The Nokia C21 Plus is a durable entry-level smartphone designed for users who prioritize longevity and basic functionality over high-end gaming. Currently available in the Pakistani market for approximately Rs. 26,000 (roughly $93), this device targets students and professionals needing a secondary phone or a reliable daily driver. It was officially announced on 27 February 2022, and you can verify local availability at www.nokia.com/phones/en_pk.
Key Details
- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 26,000
- Price in USD: $93
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD
- Battery: 5050 mAh
- Charging: 10W wired
- OS: Android 11 (Go Edition)
Design & Build
The Nokia C21 Plus feels surprisingly sturdy for its price point. It features an IP52 ingress protection rating, meaning it is protected against dust and limited water splashes. The build consists of a glass front, an aluminum frame, and a plastic back, weighing in at 191 grams. It fits comfortably in the hand, and the textured rear panel provides a good grip, reducing the chances of accidental slips.
Display
Equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD, the screen offers a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it lacks the high refresh rate found in more expensive phones, the 60Hz panel is perfectly adequate for reading news, scrolling social media, and watching YouTube videos. The brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use, though sunlight legibility is average.
Performance
The phone is powered by the Unisoc SC9863A chipset, paired with an octa-core CPU and IMG8322 GPU. It runs on Android 11 (Go Edition), which is stripped down to keep things smooth on limited hardware. With 3GB or 4GB of RAM, you can comfortably handle WhatsApp, web browsing, and light multitasking. Do not expect to play heavy games like PUBG or Genshin Impact; this phone is built for stability and essential apps.
Camera
Photography is handled by a dual-camera setup on the back: a 13MP main sensor and a 2MP depth sensor. In daylight, the 13MP shooter captures decent, social-media-ready images with natural colors. The 5MP front-facing camera is functional for video calls and casual selfies. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps for both front and rear cameras, which is standard for this tier.
Battery
The standout feature of the C21 Plus is its 5050 mAh battery. In real-world usage, it easily lasts over a day and a half on a single charge. It supports 10W charging via a micro-USB port, which takes a few hours to reach full capacity. For a user who values uptime over fast-charging speeds, this battery performance is a major win.
Verdict
The Nokia C21 Plus is an ideal choice if you want a phone that survives the daily grind. It isn't a powerhouse, but its robust build and exceptional battery life make it a dependable companion for those on a budget. If you need a secondary phone for work or a reliable device for basic communication, this handset offers great value for money in the current Pakistani market.