Nokia C21 vs Nothing Phone (2a)

The Nokia C21 (2022) runs on the Unisoc, while the Nothing Phone (2a) (2024) runs on the MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro. By overall MobileRank rating, the Nothing Phone (2a) leads — 40/100 vs 5/100 (a 35-point difference). Key differences: the Nothing Phone (2a) has the bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000); the main camera is 8 MP vs 50 MP; the Nothing Phone (2a) has NFC for contactless payments, the Nokia C21 doesn't.

The Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 by 35 points (40/100 vs 5/100).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia C21
Performance 0
Display 0
Camera 0
Battery 0
Design 56
Value for money 55
Nothing Phone (2a)
Performance 4
Display 100
Camera 54
Battery 42
Design 62
Value for money 86
What makes Nokia C21 better?

  • Overall rating 5/100
What makes Nothing Phone (2a) better?
  • Bigger battery: 5000 vs 3000 mAh
  • Better main camera: 50MP vs 8MP
  • Lighter: 190g vs 195g

  • Higher performance (4/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better camera (54/100 vs 0/100)
  • Longer battery life (42/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better display (100/100 vs 0/100)
  • Better design/ergonomics (62/100 vs 56/100)
  • Better value for money (86/100 vs 55/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Nokia C21 vs the Nothing Phone (2a), the Nothing Phone (2a) scores 35 points higher (40/100 vs 5/100). In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) leads (54/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) leads (42/100 vs 0/100). In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) leads (86/100 vs 55/100). In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) and the Nokia C21 are nearly equal (4/100 vs 0/100). In the "display" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (100/100 vs 0/100). In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (54/100 vs 0/100). In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (42/100 vs 0/100). In the "design" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a bit better (62/100 vs 56/100). In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (86/100 vs 55/100).

Nokia C21: The Nokia C21 is a better fit for everyday use.
Nothing Phone (2a): The Nothing Phone (2a) is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.
Specs comparison
Specification Nokia C21 Nothing Phone (2a)
Processor Unisoc MediaTek Dimensity 7200 Pro
AnTuTu 985261
Geekbench Single 1100
Geekbench Multi 3000
Display 6.5" IPS LCD 6.7" AMOLED
Resolution 720x1600 2412x1084
Refresh rate 120 Hz
Battery 3000 mAh 5000 mAh
Charging 45W
Main camera 8 MP 50 MP
Ultrawide 0 MP 50 MP
Front camera 5 MP 32 MP
RAM 2GB / 3GB 8GB / 12GB
Storage 32GB / 64GB 128GB / 256GB
OS Android 11 (Go edition) Android 14 / Nothing OS 2.5
Brightness (peak) 1300 nits
NFC no yes
Protection IP54
Dimensions 169.9×77.9×8.8 mm 161.7×76.3×8.6 mm
Weight 195 g 190 g
Price $349
Camera comparison
Nokia C21
  • Main: 8MP
  • Front: 5MP
0
camera
Nothing Phone (2a)
  • Main: 50MP f/f/1.88
  • Ultrawide: 50MP
  • Front: 32MP
54
camera
Display comparison
Nokia C21
  • 6.5" IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 720x1600
  • Refresh rate: —
0
display
Nothing Phone (2a)
  • 6.7" AMOLED
  • Resolution: 2412x1084
  • Refresh rate: 120 Hz
100
display
Battery and charging
Nokia C21
  • 3000 mAh
  • No wireless charging
0
battery
Nothing Phone (2a)
  • 5000 mAh
  • Wired: 45W
  • No wireless charging
42
battery
Benchmarks
Price and availability
Nokia C21
Price unknown
Nothing Phone (2a)
$349
Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) and the Nokia C21 are nearly equal (4/100 vs 0/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (100/100 vs 0/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (54/100 vs 0/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (42/100 vs 0/100).

design

In the "design" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) is a bit better (62/100 vs 56/100).

value for money

In the "value for money" category, the Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (86/100 vs 55/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia C21 or the Nothing Phone (2a)?

The Nothing Phone (2a) significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 by 35 points (40/100 vs 5/100).

What is the rating of the Nokia C21 and the Nothing Phone (2a)?

The Nokia C21 has a MobileRank rating of 5/100, the Nothing Phone (2a) — 40/100.

Which has the better camera: the Nokia C21 or the Nothing Phone (2a)?

The Nothing Phone (2a) leads on camera score (54/100 vs 0/100).

Should you choose the Nokia C21 over the Nothing Phone (2a)?

The Nokia C21 is a better fit for everyday use. The Nothing Phone (2a) is a better fit for budget-conscious buyers.