Nokia C10 Review: A Budget Smartphone with Essential Features

The Nokia C10 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver the essentials without breaking the bank. As part of HMD Global’s lineup of affordable devices, the C10 targets users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calling, texting, and light web browsing. While it won’t compete with mid-range or flagship devices, it offers a straightforward experience for those who prioritize simplicity and durability.

Design and Build

The Nokia C10 sports a minimalist design with a plastic body that feels sturdy in hand. It’s not the most premium-looking device, but it gets the job done for its price range. The phone features a compact form factor, making it easy to hold and use with one hand. The rear panel has a matte finish that resists fingerprints, and the rounded edges contribute to a comfortable grip. Available in Gray or Light Purple, the C10 keeps things simple without unnecessary frills.

Display Quality

Equipped with a 6.52-inch HD+ IPS LCD display, the Nokia C10 provides decent visuals for everyday use. The resolution won’t blow anyone away, but it’s sufficient for watching videos, browsing social media, or reading text. Colors are somewhat muted, and brightness levels could be better for outdoor visibility. However, for a device in this price bracket, the screen is acceptable and does what it needs to without major complaints.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Nokia C10 is powered by the Unisoc SC7331e chipset, paired with 1GB or 2GB of RAM depending on the variant. This setup is clearly entry-level, and users shouldn’t expect smooth multitasking or gaming performance. Basic apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Lite, and YouTube run fine, but heavier applications may struggle. The phone runs Android 11 (Go Edition), a lightweight version of Android optimized for low-end hardware. While it lacks some features of the full Android experience, it ensures the C10 remains functional without excessive lag.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia C10 features a single 5MP rear camera and a 2MP front-facing shooter. In good lighting, the rear camera can capture passable photos, though details are soft and colors tend to be washed out. Low-light performance is predictably poor, with noticeable noise and lack of clarity. The front camera is adequate for video calls but won’t satisfy selfie enthusiasts. If photography is a priority, this isn’t the phone for you—but for occasional snaps, it’s serviceable.

Battery Life

One of the highlights of the Nokia C10 is its 3000mAh battery, which provides solid endurance given the phone’s modest hardware. With light usage, it can easily last a full day, and even moderate users should get through most of the day without needing a recharge. However, there’s no fast charging support, so topping up the battery takes a while. Still, for a budget device, the battery performance is commendable.

Storage and Expandability

The base model comes with 16GB of internal storage, which is quite limited by today’s standards. Fortunately, there’s a microSD card slot that supports expansion up to 256GB, allowing users to store more photos, videos, and apps. Given the phone’s limitations, managing storage carefully is advisable, but the expandable option helps mitigate this drawback.

Connectivity and Extras

The Nokia C10 covers the basics with 4G LTE support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and a micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. The absence of USB-C is disappointing but expected at this price point. It also includes a 3.5mm headphone jack, which will please users who prefer wired audio. The phone has a single speaker that delivers average sound quality—loud enough for calls but lacking in richness for media playback.

Final Verdict

The Nokia C10 is a no-frills smartphone designed for those who need an affordable, reliable device for essential tasks. It won’t impress with performance or camera quality, but it offers decent battery life, a sturdy build, and a clean software experience. If you’re looking for a secondary phone or a simple device for an older family member, the C10 is a reasonable choice. However, if your budget allows for a slight increase, there are better options with improved performance and features.

Nokia C10 Full Specifications:

General:

- Brand: Nokia

- Model: C10

- Release Date: April 2021

- Dimensions: 169.9 x 77.9 x 8.8 mm

- Weight: 191g

- Colors: Gray, Light Purple

- OS: Android 11 (Go Edition)

Display:

- Type: IPS LCD

- Size: 6.52 inches

- Resolution: 720 x 1600 (HD+)

- Aspect Ratio: 20:9

Processor:

- Chipset: Unisoc SC7331e

- CPU: Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A7

- GPU: Mali-400 MP2

Memory:

- RAM: 1GB / 2GB

- Internal Storage: 16GB / 32GB

- Expandable Storage: microSDXC (up to 256GB)

Cameras:

- Rear Camera: 5MP, f/2.2

- Front Camera: 2MP, f/2.4

Battery:

- Capacity: 3000mAh

- Charging: Standard charging (no fast charging)

Connectivity:

- Network: 4G LTE

- Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n

- Bluetooth: 4.2

- USB: microUSB 2.0

- 3.5mm Jack: Yes

Other Features:

- Sensors: Accelerometer, proximity

- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)