Nokia G21 vs Apple iPhone 15 Plus - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia

General

Launch Date February 15, 2022 September 22, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 106.19 cm³ 97.64 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.33 "/g
Weight 190 g 201 g
Height 164.6 mm 160.9 mm
Width 75.9 mm 77.8 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 7.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue
  • Black
  • Yellow
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Pink

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.7 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1290 x 2796
Aspect Ratio 20:9 19.5:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 88 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 460 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
Typical Brightness 400 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A 1000 nits
Peak Brightness N/A 2000 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 119.53 mAh/in² 97.64 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.56 mAh/cm³ 44.89 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 4383 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Apple A16 Bionic (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) Hexa-core (2x3.46 GHz Everest + 4x2.02 GHz Sawtooth)
GPU Mali-G57 MP1 Apple GPU (5-core graphics)

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 2.0, DisplayPort

Software

Operating System Android iOS
Initial OS Version 11 17
Maximum OS Version 13 18

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. Instead of just listing specs, we’re going to explore how these choices impact your experience.

Nokia G21 vs. Apple iPhone 15 Plus: A Tale of Two User Experiences

Imagine you’re choosing a companion for your daily life, a tool that connects you, entertains you, and helps you capture moments. That’s essentially what a smartphone is. Let’s look at how the Nokia G21 and iPhone 15 Plus approach this role.

1. Design and Usability: The Feel of Things

CategoryFeatureNokia G21Apple iPhone 15 PlusUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignDisplay TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDiPhone wins: OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast. The G21's LCD is functional but doesn't have the same visual appeal.
Screen Size6.5 inches6.7 inchesiPhone Wins: The slightly larger screen of the iPhone provides a more immersive experience, especially for media consumption.
Resolution & Clarity720x1600 pixels, 270 PPI1290x2796 pixels, 460 PPIiPhone wins: The iPhone’s display is significantly sharper and clearer, making text and images pop. The difference is immediately noticeable.
Refresh Rate90Hz60HzNokia Wins: The Nokia offers slightly smoother animations and scrolling than the iPhone.
Interaction FlowOperating SystemAndroid 11 (upgradeable to 13)iOS 17 (upgradeable to 18)Preference-based: Android is known for its customization, while iOS is known for its simplicity. Your choice will depend on your preference and prior experience with these OS.
PerformanceUnisoc T606 (12 nm), 253,300 AnTuTuApple A16 Bionic (4 nm), 1,470,000 AnTuTuiPhone Wins: The iPhone is dramatically faster and more responsive, making apps, games, and multitasking significantly smoother.
Accessibility FeaturesBrightness0 nits2000 nitsiPhone Wins: The iPhone's screen is much brighter making it suitable for outdoor use in sunny conditions whereas the Nokia's one will have limited visibility in such conditions
SecurityFingerprint SensorBasic Security FeaturesNokia wins: The Nokia's fingerprint sensor is a useful, secure way to unlock your device. The iPhone relies on other security features like face unlock.
Design ErgonomicsPhysical Size164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm160.9 x 77.8 x 7.8 mmDraw: The Nokia is taller but thinner, while the iPhone is shorter but wider. The differences are not significant and your choice would depend on how it fits in your hand.
Weight190g201gNokia wins: The Nokia is slightly lighter making it more comfortable to use for longer durations.

2. Storytelling Through Features: Beyond the Specs

Let’s imagine two users: Maria and Alex.

Maria needs a reliable device for everyday tasks, like checking emails, navigating maps, and staying in touch with family. She values battery life and wants a phone that can keep going all day. The Nokia G21, with its 5050mAh battery, would be a great fit for her. Maria also takes a lot of pictures of her grandkids with the 50MP main camera and its additional depth and macro lens for fun shots. She would love that extra time between charging and all those fun picture possibilities.

Alex, a photography enthusiast, seeks a device that captures the world in vibrant detail. He’s also a busy professional who needs a phone that can handle multitasking without a hitch. The iPhone 15 Plus, with its amazing OLED display, super-fast processor and advanced camera system is a perfect fit. Alex loves the sharp, detailed images and videos he gets with it. He also utilizes the phone's advanced features like night mode, and he enjoys editing them quickly on his phone without delay. He'd love its premium build, speed, and camera capabilities for all his creative projects.

  • The Battery Story: The Nokia G21 has a larger battery, meaning you could spend less time hunting for an outlet. It’s the reliable workhorse that keeps going. The iPhone 15 Plus also has a great battery life, but it’s designed with all-day performance in mind which could drain its battery faster under heavy use.
  • The Display Tale: The iPhone 15 Plus’ OLED screen is like having a tiny cinema in your pocket. Colors are vivid, blacks are deep, and everything just looks better. It's ideal for enjoying media or viewing photos.
  • The Camera Chronicles: The Nokia G21 is great for everyday snapshots with the 50MP main camera, depth sensor and macro lens. The iPhone 15 Plus' camera is designed for more professional results. It gives you vibrant colours, great low-light performance, and a suite of advanced features that enhance every shot.

3. Inclusive Technology: Considering Everyone

  • For the tech-savvy: The iPhone 15 Plus offers the latest and greatest, perfect for users who want top-tier performance and advanced features.
  • For budget-conscious users: The Nokia G21 provides a very well-rounded experience for a more accessible price.
  • For the visually impaired: The iPhone 15 Plus's brighter screen is more easily visible in different environments.
  • For seniors: The larger text and streamlined interfaces of both systems should be easier to navigate, with the iPhone's simplicity being a potential advantage.

4. Design-Centric Decision: Choosing Your Ideal Companion

FeatureNokia G21Apple iPhone 15 PlusUser Focus Recommendation
Price PointMore affordable, budget-friendly optionPremium price, high investmentConsider your budget and how much you're willing to invest in your mobile device.
Primary UseEveryday tasks, reliable performance, extended battery use, and fun photo shotsHigh-performance needs, photo and video enthusiasts, immersive entertainment and premium user experienceIdentify your specific needs and primary usage patterns before making a choice.
PerformanceGood enough for general useExcellent for intensive tasks and gamingEvaluate how much you value responsiveness and the latest technology
Camera QualityGood for everyday photos, comes with macro and depth lensesTop-tier quality, professional resultsDecide on the camera features that are most important for you.
Display ExperienceFunctional LCD displaySuperior OLED display with rich colors and great brightnessPrioritize visual quality, colour accuracy and brightness to decide on which phone has the best display for your needs.
Battery LifeExcellent with a large batteryGood with all-day battery life, but slightly less than G21If battery life is one of your most important requirements, the Nokia may be the more appropriate device.
SoftwareAndroid 11 (upgradeable to 13)iOS 17 (upgradeable to 18)Choose the software you are most comfortable using.
Build & MaterialsBuild quality is good, but not considered premiumPremium materials and high-quality finishConsider how much emphasis you place on the material quality.

The Verdict: My Personal Choice

If I had to choose between these two devices for myself, I would pick the Apple iPhone 15 Plus.

Here’s why:

  • Design and Display: The OLED screen is a joy to use. It's great for media consumption and for work.
  • Performance: As someone who uses many different apps, multitasking between them, and also likes to play mobile games sometimes, the iPhone's processing power makes a big difference in overall smoothness.
  • Camera Capabilities: I'm always on the go and need a good quality camera, and that's something the iPhone 15 Plus gives me.
  • Ecosystem: I also already use other Apple products, and their seamless integration is another benefit.

While the Nokia G21 is a very solid device with its great battery life, I value the user experience provided by the Apple iPhone 15 Plus. It’s about getting the best possible experience for my needs, from the smooth operation to amazing display and great camera.

Ultimately, the "best" phone depends on what you need and value most in a device. I hope this analysis provides the information you need to make that choice.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.