HMD Global has unveiled a new smartphone under the C-series. The new Nokia C1 is a device that focuses on emerging markets like Africa, specifically Kenya and Nigeria. The phone is quite similar to the 2019’s Nokia 1 Plus and the recently launched Nokia C2.
They both feature a 5.45-inch display and a 2,500 mAh battery capacity. In this article, we’ll be reviewing the Nokia C1.
Let’s see what Nokia or rather HMD Global has in stock for us with this smartphone.
Nokia C1 Key Specs
- 5.45-inch IPS LCD display
- Android 9.0 Pie operating system
- Quad-Core 1.3GHz processor
- 1GB/16GB storage
- 5MP main camera
- 5MP selfie camera
- 2,500 mAh battery
Nokia C1 Design

We are not surprised by the design of this Nokia C1. It is not different from other Nokia low budget smartphones. The Nokia C1’s body build is a glass front with a plastic unibody (frame and back). The device features a thick and visible bezel at the top and bottom. It measures 147.6 x 71.4 x 8.7 mm in dimensions and weighs 155 grams. It is available in Red and Black body colours.
Display
The display specs we have here is an IPS LCD panel which measures 5.45-inch in size. You’re guaranteed better viewing angles with this IPS panel compared to the TFT panel. There is also a glass which protects the display from scratches. The display features a 480 x 960 resolution with 197 PPI density and 18:9 aspect ratio.
Hardware and Software
Powering the Nokia C1 is an unspecified chipset with Quad-Core 1.3GHz processor. It is most likely a MediaTek chipset and is coupled with a 1GB RAM and 16GB storage. The phone runs on the Android 9 Pie (Go edition). The storage capacity can be expanded up to 64GB via microSD.
Camera
The single rear camera module features a 5MP f/2.4 lens with AF and LED flash. At the top bezel is a 5MP front-facing camera with its own LED flash for low-light shots. Both cameras can shoot 720p videos at 30fps.
Nokia C1 Price, Availability and Battery
It packs a removable Li-ion 2,500 mAh battery that can be charged via micro-USB 2.0 port.
Nokia is yet to release word on the availability and price of the Nokia C1. However, we do expect the phone to be priced around N22,000-N25,000 in Nigeria. The device cost around KES 6,000 in Kenya.
Nokia C1 Complete Specs
Launch
- Announced: 2019, December
- Status: Available. Released 2020, January
Design
- Dimension: 147.6 x 71.4 x 8.7 mm
- Weight: 155 grams
- Build: Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame
- SIM: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by)
Display
- Screen Display: IPS LCD
- Screen Size: 5.45-inch
- Resolution: 480 x 960
- Aspect Ratio: 18:9 aspect ratio
- Display Protection: Glass
- Notch: No
- Touchscreen: Yes
Platform
- Operating System: Android 9 Pie (Go edition)
- Chipset: N/A
- CPU: Quad-Core 1.3GHz processor
- GPU: N/A
Device Memory
- RAM: 1GB
- Built-in Storage Capacity: 16GB
- Card Slot: Yes, up to 64GB
Primary Camera
- Camera Type: Single
- Camera Sensor: 5MP
- Camera Features: AF, LED flash
- Video Resolution: 720p@30fps
- LED Flash: Yes
Selfie Camera
- Camera Type: Single
- Camera Sensor(s): 5MP
- Camera Features: LED flash
- Video Resolution: 720p@30fps
- LED Flash: Yes
Connectivity
- Bluetooth: 4.2, A2DP, LE
- USB: microUSB 2.0
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, hotspot
- FM Radio: FM radio
- GPS: Yes, with A-GPS
- NFC: No
Network Options
- Technology: GSM / HSPA
- 4G Network Bands: –
- 3G Network Bands: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
- 2G Network Bands: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 – SIM 1 & SIM 2
- Speed: HSPA 21.1/5.76 Mbps
- EDGE: Yes
- GPRS: Yes
Sound
- Loudspeaker: Yes
- Speaker Location: Bottom
- Sound Enhancement Features: Yes
- Audio Jack Type: Yes
Battery
- Battery Capacity: Removable Li-ion 2,500 mAh battery
- Wireless Charging: No
- Fast Charging: No
Other Features
- Colour Options: Red, Black
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Proximity, Ambient