PhoneLifespan

Nokia C31

Avoid buyingValue Score 40/100
$90
entry-level 4G; budget retail/clearance
$140 at launch

How long will it last?

Our estimate

Supported until September 2024 · Buy-by September 2022

0
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2022◆ Buy-by Sep 20222024

Apple doesn't publish an end date, but iPhones have a consistent ~2-year update track record — on that basis the C31 should be supported until around September 2024. Buying it today still gets you about -1.8 years of safe use, and Apple's written legal minimum is 5 years (verified June 2026).

Source: HMD/Nokia's official policy · last verified 2026-06-18 · how we compute this

Our verdict

A dirt-cheap big-screen Nokia for absolute basics, but the weak chip, microUSB port, and ended support make it hard to recommend beyond emergencies.

Pros

  • Huge 6.75-inch screen and 5050mAh battery for very little money
  • Flexible storage with up to 128GB plus microSD
  • Simple, clean Nokia C-series software

Cons

  • Slow Unisoc SC9863A chip and only 720p display
  • Outdated microUSB port and just 10W charging
  • No NFC, no 5G, and security support already ended
Best for: Bare-minimum users who only need calls and messagingBest for: A cheap emergency or loaner phoneAvoid if: You want any real speed, NFC payments, or fast chargingAvoid if: You expect ongoing updates

Full specifications

Display

💡 Bigger numbers = smoother scrolling (Hz) and easier outdoor reading (nits).

Screen6.75-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 (HD+)
Performance

💡 The phone's brain — it decides speed today and how well it ages.

ChipsetUnisoc SC9863A
RAM3GB / 4GB
Storage32GB / 64GB / 128GB
Cameras

💡 Megapixels aren't everything — lens variety matters more day-to-day.

main13MP
macro2MP
front5MP
Battery & charging

💡 Capacity in mAh — bigger usually means longer between charges.

Battery5,050 mAh
Charging10W wired
Build

💡 Size, weight, and the materials between your phone and the floor.

Dimensions169.2 x 78 x 8.6 mm
Weight200 g
MaterialsGlass front, plastic frame and back
Water resistanceSplash resistant (no IP rating)
Software & connectivity

💡 The software it ships with, and how far it can upgrade.

SoftwareAndroid 12 (Go-grade experience)
Connectivity4G LTE, Wi-Fi 4, BT 4.2, no NFC, microUSB
Update policy~1 years of updates (our estimate from Nokia's track record — written minimum is 5 years)

Better-value alternatives

Similar price, lower cost per month of safe ownership.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nokia C31 still getting updates in 2026?

No. As an entry-level C-series device it received roughly one OS update and about two years of security patches from its September 2022 launch, so it is well past support in 2026.

How long will the Nokia C31 last?

The battery is large and the demands are light, so it can physically last years, but the aging microUSB port and ended updates mean it is best kept as a basic backup phone.

Is the Nokia C31 worth buying in 2026?

Only as an ultra-cheap basics phone. The screen and battery are generous, but the slow chip, microUSB, missing NFC, and lapsed support make almost any newer budget phone a better choice.

Compare it

Specs are collected from manufacturer documentation; prices reflect major US retailers and change often. Support end dates follow each brand's official policy (or, for Apple, its documented historical pattern). Last verified 2026-06-18.