Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia G100 and the Nothing Phone (2). This isn’t just a spec-sheet comparison; we're going to explore how these phones actually stack up in the real world. Buckle up; it’s time to put these two head-to-head.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive table comparing the key specs, with a focus on what they mean for you day-to-day:
| Feature | Nokia G100 | Nothing Phone (2) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | 162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm | The G100 is a bit taller and thicker, but both feel similar in the hand. The Nothing Phone (2) is slightly more compact. |
| Weight | 195.1g | 201.2g | The G100 is a tad lighter, which might be preferable if you're sensitive to weight during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.52" | 6.7" | The Nothing Phone (2) offers a slightly larger screen, which is great for immersive content consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Nothing Phone (2) is significantly sharper and clearer with a higher resolution, which makes a big difference for text and detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 394 | The sharper screen of the Nothing Phone (2) makes icons and images much crispier and less pixelated than the Nokia G100. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED technology on the Nothing Phone (2) provides deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better viewing angles compared to the Nokia's LCD panel. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | The 120Hz refresh rate on the Nothing Phone (2) makes scrolling and animations look smoother, resulting in a more fluid and responsive feel. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1600 nits | Nothing Phone (2)'s higher brightness is much better for outdoor visibility, making the screen legible in bright sunlight. The G100 will struggle in daylight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4 nm) | Nothing Phone (2)'s flagship-level chip is significantly faster, handling demanding apps and games with ease. The G100 is suited for basic tasks. |
| AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 1,135,786 | Nothing Phone (2) will outperform the Nokia by a massive amount making it more future proof and smoother to use overall. |
| GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 730 | The Nothing Phone (2)'s Adreno 730 handles graphics-intensive tasks like gaming much better than the G100's Adreno 610. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56" Sony IMX890 | Nothing Phone (2) offers much better detail and low-light performance thanks to its larger sensor and higher resolution. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 32MP, f/2.45, 1/2.74" Sony IMX615 | The selfie camera on the Nothing Phone (2) is substantially superior with much better quality and higher resolution, suitable for high quality video calls |
| Wide Angle Lens | 5MP, f/2.2 | N/A | The G100 has a dedicated wide-angle lens for capturing more in your frame but the quality is limited to 5MP. |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 50MP, f/2.2, 1/2.76" Samsung S5KJN1 | Nothing Phone (2) has a dedicated wide angle camera which also does macro, this is very useful for more creative shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia includes a depth sensor for better portrait mode. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@60fps HDR, OIS, EIS | Nothing Phone (2) shoots much higher quality videos with stabilization, OIS and EIS provide very smooth video with better color reproduction |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 4700mAh | The G100 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering a bit more battery life, especially for less intensive tasks. |
| Charging | 15W fast charging | 45W fast charging | The Nothing Phone (2) charges much faster, meaning less time tethered to the charger. |
| Features | Non-removable | 15W wireless, 5W reverse, Non-removable | The Nothing Phone (2) offers wireless and reverse wireless charging which are useful features to have and very convenient. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 13 | The Nothing Phone (2) has a newer OS and will likely receive more software updates over time. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Nothing Phone (2) uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 protocol for faster, more reliable internet connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | Nothing Phone (2)'s newer Bluetooth is more efficient and has more modern codec support resulting in better audio quality. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), NavIC | Nothing Phone (2)'s additional satellite systems will make it more accurate, especially in urban canyons and in certain regions of the world. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 32GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Nothing Phone (2) has much more internal storage space to store more files, movies, photos. |
| RAM | 3GB/4GB | 8GB/12GB | Nothing Phone (2)'s increased RAM will allow for much more demanding applications, smoother multitasking and faster performance overall. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither supports microSD cards. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Hi-Res, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The Nothing Phone (2) provides higher quality audio thanks to more mics and stereo speakers. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Both have biometric security but the G100 provides a more advanced side mounted sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The G100 has a screen with gorilla glass protection, providing better durability against scratches and minor impacts. The Nothing Phone (2) protection is unknown |
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope,Gravity | Both phones come with sensors. The Nokia G100 includes an environmental Barometer while the Nothing phone (2) features a Compass and Gravity sensor |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100: Strengths and Advantages
- Battery Life: The slightly larger battery and less power-hungry processor might give the Nokia G100 an edge in pure longevity for simple day to day use.
- Budget Friendly: The Nokia G100 is designed with affordability in mind making it a much lower cost option.
- Additional Camera Lens: The inclusion of a wide-angle lens is welcome for some photographers.
- Screen Protection: Gorilla Glass is a welcome addition at this price point, giving you a bit more piece of mind.
Nothing Phone (2): Strengths and Advantages
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chipset puts the Nothing Phone (2) in a completely different league of performance, offering a much more fluid and responsive experience.
- Stunning Display: The OLED screen with its 120Hz refresh rate is a visual treat, providing vivid colors, deep blacks, and smooth motion.
- Superior Cameras: The Nothing Phone (2)'s cameras, with larger sensors and higher resolutions, excel in detail, low-light performance, and overall image quality.
- Advanced Features: The inclusion of wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a faster charging speed is very convenient.
- Future-Proof Software: Android 13 and the promise of future updates mean the Nothing Phone (2) will stay relevant for longer.
- Better Audio: Hi-Res audio, stereo speakers and an additional mic makes it a better experience for multimedia.
Trade-offs and Limitations
- Nokia G100: The G100 lags significantly in performance and display quality. Its basic cameras might not satisfy users looking for high quality photos. The low resolution screen and 60hz refresh rate will struggle in comparison.
- Nothing Phone (2): It does come at a higher cost and lacks an expandable storage option, and the side mounted fingerprint sensor is more advanced than the basic one featured on the Nothing Phone (2).
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G100:
- Ideal User: Someone who needs a basic smartphone for calling, texting, and light browsing with a primary focus on battery life and affordability.
- Use Case: A budget-conscious user who doesn't play intensive games, use graphic-heavy apps or need high quality media creation capabilities.
- Nothing Phone (2):
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, gamers, and those who want a premium smartphone with top-tier performance, great cameras, and a stunning display.
- Use Case: Perfect for heavy social media users, mobile gamers, and users who need to capture professional level quality photos and videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
Performance Needs: Are you a power user who needs a fast and fluid experience, or will you primarily use the phone for basic tasks? If you are a power user, choose the Nothing Phone (2); otherwise, the Nokia G100 may be adequate.
Display Quality: Does a vibrant, high-resolution screen with smooth refresh rate matter to you? If the display is important, the Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend? If budget is a constraint, then the Nokia G100 is the obvious choice. If you are more flexible, then the Nothing Phone (2) offers significantly more for the extra cost.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Conscious: If saving money is the biggest priority, the Nokia G100 will meet your needs for basic smartphone use without breaking the bank.
- Multimedia Lovers: If you enjoy mobile gaming, watching movies, and capturing photos, the Nothing Phone (2)'s high-resolution screen, powerful processor, and superior cameras make it the obvious choice.
- Everyday Users: If you need a solid phone for basic tasks, and occasionally capturing photos or watching videos, the Nokia G100 will get the job done.
- Long Term Use: If you are looking for a smartphone that will stay relevant for as long as possible, the Nothing Phone (2) is the best bet, with a modern operating system and much more processing power.
Final Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I'd go for the Nothing Phone (2). The difference in performance between the two phones is night and day. As a tech enthusiast who uses my phone for gaming, photography, and a bunch of other heavy tasks daily, the Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice. The screen alone, with its 120hz refresh rate, and much better display technology, makes the experience so much better than the Nokia G100. Sure the Nokia G100 has a much lower price point, but the drop in performance and display quality are too large to justify, especially when the Nothing Phone (2) is priced very reasonably, considering the quality of its components.
