Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia C31 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. It's a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, with very different target audiences and price points, but still an interesting contrast in mobile tech.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a table breaking down the key specifications and what they mean for everyday use:
| Feature | Nokia C31 | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-09-01 | 2024-01-24 | S24 Ultra is significantly newer, featuring more up-to-date technology and software. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are standard smartphones; no folding or unique form factors. |
| Dimensions | 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm | 162.3 x 79 x 8.6 mm | Nokia is a bit taller. Both are similar in width and thickness. |
| Weight | 200g | 232g | Nokia C31 is noticeably lighter, which could be more comfortable for longer use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.75" | 6.8" | Similar screen sizes; negligible difference for daily use. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1440x3120 | S24 Ultra’s display will be far sharper with much more detail, with about 290% more pixels. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 260 | 505 | S24 Ultra will have a significantly crisper display, making text and images look much more defined. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | (Likely AMOLED) | S24 Ultra likely has superior display technology (AMOLED) with richer colors, better contrast and deeper blacks. Nokia C31’s IPS LCD is good, but not great for color. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | S24 Ultra will have much smoother animations and scrolling, enhancing the overall experience, especially during gaming. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2600 nits | S24 Ultra is much better for outdoor visibility, with a significant difference in screen visibility in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4nm) | S24 Ultra’s chip is much more powerful and efficient. expect significantly faster app loads, smooth multi-tasking, and high end gaming. Nokia C31 will lag behind in all these aspects. |
| AnTuTu Score | 109,200 | 1,814,869 | S24 Ultra delivers dramatically better performance in benchmarks, suggesting much better real world performance. |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Adreno 750 | S24 Ultra has a significantly more powerful GPU, capable of handling graphically intensive tasks and gaming with ease. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacities, suggesting comparable battery life. Actual usage will affect this. |
| Charging | 10W | 45W | S24 Ultra charges much faster. This significantly reduces the time required to charge. S24 Ultra uses Li-Ion technology that is much more stable and common. |
| Features | Non-removable | Bypass Charging, Reverse charging, 15W wireless charging, 4.5W reverse wireless charging | S24 Ultra offers more charging options like Wireless and reverse wireless. The bypass charging also allows for more consistent power while using the device while charging. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP | 200MP | S24 Ultra has much higher resolution for capturing detailed photos with much more detail. Nokia C31 photos will likely be basic. |
| Telephoto/Portrait | None | 50MP | S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto lens for optical zoom and portrait shots, which will make it far better for photography |
| Selfie Camera | 5MP | 12MP | S24 Ultra offers higher resolution selfie for better quality self-portraits. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP | S24 Ultra has a dedicated telephoto zoom lens for better zoom quality without using digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP | S24 Ultra has a dedicated wide angle lens that allows for better group photos and landscape shots. |
| Portrait Mode (depth) | 2MP | None | Nokia C31 includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | None | Nokia C31 includes a dedicated macro sensor for capturing very close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, No Stabilization | Up to 8K@24/30fps HDR, EIS | S24 Ultra offers much higher resolution and image stabilization with better quality recordings. |
| DXOMark | N/A | 144 (Mobile) | S24 Ultra has been professionally tested with high scores, while the Nokia C31 has no published scores, implying basic camera capabilities. |
| Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | Night Mode 2.0, 4K Video, 8K Video, Digital zoom, Optical zoom, Quadruple camera, Digital image stabilization, Optical Stabilization (OIS), Autofocus, Touch focus, Phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, RAW | S24 Ultra has advanced options, including Night Mode, Optical Zoom, OIS, and RAW for superior photos. Nokia C31 offers more basic camera options and features. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 14 | S24 Ultra comes with the latest Android version, offering more features, performance improvements, and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/6E | S24 Ultra supports newer Wi-Fi standards for faster speeds, lower latency and better performance. S24 Ultra also supports 6GHz band. |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 LE | 5.3 LE | S24 Ultra offers a more modern Bluetooth version for better efficiency, speed and reliability. S24 Ultra also supports features like APT-X, LDAC for better Bluetooth audio. |
| 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) | S24 Ultra offers more advanced GPS features, for more accurate and faster location information. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM + Nano SIM) | Dual SIM Dual Standby (Nano SIM / eSIM + Nano SIM / eSIM) | S24 Ultra supports eSIM for digital carrier switching along with standard SIM. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | S24 Ultra offers significantly more storage options for more data, apps, and media. |
| RAM | 4GB | 12GB | S24 Ultra comes with significantly more RAM for smooth multi-tasking and demanding games. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so the internal storage is what you are stuck with. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic | Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers | S24 Ultra provides better call and sound quality for better multimedia consumption. |
| Security | |||
| Features | rear-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Both offer basic fingerprint for security, although the implementation may vary. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Armor | S24 Ultra offers superior screen protection from scratches and impacts. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | S24 Ultra has a much more comprehensive set of sensors for better usability. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia C31
- Strengths: The Nokia C31's main strength is its affordability and its lighter design. It offers a large screen, a decent battery, and the basic features of a smartphone at a low cost, making it attractive for very budget conscious consumers. The Macro lens and dedicated depth sensor are nice touches at this price.
- Trade-offs: Significant trade-offs are in performance, display quality, and camera capabilities. It will not deliver a smooth multi-tasking experience or high-quality photos, especially in poor light. The old Android version also won't provide the most up-to-date software experience.
- Limitations: It is limited by its low-resolution screen, slow charging, and basic feature set.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Strengths: The S24 Ultra excels in almost every area. It boasts a high-resolution, vibrant display, incredibly powerful processing, advanced camera capabilities, fast charging, and a long list of premium features. The additional sensors and features make this a comprehensive smart device.
- Trade-offs: It is heavy and very expensive. It's designed for users who demand the absolute best performance and features.
- Limitations: Its price point makes it inaccessible for many, and the size and weight might not be for everyone. The lack of a dedicated Macro camera is also a potential loss for some.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia C31
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who prioritize basic functionality, a large screen, and long battery life for browsing, calls, and casual social media use. Ideal for first-time smartphone owners or those needing a secondary phone.
- Use Cases: Web browsing, social media, messaging, media consumption, basic photography in good light.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
- Best Suited For: Tech enthusiasts, power users, and professionals who need the best performance, camera, and features for demanding tasks. Photographers and gamers will especially appreciate this phone.
- Use Cases: Professional photography and videography, high-end gaming, content creation, demanding multi-tasking, AR/VR applications, and using the device for work.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide the decision between these two phones:
- What is your budget? The Nokia C31 is a budget-friendly option, while the S24 Ultra is a premium device at a much higher price.
- What is the most important thing you want from a smartphone? Is it smooth performance and a high-quality camera (S24 Ultra) or basic usability and affordability (Nokia C31)?
- How important are additional features and cutting-edge technology? If advanced features, faster performance, and high quality visuals are important, the S24 Ultra is the clear choice. If those things are less important, then the Nokia C31 will suffice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic User with a Limited Budget: The Nokia C31 is the better choice due to its low cost, good battery life, and large screen for basic usage.
- Scenario 2: Power User/Creator/Photographer: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the only option that offers the advanced features and processing power required for this type of usage.
- Scenario 3: Main Camera is Most Important: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra blows the Nokia C31 out of the water in camera performance with all of its lenses and higher quality sensors.
My Choice and Why:
For me, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra without hesitation. As a tech journalist and someone who appreciates cutting-edge technology, the S24 Ultra is simply in a different league. I frequently use my phone for content creation, photography, and high end gaming. The exceptional display, blazing-fast performance, versatile camera system, and extensive features of the S24 Ultra align perfectly with my needs. While the price tag is high, the level of performance and the quality of the features make it worth the investment for my use case. I can use it for a variety of tasks and I expect it to last me many years to come. While I appreciate the value proposition of the Nokia C31 for what it is, it's simply not the right device for my demands.
