Wide Angle/Macro | N/A | 12MP (f/2.2, 1.12 µm pixels) | Honor 90 has a dedicated ultrawide with macro lens capabilities. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps (EIS) | Honor 90 records higher quality video and includes image stabilization. |
| Slow-Motion | No | Yes, 960 fps | Honor 90 can capture detailed slow-motion videos. |
| DXOMark | Not Tested | Mobile (122), Photo (128), Video (126) | Honor 90 has a good score, reflecting a good overall camera performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both have similar battery sizes, so expect comparable endurance (all things being equal) |
| Charging | 10W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | 66W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | Honor 90 charges much faster, and much better battery technology. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | Honor 90 comes with a newer Android version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Honor 90 supports faster, more stable Wi-Fi. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.2 LE | Honor 90 has better Bluetooth for audio and device pairing. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Honor 90 supports more satellite systems for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 256GB or 512GB | Honor 90 offers significantly more storage space. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB, 12GB or 16GB | Honor 90 has far more RAM for smoother multitasking and app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone allows for microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Noise cancellation microphone | Honor 90 has better call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have standard fingerprint security. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, RGB | Honor 90 has a more complete set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31: This phone is all about the basics. It provides a large display, a decent battery, and functional cameras at an entry-level price. Its main advantage is its affordability, making it a good choice for those with a very tight budget. The build is a bit bulky, but it's sturdy. The performance is really the weakest point.
Honor 90: This phone is a mid-range powerhouse with a premium feel. It’s lighter, has a far superior display, a much faster processor, impressive cameras, and faster charging. The lack of microSD expansion is a slight drawback, but the 256/512GB storage options are generous. It’s aimed at users who prioritize a great all-round experience.
Trade-offs: The most significant trade-off is the price. The Honor 90 costs more, but its advantages are compelling, especially in performance, display, and camera quality. The Nokia C31 sacrifices a lot in these areas to achieve its low price point. The C31 also lacks any advanced features like slow motion videos or 4k recordings.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31:
- Best for: Budget-conscious users who need a large screen for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and watching videos.
- Use Cases: First-time smartphone users, secondary phones, users who don't need demanding performance, seniors who prioritize basic functionality over bells and whistles.
- Price-to-Value: Offers essential functionality at a very affordable price point.
Honor 90:
- Best for: Users who want a smooth, responsive, and feature-rich phone experience.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts, mobile gamers, users who multitask frequently, and those who appreciate a high-quality display.
- Price-to-Value: Justifies its higher cost with significant upgrades in performance, display, camera, and overall experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
- What's your budget? If you're on a very tight budget, the Nokia C31 is your only option. If you can spend more, the Honor 90 provides tremendous value.
- How important is performance? If you’re just browsing the web or using social media, the Nokia C31 will work, but if you need a phone that can handle games, video editing, or multitasking, the Honor 90 is the way to go.
- What do you prioritize? If display quality, camera capabilities, and fast charging are important to you, the Honor 90 is the clear winner. If a large screen and basic features are sufficient, the C31 will be OK.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget Shopper): You need a phone under $200. The Nokia C31 is your only practical option.
- Scenario 2 (Daily Driver): You want a solid, reliable smartphone experience with decent performance and camera. The Honor 90 is the better all-around choice, despite the price.
- Scenario 3 (Multimedia Lover): You value high-quality display and camera capabilities, and you want to be able to play games. The Honor 90 is the way to go.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I would absolutely go with the Honor 90. The improvements in display, performance, camera, and charging speed are just too significant to ignore. Yes, it's more expensive, but it delivers a completely different, more premium, experience. The Nokia C31 is certainly a budget phone, and it is what it is. The experience would not be comparable to a modern mid-ranger like the Honor 90.
