Nokia C21 Plus vs Nothing Phone (3a)
The Nokia C21 Plus (2022) runs on the Unisoc, while the Nothing Phone (3a) (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3; estimated prices are $260 and $329. By overall MobileRank rating, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads — 42/100 vs 10/100 (a 32-point difference). Key differences: the Nothing Phone (3a) has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 4000); the main camera is 13 MP vs 50 MP; the Nothing Phone (3a) has NFC for contactless payments, the Nokia C21 Plus doesn't; the Nokia C21 Plus is noticeably lighter (178g vs 201g).
Nokia C21 Plus
Nothing Phone (3a)
- Lighter: 178g vs 201g
- Cheaper: $260 vs $329
- Better design/ergonomics (77/100 vs 48/100)
- Better value for money (92/100 vs 87/100)
- Bigger battery: 5000 vs 4000 mAh
- Faster charging: 45W vs 10W
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 13MP
- Higher performance (7/100 vs 0/100)
- Better camera (58/100 vs 0/100)
- Longer battery life (42/100 vs 12/100)
- Better display (100/100 vs 0/100)
Comparing the Nokia C21 Plus vs the Nothing Phone (3a), the Nothing Phone (3a) scores 32 points higher (42/100 vs 10/100). In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads (58/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) leads (42/100 vs 12/100). In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a bit better (7/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (100/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (58/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (42/100 vs 12/100). In the "design" category, the Nokia C21 Plus notably outperforms the Nothing Phone (3a) (77/100 vs 48/100). In the "value for money" category, the Nokia C21 Plus is a bit better (92/100 vs 87/100).
| Specification | Nokia C21 Plus | Nothing Phone (3a) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 | |
| AnTuTu | — | 1044507 | |
| Geekbench Single | — | 1162 | |
| Geekbench Multi | — | 3315 | |
| Display | 6.5" IPS LCD | 6.8" AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 2392x1080 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 4000 mAh | 5000 mAh | |
| Charging | 10W | 45W | |
| Main camera | 13 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 8 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 5 MP | 32 MP | |
| RAM | 2GB / 3GB / 4GB | 8GB / 12GB | |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB | 128GB / 256GB | |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 3000 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP54 | |
| Dimensions | 164.8×75.9×8.6 mm | 163.5×77.5×8.4 mm | |
| Weight | 178 g | 201 g | |
| Price | $260 | $329 |
Nokia C21 Plus
- Main: 13MP
- Front: 5MP
Nothing Phone (3a)
- Main: 50MP f/f/1.9
- Ultrawide: 8MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 32MP
Nokia C21 Plus
- 6.5" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1600
- Refresh rate: —
Nothing Phone (3a)
- 6.8" AMOLED
- Resolution: 2392x1080
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Nokia C21 Plus
- 4000 mAh
- Wired: 10W
- No wireless charging
Nothing Phone (3a)
- 5000 mAh
- Wired: 45W
- No wireless charging
Price difference: $69. Nokia C21 Plus is cheaper by $69.
performance
In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) is a bit better (7/100 vs 0/100).
display
In the "display" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (100/100 vs 0/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (58/100 vs 0/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus (42/100 vs 12/100).
design
In the "design" category, the Nokia C21 Plus notably outperforms the Nothing Phone (3a) (77/100 vs 48/100).
value for money
In the "value for money" category, the Nokia C21 Plus is a bit better (92/100 vs 87/100).
Which is better: the Nokia C21 Plus or the Nothing Phone (3a)?
The Nothing Phone (3a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 Plus by 32 points (42/100 vs 10/100).
What is the rating of the Nokia C21 Plus and the Nothing Phone (3a)?
The Nokia C21 Plus has a MobileRank rating of 10/100, the Nothing Phone (3a) — 42/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nokia C21 Plus or the Nothing Phone (3a)?
The Nothing Phone (3a) leads on camera score (58/100 vs 0/100).
Which is more powerful: the Nokia C21 Plus or the Nothing Phone (3a)?
The Nothing Phone (3a) leads on performance (7/100 vs 0/100).
Should you choose the Nokia C21 Plus over the Nothing Phone (3a)?
The Nokia C21 Plus is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers. The Nothing Phone (3a) is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.