Nokia C21

The Nokia C21 is priced at around QAR 329 for the 2GB RAM and 32GB storage variant. The 3GB RAM and 64GB storage variant is priced slightly higher at approximately QAR 369. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. It’s worth noting that the Nokia C21 Plus, an upgraded version of the C21, is also available in Qatar for around QAR 399.

Nokia C21 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.52″ IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 pixels
Processor	Unisoc SC9863A Octa-core (4×1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4×1.2 GHz Cortex-A55)
RAM	2GB or 3GB
Storage	32GB or 64GB (expandable up to 256GB via microSD)
Main Camera	8MP with autofocus
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	3000mAh
Operating System	Android 11 (Go edition)
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2
Dimensions	169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm
Weight	195 grams
Colors	Dark Blue, Warm Grey

 

The Nokia C21 was released on February 28, 2022, as part of Nokia’s budget-friendly C-series lineup. This smartphone is designed to offer essential features at an affordable price point, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers in Qatar.

Design and Display

The Nokia C21 features a simple yet functional design that’s typical of budget smartphones. It has a plastic body with a textured back panel that provides a good grip and helps prevent fingerprints. The phone is available in two colors: Dark Blue and Warm Grey.

The display is a 6.52-inch IPS LCD panel with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest screen on the market, it’s adequate for everyday use, offering decent color reproduction and viewing angles. The V-shaped notch at the top houses the front-facing camera, following the design trend of many modern smartphones.

Performance and Storage

Under the hood, the Nokia C21 is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A octa-core processor. This chip is designed for entry-level smartphones and provides sufficient performance for basic tasks like web browsing, social media, and light gaming. However, it may struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking.

The phone comes in two variants: 2GB RAM with 32GB storage, and 3GB RAM with 64GB storage. While these specifications are on the lower end by today’s standards, they’re typical for smartphones in this price range. The 3GB RAM version will offer slightly better performance, especially when multitasking.

One of the advantages of the Nokia C21 is its support for expandable storage. You can add up to 256GB of additional space using a microSD card, which is great for storing photos, videos, and other media files.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia C21 features a single 8MP rear camera with autofocus. While it won’t compete with high-end smartphone cameras, it’s capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions. The camera app includes features like HDR and Portrait mode to help improve your shots.

On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera housed in the V-notch. It’s suitable for video calls and basic selfies, but don’t expect exceptional quality in low-light situations.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nokia C21 is equipped with a 3000mAh battery. While this capacity is smaller than what you’ll find in many modern smartphones, it should be sufficient to get you through a day of moderate use, thanks to the phone’s power-efficient processor and low-resolution display.

It’s worth noting that the phone uses a micro-USB port for charging, which is becoming less common as many devices have switched to USB-C. The charging speed is also relatively slow compared to more expensive smartphones, so it’s best to charge the phone overnight.

Software and User Experience

The Nokia C21 runs on Android 11 (Go edition), which is a lightweight version of Android designed for low-end devices. This version of Android is optimized to run smoothly on phones with limited RAM and storage, ensuring a more responsive user experience.

One of the advantages of choosing a Nokia phone is the company’s commitment to providing a clean, bloatware-free Android experience. This means you won’t find unnecessary pre-installed apps taking up precious storage space.

Connectivity and Additional Features

In terms of connectivity, the Nokia C21 supports 4G LTE, ensuring you can access fast mobile data when available. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connections.

The phone features a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, which is a nice addition at this price point. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, allowing you to use wired headphones without an adapter.

Comparing the Nokia C21 to Similar Phones

When considering the Nokia C21, it’s important to look at how it compares to other options in the market. Let’s start by comparing it to its sibling, the Nokia C21 Plus. The C21 Plus offers a larger 6.52-inch display, a dual-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP depth sensor), and a much larger 5050mAh battery. These upgrades come at a slightly higher price point of around QAR 399 in Qatar.

The Nokia C31, another model in the C-series, offers improvements over the C21 with a larger 6.75-inch display, a triple-camera setup (13MP main + 2MP macro + 2MP depth), and a 5050mAh battery. It’s priced slightly higher than the C21 Plus.

Moving up the Nokia range, we have the Nokia G400, which offers 5G connectivity, a more powerful processor, and better cameras. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point, making it less of a direct competitor to the C21.

In the same price range as the Nokia C21, you’ll find options like the Xiaomi Redmi 10A and the Realme C11. These phones offer similar specifications, with some variations in camera setups and battery capacities. The choice between these models often comes down to brand preference and specific feature priorities.

When comparing the Nokia C21 to other budget smartphones, it’s clear that its main strengths lie in its clean Android experience, the Nokia brand reputation for durability, and its affordable price point. However, competitors may offer advantages in specific areas like battery life or camera capabilities.

Who Should Consider the Nokia C21?

The Nokia C21 is an excellent choice for several types of users in Qatar:

1. Budget-conscious consumers: If you’re looking for a smartphone that covers the basics without breaking the bank, the C21 is a solid option.
2. First-time smartphone users: The simple, clean interface of Android Go makes this phone easy to use for those new to smartphones.
3. Elderly users or children: The straightforward design and essential features make it suitable for elderly users who don’t need advanced functions, or as a first phone for children.
4. Backup phone users: Its affordable price makes the C21 a good choice for a secondary or backup phone.
5. Light users: If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and occasional web browsing, the C21 provides everything you need without unnecessary frills.

Pros and Cons of the Nokia C21

To help you make an informed decision, let’s summarize the main advantages and disadvantages of the Nokia C21:Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Clean, bloatware-free Android experience
• Expandable storage up to 256GB
• Fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking
• 3.5mm headphone jack
• Durable build quality typical of Nokia phones

Cons:

• Limited RAM and storage in base model
• Relatively small battery capacity
• Basic camera setup
• Micro-USB charging (not USB-C)
• Limited processing power for demanding tasks

Where to Buy the Nokia C21 in Qatar

The Nokia C21 is available from various retailers in Qatar. Here are some options:

1. Lulu Hypermarket: Both online and in-store, Lulu often carries Nokia phones at competitive prices.
2. Carrefour: Another major retailer where you can find the Nokia C21.
3. Jarir Bookstore: Known for its electronics section, Jarir often stocks Nokia phones.
4. Vodafone Qatar: While they may not always have the C21 in stock, Vodafone stores are worth checking for Nokia phones.
5. Online marketplaces: Websites like Amazon.ae and Noon.com often have competitive prices on smartphones.

Always compare prices across different retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal. Also, keep an eye out for promotions or bundle deals that might offer additional value.

Tips for Buying and Using the Nokia C21

If you’ve decided that the Nokia C21 is the right phone for you, here are some tips to get the most out of your purchase:

1. Consider the higher RAM/storage variant: If your budget allows, opt for the 3GB RAM/64GB storage version for better performance and more space for apps and media.
2. Invest in a microSD card: Take advantage of the expandable storage by adding a microSD card for your photos, videos, and music.
3. Use cloud storage: To maximize your available space, consider using cloud storage services like Google Photos to back up your images and videos.
4. Keep your apps updated: Regularly update your apps to ensure you have the latest features and security patches.
5. Use power-saving mode: To extend battery life, make use of the built-in power-saving features when needed.
6. Protect your investment: Consider purchasing a case and screen protector to keep your phone in good condition.
7. Explore Android Go apps: Look for “Go” versions of popular apps, which are optimized for devices with lower specifications.