Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G100 and the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. We'll go beyond just the spec sheet and explore what these numbers mean for your everyday smartphone experience.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Feature | Nokia G100 | ZTE nubia Z50S Pro | Real-World Implications |
---|---|---|---|
Design | |||
Dimensions | 166.6 × 76.7 × 8.9 mm | 163.9 × 76.3 × 8.3 mm | The Nubia is slightly more compact, potentially more pocketable and comfortable in hand. |
Weight | 195.1g | 228g | The Nokia G100 is noticeably lighter, making it better for extended use and less fatiguing. |
Build | Standard | Standard | Both have a standard non-foldable design, familiar to most users. |
Display | |||
Size | 6.52" | 6.8" | Nubia's larger display is better for media consumption and gaming. |
Resolution | 720x1600 | 1260x2800 | The Nubia's higher resolution means sharper text, clearer images, and a more detailed experience. |
Pixel Density (PPI) | 269 | 452 | Nubia offers far superior sharpness, ensuring crisp visuals and detailed content. |
Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED on the Nubia offers much deeper blacks, vibrant colors, and better contrast, for a superior experience. |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 120Hz | Nubia's 120Hz refresh rate leads to a smoother, more responsive user experience, especially in scrolling and animations. |
Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | Nubia's display is drastically brighter, providing much better visibility in sunny outdoor conditions. |
Performance | |||
Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 (11nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 2 (4nm) | Nubia's high-end chip means significantly faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and advanced gaming. |
AnTuTu Score | 201,615 | 1,579,720 | The Nubia Z50S Pro is vastly more powerful, handling demanding applications with ease. |
GPU | Adreno 610 | Adreno 740 | Nubia's GPU provides much better graphics performance for visually intensive apps and games. |
Battery Life | |||
Capacity | 5000mAh | 5100mAh | Battery capacity is similar on both, implying roughly comparable endurance. |
Charging | 15W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The Nubia charges much faster, reducing time spent tethered to an outlet. |
Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Minor differences in battery chemistry (Li-Polymer is often lighter) don't have huge practical effect |
Camera | |||
Main Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49" Sony IMX800 | Nubia has a much higher resolution sensor, wider aperture and larger sensor size for capturing better detail, brighter photos. |
Telephoto Camera | None | 8MP, f/2.4, Hynix HI-847 | Nubia's dedicated telephoto lens enables optical zoom and portrait shots. |
Wide Angle Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 50MP, f/2.0, 1/2.88" OV50D40 | Nubia has much higher resolution and a larger sensor for better detail, especially in low-light. |
Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.5, 1/3.06" OV16A10 | Nubia has higher resolution for more detailed and better self-portraits. |
Depth Sensor | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Nokia includes a dedicated depth sensor for portrait mode; Nubia focuses on better sensors in general |
Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@30/60/120fps | Nubia supports much higher resolution, making it a better choice for content creators. |
Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS) | Nubia offers Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), which produces smoother videos and reduced camera shake |
Slow-Motion | 120fps | 480fps | Nubia allows capture of slow-motion videos at a higher frame rate for more dramatic and smooth results. |
Other | |||
Operating System | Android 12 | Android 13 | Nubia comes with a more recent Android version, likely with improved features, security and performance. |
WiFi | 802.11ac | 802.11be (WiFi 7) | Nubia supports faster and more modern Wi-Fi for higher network speeds and better performance. |
Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.3 | Nubia has a newer Bluetooth for more stable connections and improved battery performance. |
Internal Storage | 32 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 1024 GB | Nubia provides much larger storage capacity for apps, photos, videos, and other files. |
RAM | 3 GB or 4 GB | 12 GB or 16 GB | Nubia offers substantially more RAM for multitasking and running demanding applications. |
Storage Expansion | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
Audio | 2 Microphones | Stereo Speakers, DTS/DTS X | Nubia provides an immersive audio experience, whereas Nokia has microphones for calls and sound recording |
Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Basic fingerprint | Nokia features a slightly more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
Screen Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Unknown | The Nokia is equipped with a screen protector, offering some additional protection against scratches and accidental falls. |
Sensors | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | Fingerprint, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Compass, Proximity | Both feature standard sensors, but the Nokia includes an additional barometer for weather-related metrics |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G100:
- Strengths: The Nokia G100 shines in being lightweight and offering a physical barometer sensor. It also has a screen with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
- Competitive Advantages: It's lighter and potentially cheaper, targeting users on a tighter budget.
- Trade-offs: The G100 falls behind in almost every other performance category, including the display quality and camera capabilities.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro:
- Strengths: The Z50S Pro is a performance powerhouse, boasting an extremely fast processor, high-refresh-rate AMOLED display, and advanced camera system. It also has an extremely high-speed 80W fast charging and more recent software.
- Competitive Advantages: The Z50S Pro delivers flagship-level performance and features, making it ideal for power users and enthusiasts.
- Trade-offs: It's heavier, which might be a drawback for those prioritizing comfort. The lack of expandable storage could be a constraint if you have a vast media library.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G100 is best for:
- Budget-conscious users: Those needing a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light use.
- Users needing a light phone: Those who prioritize a lightweight phone for comfortable all-day carry.
- Minimalist Users: People who don't require cutting edge processing or high-fidelity displays.
ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is best for:
- Power users: Users who demand top-tier performance for gaming, multitasking, and heavy app usage.
- Photography enthusiasts: Those wanting an advanced camera system with high-quality optics and modes.
- Media Consumers: Users who appreciate an excellent display for streaming videos and consuming content.
- Tech Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize having the latest technology and features.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
How important is performance to you?
- If you need top-tier speed and responsiveness for gaming or demanding apps, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice. If basic performance is sufficient for you, then the Nokia G100 can be considered.
How much do you care about camera quality?
- If you value capturing high-quality images and videos, including advanced features like telephoto lenses and slow-motion recording, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro has significantly better camera specs. The Nokia G100 is better suited for simple photo capture.
How important is display quality and brightness?
- If you prefer rich colors, deep blacks, and a high refresh rate for smooth animations or work in bright sunlight, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro with its AMOLED and high brightness will be better. If a simple display is suitable for you, the Nokia G100 will do.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Gamer: If you love mobile gaming, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro is the clear choice with its powerful processor, high refresh rate, and superior graphics.
- The Content Creator: If you focus on capturing videos and photos for social media, the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro offers far superior camera capabilities, with its high resolutions, slow motion, and advanced features like OIS and EIS.
- The Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is very limited, the Nokia G100 might be suitable as a functional device for basic needs.
- The Frequent Traveler: If you value a light device with high battery efficiency, the Nokia G100 might be more suitable. But the quick charging and better performance of the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro may outweigh that.
My Pick
Personally, I would choose the ZTE nubia Z50S Pro. While the Nokia G100 has the advantage of being lightweight, the Z50S Pro's performance is on an entirely different level. The superior display, cutting-edge processor, and significantly better camera system make it an easy pick. For me, having a powerful and versatile device is paramount. The faster charging is a great addition and a great device for everyday use. The Nokia G100 feels like a basic, budget device, whereas the Z50S Pro delivers a premium experience with every aspect of the phone.