Nokia G21 vs Motorola Edge 30 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia
Motorola Edge 30
Motorola Edge 30
Motorola

General

Launch Date February 15, 2022 May 12, 2022
Release Year 2022 2022

Physical

Volume 106.19 cm³ 80.43 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 4.19 "/g
Weight 190 g 155 g
Height 164.6 mm 159.4 mm
Width 75.9 mm 74.2 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 6.8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue
  • Aurora Green
  • Meteor Grey
  • Supermoon Silver

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.5 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 86.2 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 405 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness 400 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 119.53 mAh/in² 95.15 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.56 mAh/cm³ 49.98 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 4020 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM7325-AE Snapdragon 778G+ 5G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x2.5 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MP1 Adreno 642L

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 12
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into the world of Nokia G21 and Motorola Edge 30, but not just as a list of specs. We'll explore these devices through the lens of real user experiences and design choices.

Nokia G21 vs. Motorola Edge 30: A User-Centric Comparison

Here's our breakdown, moving beyond mere numbers and into the realm of how these phones feel and perform in daily life:

1. Design and Usability Assessment

Feature CategoryNokia G21Motorola Edge 30User Experience Impact
Interface DesignSimple, functional, perhaps slightly dated aestheticSleek, modern, more refined lookEdge 30 offers a more contemporary feel; G21 might appeal to users who prefer a basic look; Edge 30 more visually engaging.
Interaction FlowStandard Android experience; smooth navigationFluid and responsive due to higher refresh rateEdge 30 feels snappier with 144Hz refresh; G21 may feel slightly less responsive due to the 90Hz.
Accessibility FeaturesStandard Android Accessibility suiteStandard Android Accessibility suiteBoth offer similar baseline accessibility; Additional accessibility features may vary by manufacturer.
Design ErgonomicsLarger, heavier; May feel bulkier in hand.Thinner, lighter; More comfortable to hold for extended use.Edge 30 is more comfortable for long use, easier to handle. G21 may feel cumbersome for some users.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario 1: The Daily Commute

  • Nokia G21: Imagine you're catching up on news during your commute. The larger battery is great for those long days, but the lower resolution display may not make text as crisp, it's like reading a newspaper versus a high-quality magazine. The slightly heavier weight might make it more cumbersome to hold for long periods with one hand.
  • Motorola Edge 30: Now, picture yourself watching a YouTube video on the train. The AMOLED display makes colors pop, and the 144Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through comments feel super smooth. Its lighter build and slim design make it easy to manage in a crowded space, you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag without much bulk.

Scenario 2: Photography Enthusiast

  • Nokia G21: You're taking pictures of a flower. The 50MP main camera and macro lens allow you to get up close for detailed shots. However, in low light, the images might lack the clarity of other phones. Your camera is a good companion for everyday photography, a reliable workhorse.
  • Motorola Edge 30: You're capturing a vibrant sunset. The 50MP main sensor, combined with a wide-angle lens and enhanced video capabilities, make for incredible visuals. The image stabilization ensures clear shots, even when you're moving. The 4K video recording means you can capture high quality videos of special moments, like filming a child's first steps.

Scenario 3: Performance Power User

  • Nokia G21: You're opening a couple of apps at the same time and listening to your favorite podcast. The Unisoc chipset is suitable for basic tasks but may struggle with more demanding applications. You can do things smoothly enough but with a little more patience.
  • Motorola Edge 30: You’re editing a video or playing a game and using multiple apps while listening to music. The Snapdragon 778G+ 5G chip handles heavy loads with ease. The higher RAM, combined with the vibrant display, makes for a more responsive and engaging user experience.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • Diverse User Needs:
    • Budget-Conscious Users: The Nokia G21 offers a more affordable entry point.
    • Visually Sensitive Users: The Motorola Edge 30's AMOLED display and higher resolution are ideal for users who appreciate better image quality.
    • Heavy Mobile Users: The Motorola Edge 30 is the clear choice for users who value smooth performance.
    • Users with Dexterity Challenges: The lightweight and compact design of the Edge 30 is easier to hold and operate.
  • Technological Background:
    • Tech-Savvy Users: The Edge 30’s advanced features, from 4K video to fast charging, appeal more to tech enthusiasts.
    • Basic Users: The Nokia G21 is a simple and straightforward phone with a longer battery life, making it accessible for anyone.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

CriteriaNokia G21Motorola Edge 30User-Friendly Guidance
Core ExperienceDependable, long-lasting, basic functionalityPerformance-driven, engaging, feature-richDo you prioritize battery life and basic functions, or are you looking for a smoother experience with a better camera?
Design EthosPracticality, budget-friendly.Modern, sleek, cutting-edge.Do you prefer a simple phone or a modern one?
Visual AppealStandard display, less vibrant.Vibrant AMOLED display with higher resolution and refresh rate.Is image quality and screen smoothness crucial to you?
PerformanceSuitable for everyday tasks.Ideal for multitasking and gaming.Do you use your phone for demanding tasks?
CameraGood for everyday use, macro lens.Superior image quality, versatile lens options with night mode.Are you looking for the best camera with better video capabilities or is a simple camera enough?
BatteryLong battery life.Faster charging, good battery life.Do you prioritize battery endurance or fast charging?

My Choice and Why:

If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Motorola Edge 30. Here's why:

  • The Holistic Experience: The Edge 30’s blend of performance, display quality, and camera features aligns better with what I value in a modern smartphone. While the Nokia G21 does a good job with its battery life, the Edge 30 offers a smoother, richer experience overall.
  • Modern Sensibilities: The Edge 30 feels like a device designed for today's fast-paced, visually oriented world, with its slick design and AMOLED display.
  • Versatile Performance: The Snapdragon chipset and superior GPU ensure that the phone remains responsive and engaging, even with demanding tasks.
  • Longer Term Use: Although the Nokia G21 has a larger battery and I do appreciate that, the smoother operating experience, enhanced performance and overall more up-to-date experience on the Motorola Edge 30 means that it would be a more practical choice in the longer run.

While the Nokia G21 serves as a solid, reliable device, the Motorola Edge 30 simply delivers a more premium, user-friendly experience. The design philosophy of the Edge 30 resonates with my needs for efficiency, quality and a sense of modernity.

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.