Nokia C31

The Nokia C31 is available in three variants with different storage capacities and RAM configurations. The 3GB RAM + 32GB storage variant is priced at QAR 357, the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage variant is available for QAR 479, and the top-end 4GB RAM + 128GB storage variant is priced at QAR 529.

These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions. The Nokia C31 is available in three attractive colors: Charcoal, Cyan, and Mint, giving users a choice to match their personal style.

Nokia C31 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.75″ IPS LCD, HD+ (720 x 1600 pixels)
Processor	Unisoc SC9863A Octa-core (4×1.6 GHz & 4×1.2 GHz)
RAM	3GB / 4GB
Storage	32GB / 64GB / 128GB (expandable up to 256GB)
Main Camera	13MP + 2MP + 2MP triple camera setup
Front Camera	5MP
Battery	5050mAh
Operating System	Android 12
Connectivity	4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS
Dimensions	169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm
Weight	200 grams
Colors	Charcoal, Cyan, Mint

 

Release Date and Availability

The Nokia C31 was officially announced on September 1, 2022, and released later that month. It quickly became available in various markets worldwide, including Qatar. The smartphone’s release was part of Nokia’s strategy to offer affordable yet feature-rich devices to budget-conscious consumers. In Qatar, the Nokia C31 can be purchased from various authorized retailers, mobile phone shops, and online marketplaces.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia C31 boasts a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag. With dimensions of 169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm, the phone strikes a balance between screen size and ergonomics, making it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The device weighs 200 grams, which gives it a solid feel without being too heavy.

The front of the Nokia C31 features a 6.75-inch IPS LCD display with a waterdrop notch housing the 5MP front camera. The bezels are relatively thin for a budget smartphone, providing an immersive viewing experience. The back panel is made of plastic with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and smudges. The triple camera setup is neatly arranged in a rectangular module, giving the phone a premium look.

On the right side of the device, you’ll find the volume rocker and power button, which also doubles as a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking. The left side houses the dedicated Google Assistant button, allowing users to quickly access the virtual assistant. At the bottom, you’ll find the USB-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio.

Display and Visual Experience

The Nokia C31 comes with a large 6.75-inch IPS LCD display that offers a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels (HD+). While it may not be the highest resolution available in the market, it provides a decent pixel density of around 260 pixels per inch, which is sufficient for most everyday tasks and media consumption.

The display offers good color reproduction and viewing angles, thanks to the IPS technology. It’s bright enough for comfortable outdoor use, although it may struggle in direct sunlight. The 20:9 aspect ratio makes the phone ideal for watching videos and playing games, as it provides a widescreen experience.

One of the standout features of the display is its large size, which makes it great for reading text, browsing the web, and enjoying multimedia content. The waterdrop notch is relatively small and doesn’t significantly impact the viewing experience. While it doesn’t offer the high refresh rates found in more expensive models, the display is smooth and responsive for everyday use.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nokia C31 is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset. This octa-core processor features four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and four Cortex-A55 cores clocked at 1.2 GHz. While it may not be the most powerful chipset on the market, it provides adequate performance for everyday tasks and light multitasking.

The phone comes in three RAM configurations: 3GB and 4GB. The 4GB variant offers smoother multitasking and better overall performance, especially when running multiple apps simultaneously. For storage, users can choose between 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB options. All variants support expandable storage up to 256GB via a microSD card, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media files.

The IMG8322 GPU handles graphics processing, allowing for smooth playback of videos and casual gaming. While it may struggle with more demanding 3D games, it performs well for most popular mobile games at lower settings.

Camera System

The Nokia C31 features a triple camera setup on the rear, consisting of a 13MP main sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This combination allows for versatile photography options, including portrait mode with background blur and close-up shots.

The main 13MP camera performs well in good lighting conditions, capturing detailed images with accurate colors. It struggles a bit in low-light situations, but the built-in night mode helps to improve image quality in darker environments. The 2MP macro lens allows users to take close-up shots of small objects, while the 2MP depth sensor aids in creating a natural bokeh effect in portrait mode.

On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera housed in the waterdrop notch. While it may not offer the highest resolution, it’s capable of taking decent selfies and is suitable for video calls. The camera app comes with various features and modes, including HDR, panorama, and beauty mode, allowing users to enhance their photos.

Video recording capabilities are modest, with the rear camera able to capture 1080p footage at 30 frames per second. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of video quality, it’s sufficient for casual video recording and social media sharing.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Nokia C31 is its large 5050mAh battery. This generous capacity allows for extended usage times, with many users reporting up to two days of moderate use on a single charge. For light users, the phone can potentially last even longer.

The phone supports 10W charging, which is not the fastest charging speed available but is common in this price range. It takes around 2-3 hours to fully charge the device from 0 to 100%. While it doesn’t support fast charging or wireless charging, the long battery life somewhat compensates for the longer charging times.

Nokia has implemented various software optimizations to help extend battery life. The Android 12 operating system includes features like Adaptive Battery, which learns your usage patterns and optimizes app usage to conserve power.

Software and User Experience

The Nokia C31 runs on Android 12, providing users with a clean and user-friendly interface. As part of the Android One program, the phone offers a near-stock Android experience with minimal bloatware. This not only ensures a smooth user experience but also promises timely security updates and potentially faster access to new Android versions.

The user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it suitable for both tech-savvy users and those new to smartphones. The phone comes with Google’s suite of apps pre-installed, including Gmail, Google Maps, and Google Photos, providing a seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem.

One of the advantages of the Nokia C31’s software is its optimization for lower-end hardware. The lightweight nature of the near-stock Android helps the phone run smoothly despite its modest specifications. Features like Digital Wellbeing and parental controls are also included, allowing users to monitor and manage their screen time and app usage.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nokia C31 supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds for browsing, streaming, and downloading. It also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and GPS for navigation. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for those who prefer wired audio or have older headphones.

The phone features a side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button, providing quick and secure unlocking. Face unlock is also available as an alternative biometric authentication method. The dedicated Google Assistant button allows for quick access to voice commands and AI-powered assistance.

Other notable features include FM radio support, which is particularly useful in areas with limited internet connectivity. The phone also supports dual SIM cards, allowing users to manage personal and work numbers on a single device.

Comparison with Other Nokia Models

When compared to its successor, the Nokia C32, the C31 holds its ground well. The C32 offers a slightly improved camera setup with a 50MP main sensor and runs on Android 13, but the C31’s larger battery and more affordable price make it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

The Nokia C22, another budget offering, features a similar display size but comes with a smaller 5000mAh battery and less powerful processor. The C31’s better performance and larger battery give it an edge in this comparison.

Moving up the range, the Nokia G400 and G300 offer 5G connectivity and more powerful processors, but they come at a significantly higher price point. For users who don’t need 5G or high-end performance, the C31 provides excellent value for money.

Comparison with Competitors

In the budget smartphone segment, the Nokia C31 faces competition from various brands. Compared to the Xiaomi Redmi 10A, the C31 offers a larger display and battery, though the Redmi might have a slight edge in camera performance. The Realme C35 provides a higher resolution display and faster charging, but the C31 counters with better battery life and a cleaner software experience.

The Samsung Galaxy A04s is another competitor in this price range, offering a similar triple camera setup and a large battery. However, the Nokia C31’s Android One program and potentially longer software support could be a deciding factor for some users.

When compared to the Motorola Moto G22, the C31 offers a larger display and battery, though the Moto G22 has a higher refresh rate screen. Both phones provide a clean Android experience, making the choice largely dependent on personal preferences and specific feature requirements.

Pros:

1. Large 6.75-inch display
2. Impressive 5050mAh battery capacity
3. Clean, bloatware-free Android experience
4. Expandable storage up to 256GB
5. Affordable price point
6. Dedicated Google Assistant button
7. 3.5mm headphone jack

Cons:

1. Modest processor performance
2. Low-resolution display (HD+)
3. Basic camera setup
4. Slow charging speed (10W)
5. No 5G support

Who Should Buy the Nokia C31?

The Nokia C31 is an excellent choice for:

1. Budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable smartphone
2. Users who prioritize long battery life
3. Those who prefer a clean, stock Android experience
4. People who need a large display for media consumption and reading
5. First-time smartphone users or those upgrading from older budget models
6. Users who don’t require high-end performance or 5G connectivity