Alright, let's dive into this head-to-head comparison between the Nokia C31 and the Samsung Galaxy S24. We've got a real David vs. Goliath situation here, and it's going to be interesting to see how these two stack up.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 169.2 × 78 × 8.6 mm | 147 × 70.6 × 7.6 mm | The S24 is noticeably more compact and pocketable. The C31's larger size may be cumbersome for some. |
| Weight | 200g | 167g | The S24 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for prolonged use. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones, no folding magic here. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.2" | C31 has a larger screen, good for media consumption. S24 is more convenient for one-handed use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | S24's higher resolution means a sharper and clearer display. Text and images will appear more crisp. |
| PPI | 260 | 416 | S24's higher pixel density translates to a much more detailed and vibrant display, while C31's is likely to appear softer. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | (Unknown) | C31 uses LCD; S24 uses (Unknown), which implies it might be superior but we lack the full information, making direct comparisons difficult |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24's 120Hz refresh rate makes scrolling and animations feel much smoother and more fluid. C31's 60Hz can appear less responsive. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | The S24's much higher brightness means it is much more visible in direct sunlight, whereas the C31 may be difficult to use outdoors. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | S24’s cutting-edge processor is vastly more powerful, handling demanding tasks with ease. C31 is suited for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,639,695 | The S24's AnTuTu score is dramatically higher. The difference will be palpable in overall speed, responsiveness, and gaming performance. |
| GPU | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | Adreno 750 | S24's GPU provides a far superior gaming and graphics experience compared to the C31. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/1.57", 1.0µm) | S24 offers significantly higher resolution and better low-light performance, thanks to its larger sensor and aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP (f/2.2) | 12MP (f/2.2) | S24's front camera captures more detailed selfies. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 10MP (f/2.4, 1/3.9", 1.0µm) | S24 has a telephoto lens for optical zoom, while C31 doesn't. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55", 1.4µm) | S24 has an ultrawide lens for capturing expansive shots, which C31 lacks. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | C31 includes depth sensor for portrait mode; while the S24 relies on its advanced image processing for similar effects. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | N/A | C31 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which S24 does not have, although the S24's other camera are still superior. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps | S24 offers vastly superior video capabilities with higher resolutions, HDR, and electronic image stabilization (EIS), whereas C31 has a limited capacity. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 4000mAh | C31's larger battery may offer longer runtime on a single charge; but this can be offset by other power hungry features in both devices. |
| Charging | 10W | 25W | S24's 25W charging provides much faster charging times, while C31's 10W charging is relatively slow. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, Non-removable | S24 offers bypass charging and reverse charging, additional capabilities that are absent in the C31. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 comes with a much newer version of Android and will receive long-term software support, whereas the C31's version is older and is unlikely to get updates. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | S24 supports more modern WiFi standards, offering faster and more stable connections, whereas the C31 supports legacy standards. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S24 has newer Bluetooth with improved speed and power efficiency, alongside better codec compatibility. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, SUPL, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | S24 offers more precise location tracking due to more satellite systems, compared to C31's older standard. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano/eSIM) | S24 offers the versatility of both Nano SIM and eSIM options. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | S24 offers more storage and allows users to have better storage management. |
| RAM | 4GB | 8GB/12GB | S24 provides smoother multitasking and better performance, especially with 12GB configuration. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD card expansion, relying on internal storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Basic Features | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 offers a more immersive audio experience with stereo speakers and clear calls, which are lacking on the C31 |
| Security | |||
| Security Features | Rear-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both phones have similar fingerprint security, but they might differ in sensor location. The S24 also includes additional security measures. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S24 features superior screen protection for better durability against scratches and drops, which is unknown in C31 |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | The S24 has more sensors, offering enhanced capabilities for gaming, augmented reality, and environmental tracking. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31 Strengths:
- Larger Display: The 6.75-inch screen is good for those who prioritize a larger viewing area for media.
- Battery Capacity: The 5050mAh battery has the potential for longer battery life, which could be essential for some users.
- Affordability: It's likely to be a more budget-friendly option.
Nokia C31 Limitations:
- Low Resolution: The 720x1600 resolution, combined with a low pixel density, won't deliver a sharp viewing experience.
- Weak Performance: Its Unisoc chip is geared for basic use and will struggle with demanding apps and games.
- Limited Camera: The camera system is basic and does not offer high image quality or versatility, including poor video capture.
- Older Software: Runs on Android 12 which is outdated, and has limited software support.
- Missing Key Features: Lacks essential features like display brightness, fast charging, and modern connectivity.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Strengths:
- Exceptional Performance: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor provides top-tier performance, handling intensive tasks effortlessly.
- Superior Display: A high-resolution screen with higher refresh rates and high brightness makes it ideal for media consumption and general use.
- Advanced Camera: Offers a high-resolution main camera, telephoto lens, ultrawide lens, and advanced video capabilities including 8k recording.
- Modern Features: Features like fast charging, advanced sensors, and the latest Bluetooth and WiFi support provide a premium experience.
- Updated Software: Runs on Android 14, with long-term software and security updates.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Limitations:
- Smaller Screen: The 6.2-inch screen may feel small to users who prefer larger displays.
- Battery Capacity: Its 4000mAh battery is smaller than the C31, which can result in shorter battery life depending on usage.
- Higher Price: This is a premium device with a correspondingly higher price tag.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31 User Profile:
- Budget-conscious users: Prioritizing affordability over features.
- Basic Phone Users: Mainly using the phone for calls, texts, and very light browsing.
- Users needing large display and long-lasting battery: Those who need a large screen and long battery runtime, accepting the tradeoff of performance and features.
Use Cases for Nokia C31:
- A secondary phone for calls and messaging.
- A basic device for seniors or children.
- A phone for use cases where performance and camera quality are less important.
Samsung Galaxy S24 User Profile:
- Power Users: Those who need high performance for gaming and demanding tasks.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who prioritize camera quality and versatility.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features and a premium smartphone experience.
Use Cases for Samsung Galaxy S24:
- Professional and creative work.
- Gaming and media consumption.
- Taking high-quality photos and videos in various environments.
- Those who want the best phone experience and can afford the higher price tag.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Practical Questions to Help Users Decide:
- What is your budget? If budget is a primary concern, the C31 is the better option.
- What are your main use cases? For basic use, the C31 is adequate. For performance, camera, and media, the S24 is ideal.
- How important is the display, performance, camera quality, and battery? For better performance, camera, and display, the S24 is the better option, while the C31 is more suited for battery.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: "I need a basic, affordable phone for calls and messaging." The Nokia C31 is the better option, focusing on large screen and long battery life.
- Scenario 2: "I am a photography enthusiast who wants the best possible image quality." The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the clear winner, offering a far superior camera system.
- Scenario 3: "I play a lot of games and do some work on my phone." The Samsung Galaxy S24 is a better option due to its superior performance.
- Scenario 4: "I want a premium smartphone experience with all the bells and whistles." The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the obvious choice, offering better features and performance.
Conclusion
The Nokia C31 is a basic, budget-friendly phone that is geared for users with basic needs, such as longer battery runtime. However, the phone falls short in several key aspects such as performance, camera, display quality, and software support. The Samsung Galaxy S24, on the other hand, offers flagship-level performance, advanced camera capabilities, and top-tier features, but at a higher cost.
What Would I Choose?
Personally, I'd choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 without hesitation. While the C31's larger battery is appealing, the gulf in overall performance, display quality, and camera capabilities is simply too wide to ignore. As someone who uses their phone for a variety of tasks, including photography, media consumption, and occasional gaming, the S24's vastly superior capabilities and premium user experience make it the clear winner, even if it comes with a higher price tag. The smooth display, impressive camera system, and the sheer power under the hood are non-negotiable for my daily use. I would much prefer to have less battery runtime and to be able to charge faster, than having the opposite issue of having large battery but no fast charging with a very poor camera, performance, and viewing experience.
