A few days ago HMD Global released the Nokia 2.3, a unique smartphone since it is the only last-generation entry-level device to run Android One. In a period in which Android One is not being so hot, HMD Global keeps releasing Android One devices in every segment. But are Android One and the specifications of this phone enough to prefer it to the competition? In order to let you know, we decided to compare it with the handsets we consider the best entry-level smartphones out there: Redmi 8A and Realme C2 2020.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A vs Oppo Realme C2 2020 vs Nokia 2.3
| Xiaomi Redmi 8A | Nokia 2.3 | Oppo Realme C2 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHT | 156.5 x 75.4 x 9.4 mm, 188 grams | 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7 mm, 183 grams | 154.3 x 73.7 x 8.5 mm, 166 grams |
| DISPLAY | 6.2 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 271 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.2 inches, 720 x 1520p (HD+), 271 ppi, IPS LCD | 6.1 inches, 720 x 1560p (HD+), 282 ppi, IPS LCD |
| PROCESSOR | Qualcomm Snapdragon 439, octa-core 1.95 GHz | MediaTek Helio A22, quad-core 2 GHz | MediaTek Helio P22, octa-core 2 GHz |
| MEMORY | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 32 GB – micro SD dedicated slot | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – micro SD slot | 2 GB RAM, 32 GB – 3 GB RAM, 64 GB – micro SD dedicated slot |
| SOFTWARE | Android 9 Pie, MIUI | Android 9 Pie, Android One | Android 9 Pie, Color OS |
| CONNECTIVITY | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS |
| CAMERA | 12 MP f/1.8 8 MP f/2.0 front camera |
Dual 13 + 2 MP f/2.2 5 MP f/2.4 front camera |
Dual 13 + 2 MP f/2.2 and f/2.4 5 MP f/2.0 front camera |
| BATTERY | 5000 mAh | 4000 mAh | 4000 mAh |
| ADDITIONAL FEATURES | Dual SIM slot | Hybrid Dual SIM slot | Dual SIM slot |
Design
Xiaomi Redmi 8A adopts a new design scheme which is very interesting for an entry-level smartphone. Further, the Redmi 8A is a splash resistant device, unlike Realme C2 2020 and Nokia 2.3. That is the reason why I personally prefer it to its rivals when it comes to build quality. Unfortunately, none of these devices has a fingerprint reader, so you have to rely on less safe authentication methods. In each case, you get a cheap plastic body, but we would be surprised if it was the opposite, given that we are talking about very affordable smartphones.
Display
Each of the displays found on these devices is a classic IPS panel with a below-average 720p resolution, so you will not get a higher level of detail, neither a great color reproduction. But they are sufficient panel you should not worry about, at least in their price range. The image quality, brightness, and viewing angles are similar, while Realme C2 2020 has a slightly smaller display with its 6.1-inch diagonal, so it is easier to use with a single hand but it is less suitable for advanced users.
Specs & Software
Redmi 8A has the most powerful and reliable processor: the octa-core Snapdragon 439 running at a max frequency of 1.95 GHz. It is more performing and it sports a better GPU, and the phone even comes with more RAM than its opponents in its most expensive configuration. Realme C2 takes the second place with its Helio P22 SoC. Nokia 2.3 is the lower-end one with an Helio A22 chipset, but it is the only with Android One and it is supposed to get updated faster and more constantly (despite Google is not supporting Android One as expected in the latest period).
Camera
Both Realme C2 and Nokia 2.3 are equipped with a dual camera setup on the back, while Redmi 8A is the only with a single camera. So Redmi 8A lacks a secondary depth sensor, but it has a better primary camera with a brighter aperture. That is why despite it comes with just a single camera, I prefer the Redmi 8A. Even its front camera wins the comparison with its higher resolution and better sensor. Realme C2 2020 has a similar camera setup to the Nokia 2.3, so the most important role will be played by software optimization. The biggest difference is the front camera, better on the Realme C2 2020.
Battery
Once again, Redmi 8A takes the gold medal. With a capacity of 5000 mAh, it packs a much bigger battery than Realme C2 2020 and Nokia 2.3. Its two rivals come with the same battery capacity, so they will most likely offer a similar battery life. However, we still did not test the Nokia 2.3, so we are only basing on the specs on the paper.
Price
You can currently get a unit of the Redmi 8A for less than €110/$123, Realme C2 2020 costs just €100/$112, and Nokia 2.3 starts from €110/$123. There is definitely no challenge, Redmi 8A represents a better option because it has a pretty nice camera, a splash resistant body, a better hardware department and even a way bigger battery. Realme C2 2020 and Nokia 2.3 are more or less at the same level: you should go for the former if you prefer higher performance and for the latter, if you prefer having Android One and a slightly bigger display.
Xiaomi Redmi 8A vs Oppo Realme C2 2020 vs Nokia 2.3: PROs and CONS
Oppo Realme C2 2020
PROs
- Compact dimensions
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Big battery
- Depth sensor
CONS
- No fingerprint reader
Nokia 2.3
PROs
- Android One
- Depth sensor
- Big battery
CONS
- Lower-end chipset
Xiaomi Redmi 8A
PROs
- Micro SD dedicated slot
- Huge battery
- Good main camera
- Splash resistant
- Fast charging
CONS
- No depth sensor
