Smartphone Comparison: OnePlus 9 Pro vs. Nokia C21 Plus
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | OnePlus 9 Pro | Nokia C21 Plus | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 163.2 × 73.6 × 8.7 mm | 164.8 × 75.9 × 8.6 mm | Nokia C21 Plus is slightly taller and wider but has similar thickness, may be less comfortable for single-handed use for some. |
| Weight | 197g | 178g | OnePlus 9 Pro is significantly heavier, noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.52" | OnePlus 9 Pro offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen size. |
| Resolution | 1440x3216 | 720x1600 | OnePlus 9 Pro has a much sharper display, resulting in crisper text, images, and videos. |
| PPI | 525 | 269 | OnePlus 9 Pro's higher pixel density leads to significantly finer details and smoother visuals. |
| Technology | Not specified | IPS LCD | Nokia C21 Plus has an LCD which offers accurate colors and good viewing angles. OnePlus is unknown. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 60Hz | OnePlus 9 Pro's 120Hz refresh rate results in significantly smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | OnePlus 9 Pro's much higher brightness makes it easily viewable in direct sunlight; Nokia C21 Plus display visibility in sunlight is unknown. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 (5 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | OnePlus 9 Pro's chipset offers dramatically faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. Nokia C21 Plus is suited for basic use only. |
| AnTuTu Score | 877,600 | 109,200 | OnePlus 9 Pro provides a significantly smoother and faster overall experience. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | IMG8322 (PowerVR GE8322) | OnePlus 9 Pro's GPU offers significantly better graphics performance, critical for gaming and demanding apps. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 4000mAh | OnePlus 9 Pro has a slightly larger battery for potentially longer usage between charges. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 10W Fast Charging | OnePlus 9 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Features | Reverse, Wireless 50W, Reverse Wireless | Non-removable | OnePlus 9 Pro offers greater flexibility with wireless charging and the ability to charge other devices. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, Sony IMX789 | 13MP, sensor model & pixel size not specified | OnePlus 9 Pro offers higher resolution and a better sensor for detailed photos, better low-light performance. Nokia C21 Plus image quality is unknown. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.4, Sony IMX471 | 5MP, f/2.2, sensor model & pixel size not specified | OnePlus 9 Pro has much higher resolution for sharper selfies, and similar aperture, Nokia's sensor is unknown |
| Telephoto Lens | 8MP, f/2.4, Omnivision OV08A10 | Not applicable | OnePlus 9 Pro offers optical zoom capabilities; Nokia C21 Plus does not have a telephoto lens, impacting zoom quality. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 50MP, f/2.2, Sony IMX766 | Not applicable | OnePlus 9 Pro captures a much wider field of view; Nokia C21 Plus does not have a wide-angle lens, limiting versatility. |
| Portrait Lens | Not applicable | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model & pixel size not specified | Nokia C21 Plus offers depth information for portrait shots. OnePlus does not offer this, it is unknown if it has a digital alternative. |
| B&W Lens | 2MP, f/2.4, sensor model & pixel size not specified | Not applicable | OnePlus 9 Pro can capture monochrome images. Nokia does not offer this. |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K 30FPS HDR | Up to 1080p 30FPS | OnePlus 9 Pro can record much higher quality video, great for video creation. |
| DXOMark | 122 (Mobile) | Not tested | OnePlus 9 Pro has a solid camera rating; Nokia C21 Plus camera is not rated. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 14) | Android 11 | OnePlus 9 Pro will receive a newer Android update, while the Nokia may not, potentially limiting access to future features. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6, Dual-Band, MiMO | Wi-Fi 4 | OnePlus 9 Pro has better Wi-Fi for faster and more reliable connections, especially in crowded areas. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.2 LE, APT-x, LDAC | Bluetooth 4.2 LE | OnePlus 9 Pro supports better audio codecs for higher quality wireless audio. |
| GPS | Extensive Support | Standard Support | OnePlus 9 Pro's greater GPS support provides better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support dual SIMs. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128GB or 256GB | 32GB or 64GB | OnePlus 9 Pro provides much more storage for apps, media, etc. |
| RAM | 8GB or 12GB | 2GB or 4GB | OnePlus 9 Pro has significantly more RAM for smoother multitasking and better app performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Basic | OnePlus 9 Pro provides superior audio, with immersive sound through stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint sensor | Rear mounted fingerprint | Both offer a basic level of biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Unknown | OnePlus 9 Pro has a superior screen protection which is important for durability. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity | Accelerometer, Proximity | OnePlus 9 Pro offers more sensors useful for different purposes, from gaming to navigation. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
OnePlus 9 Pro Advantages:
- Significantly Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset provides a dramatically faster and smoother experience in all tasks, from browsing to gaming.
- High-Quality Display: Higher resolution, pixel density, 120Hz refresh rate, and high brightness make it much better for media consumption, gaming, and outdoor use.
- Advanced Camera System: A much more versatile and capable camera with higher resolutions, telephoto, and wide-angle lenses, and the ability to record up to 8K videos.
- Faster Charging: 65W wired and 50W wireless charging allows for rapid battery replenishment and has the versatility of charging other devices wirelessly
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide a richer audio experience.
- Superior Connectivity: Newer Wi-Fi and Bluetooth versions, offering faster and more reliable connections.
- Better Software Support: More updates in the future.
- Better build quality: Gorilla Glass 5 protection
Nokia C21 Plus Advantages:
- Lighter Weight: Significantly lighter than the OnePlus 9 Pro, which may be more comfortable for long periods of holding or use.
- Slightly Cheaper In comparison to the OnePlus 9 Pro.
- Dedicated portrait sensor: Has a specific lens for portrait mode which the one plus lacks, if this is important to you.
Trade-offs:
- OnePlus 9 Pro: Much higher cost, significantly heavier.
- Nokia C21 Plus: Substantially lower performance, basic display, inferior camera, slower charging, basic audio and connectivity, no screen protection.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
OnePlus 9 Pro Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Those who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and demanding apps.
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos and gaming, and superior audio.
- Photography & Videography Lovers: Those who need a versatile camera system with high resolution, zoom, and high-quality video capabilities.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Those who want the latest features and technologies.
OnePlus 9 Pro Use Cases:
- Playing graphically intensive mobile games.
- Editing videos and photos on the go.
- Consuming high-resolution media (movies, TV shows).
- Taking professional-quality photos and videos.
- Work related tasks
- General usage for most purposes.
Nokia C21 Plus Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those who prioritize affordability and are comfortable with basic functionality.
- Light Users: Those who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, and basic browsing.
- First-time smartphone users: Simple usage, no need for high-level performance or usage.
- Users who want lightweight smartphones: People who don't want to feel the weight of their smartphone in their pocket.
Nokia C21 Plus Use Cases:
- Making calls and sending text messages.
- Browsing the web and social media lightly.
- Basic photography.
- Simple everyday tasks.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a smartphone?
- Performance Needs: Do you require a fast, smooth phone for gaming and demanding apps, or is basic functionality enough?
- Camera Importance: How important is a high-quality camera with zoom, video quality and different lens options?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: If budget is the primary concern and you only need basic functionality, the Nokia C21 Plus is the more affordable option for simple tasks.
- Scenario 2: If you want a significant leap in performance, display quality, camera capabilities, and the latest features, and are willing to pay a higher price, the OnePlus 9 Pro is the clear choice.
- Scenario 3: If you want good performance but not the top of the line, the OnePlus 9 Pro would still be a good choice.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I would pick the OnePlus 9 Pro. While the Nokia C21 Plus is lighter and more affordable, its performance limitations, basic display, and inferior camera are deal-breakers for my usage needs. I frequently engage in tasks like gaming, media consumption, and photography, and the OnePlus 9 Pro provides the high-quality experience I desire. The significantly faster performance, much better screen, and versatile camera system make it a much better long-term investment. The weight difference is manageable for the improved overall user experience. The higher price is justified by the dramatic performance and feature improvements compared to the Nokia.
