Alright, let's break down the Nokia C31 and the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. It's a bit of a David vs. Goliath match-up, but that doesn't mean the Nokia doesn't have its place. I'll focus on what these specs actually mean for you in daily use, not just the numbers.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a head-to-head comparison table, focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | 163.4 × 78.1 × 8.9 mm | Nokia is slightly taller, Samsung slightly thicker, but both handle about the same in hand due to the width being similar |
| Weight | 200g | 234g | Nokia is lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use, while Samsung has a solid, premium feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.8" | Negligible size difference, not noticeable to the naked eye. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3088 | S23 Ultra has dramatically sharper visuals; Nokia will appear less clear with noticeable pixelation, especially for text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 260 PPI | 500 PPI | S23 Ultra is significantly clearer and more detailed; Nokia's screen can appear blurry compared to the Samsung |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | S23 Ultra has richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. Nokia's LCD is suitable for basic viewing |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S23 Ultra offers much smoother scrolling and animations; Nokia's display will feel less fluid, more laggy. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | S23 Ultra is exceptionally bright, ensuring visibility in direct sunlight. Nokia will struggle outdoors, virtually unreadable. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | S23 Ultra is vastly more powerful, handling intensive tasks and games with ease. Nokia lags significantly in performance.. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,521,862 | S23 Ultra loads apps quickly and smoothly, ideal for power users and gamers, the Nokia is much slower with longer wait times for apps to load |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 740 | S23 Ultra has superior graphics performance for gaming and graphic intensive tasks. Nokia's is adequate for basic tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Battery capacity is very similar, should offer about the same battery life |
| Charging | 10W | 45W | S23 Ultra charges much faster, going from zero to full in an hour; Nokia charging times are substantially longer. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | S23 Ultra allows direct power to the phone without charging the battery. Both have non-removable batteries. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 200MP | S23 Ultra takes much more detailed and higher resolution photos; Nokia's pictures may appear grainy, especially in low light. |
| Telephoto + Portrait | None | 12MP | S23 Ultra offers dedicated zoom and portrait shots with this lens; Nokia offers no zoom capability . |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP | 12MP | S23 Ultra's selfies are clearer and more detailed than the Nokia's |
| Telephoto | None | 12MP | S23 Ultra allows capturing detailed images at a distance; Nokia lacks true zoom. |
| Wide Angle | None | 12.2MP | S23 Ultra can capture expansive shots, great for landscapes; Nokia has no wide option. |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP | None | Nokia uses a depth sensor for portraits, but the quality is low |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Nokia uses a Macro lens for close-up shots, but the quality is low. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps | S23 Ultra offers professional-grade video recording, including high frame rate slow motion; Nokia is adequate for basic videos. |
| DxoMark Score | None | 140 | S23 Ultra has a verified high-quality camera, while the Nokia is untested. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13, upgradeable to 17 | S23 Ultra has the newest version, and will have longer software support than the older Nokia. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | S23 Ultra supports much faster Wi-Fi speeds. Nokia supports the older generations. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S23 Ultra has a newer, more efficient version, providing faster transfer speeds. Nokia is adequate for most bluetooth uses. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1 + L5) | S23 Ultra provides more accurate location tracking due to a wider range of satellite systems. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S23 Ultra supports a more versatile connection, with the option of a virtual SIM card. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB / 128GB | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB | S23 Ultra offers much greater storage space. Nokia offers adequate storage for basic phone use. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB / 12GB | S23 Ultra has more RAM, allowing smoother multitasking and background app usage. Nokia will be slower with more apps in the background. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone allows storage expansion, which can be a limitation for media enthusiasts. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | S23 Ultra's audio features offer much higher quality sound playback, and clearer recording. The Nokia is adequate for calls and basic media playback. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Fingerprint sensors on both offer secure biometric unlocking |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | S23 Ultra has superior scratch and impact resistance; Nokia's screen durability is unknown. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | S23 Ultra has a comprehensive sensor suite that offers advanced features and usability. Nokia offers basic sensors only. |
2. Key Insights
- Nokia C31:
- Strengths: It's lightweight, has a decent-sized battery, and offers basic functionality at a budget-friendly price point. This phone is best suited for basic communication and light media consumption.
- Limitations: The low-resolution screen, weak processor, and low-end camera make it unsuitable for power users, gamers, or those seeking a high-quality multimedia experience. The performance is likely to feel laggy and unresponsive when compared to modern smartphones.
- Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra:
- Strengths: This is a top-tier device with a stunning display, powerful performance, a versatile camera system, and a cutting-edge feature set. It's a powerhouse for productivity, content creation, and mobile gaming.
- Limitations: It's bulky, expensive, and may be overkill for users with basic needs.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31: Best for:
- Budget-conscious users who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and social media.
- Individuals who prioritize battery life over performance and want a lightweight device.
- First-time smartphone users who don’t need advanced features.
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra: Best for:
- Power users who need top-tier performance for demanding apps and games.
- Photography enthusiasts who want the best mobile camera experience.
- Content creators who need a high-resolution display and versatile video recording capabilities.
- Individuals who want the latest features and a future-proof device.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is performance to you? If you need smooth multitasking, snappy app loading, and high-end gaming, the S23 Ultra is the clear choice. If you just want to call, text, and check email, the C31 might suffice.
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, then the Nokia C31 is going to be much more affordable than the S23 Ultra.
- How much do you care about camera quality and display clarity? If you value high-quality photos, crisp visuals, and smooth animations, the S23 Ultra is essential. If these are not crucial, the C31's camera and display will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You are on a tight budget, need a phone for basic tasks (calls, texts), and want the most battery life for the lowest cost. Recommendation: Nokia C31.
- Scenario 2: You're an avid photographer who enjoys capturing detailed images and recording high-resolution videos. You want a top-tier smartphone with all the bells and whistles. Recommendation: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
- Scenario 3: You need a phone for everyday use, and you play games from time to time, but you don't want to spend the amount the S23 costs, and you need a good screen. Recommendation: There are other options out there that are better than either the C31 or S23, so research further in this specific area.
My Choice and Why
If I had to choose, I'd go with the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, without question. Here's why:
As a tech journalist, I need a phone that can keep up with my workflow, offering top performance for multitasking, document editing, and creating media content. The S23 Ultra's superior display is great for photo and video editing, while the versatile camera system helps me capture high-quality images on the go.
While it’s true that the Nokia C31 has its place as a reliable, budget-friendly device for basic tasks, the S23 Ultra is simply on a different level for someone that needs a professional device.
I hope this breakdown helps you make a well-informed decision! Let me know if you have any other questions.
