Nokia G21 vs Motorola Edge 40 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola Edge 40
Motorola

General

Launch Date February 15, 2022 May 4, 2023
Release Year 2022 2023

Physical

Volume 106.19 cm³ 86.68 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.92 "/g
Weight 190 g 167 g
Height 164.6 mm 158.4 mm
Width 75.9 mm 72 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 7.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue
  • Eclipse Black
  • Nebula Green
  • Viva Magenta
  • Lunar Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.55 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 90.8 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 402 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 144 Hz
Typical Brightness 400 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1200 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 119.53 mAh/in² 102.56 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.56 mAh/cm³ 50.76 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 4400 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Mediatek Dimensity 8020 (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.6 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Mali-G57 MP1 Mali-G77 MC9

Connectivity

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

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13 15

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Motorola Edge 40. We’re not just looking at specs; we're exploring how these phones fit into your life.

Design and Usability: A Tale of Two Approaches

CategoryFeatureNokia G21Motorola Edge 40User Experience Impact
Interface DesignScreen TechnologyIPS LCDP-OLEDMotorola: Richer colors, deeper blacks, and better visibility in sunlight. A more engaging visual experience. Nokia: More traditional LCD, can appear more washed out in comparison, may be easier on the eyes in low light.
Screen Resolution720x16001080x2400Motorola: Crisper text and images, more detail when viewing photos or videos. Nokia: Standard clarity, may not appear as sharp, especially when viewing fine details.
Screen Refresh Rate90Hz144HzMotorola: Exceptionally smooth scrolling and animations. Nokia: Smooth scrolling and animations, more than a standard display but not as fluid.
Interaction FlowPhysical Size & Weight164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm, 190g158.4 x 72 x 7.6 mm, 167gMotorola: Slimmer and lighter, feels more comfortable in hand, better for one-handed use, and easier to carry around. Nokia: Larger, may feel bulky, can be less comfortable to hold for long periods.
PerformanceUnisoc T606 (12nm), 253,300 AntutuMediatek Dimensity 8020 (6nm), 762,526 AntutuMotorola: Snappier performance, faster app loading, smoother multitasking and better gaming. Nokia: More basic performance suitable for daily tasks, can struggle with demanding apps.
AccessibilityDisplay Brightness0 nits1200 nitsMotorola: Excellent visibility in bright sunlight, no struggle to read or use the phone outdoors. Nokia: Can struggle in bright sunlight, making the screen difficult to view.
Software VersionAndroid 11, up to 13Android 13, up to 15Motorola: Up-to-date software with newer features and security updates. Nokia: Older OS, which might miss out on newer features and security patches.
Design ErgonomicsBattery & Charging5050mAh, 18W4400mAh, 68W, 15W Wireless ChargingMotorola: Fast charging means less time plugged in and the convenience of wireless charging. Nokia: Larger battery can last longer on a single charge but will take more time to fill up.
Camera System50MP main, 2MP depth, 2MP macro50MP main, 13MP ultrawideMotorola: Versatile shooting experience, excellent low-light performance and ultrawide angle shots, better video capabilities. Nokia: Additional depth and macro sensors can be fun to use, but image quality may not be as good.

Narrative-Driven Exploration: Stories Behind the Specs

The Commuter's Choice: Imagine Sarah, who takes the train every day. The Motorola Edge 40, with its lighter build and vibrant screen, is perfect for her daily commute. She can easily check emails, watch a quick video, and navigate her way, all while enjoying the smooth, vibrant display, even under the bright morning sun. When the battery gets low, the super-fast charging gets her back on track fast.

The Weekend Explorer: Now, picture David, who enjoys weekend adventures. He values the longer battery life offered by the Nokia G21 for hikes, but might need a backup power bank for long days. He uses the macro and depth sensor for creative photos along the way. While its display is not as impressive, the battery life and basic features meet his needs well.

The Photo Enthusiast: Meet Emily. She loves taking photos, especially of her culinary creations. The Motorola Edge 40 is a dream for her, with its superior camera that excels in low light. The optical image stabilization lets her capture clear, blur-free shots. The vibrant screen shows her images beautifully. The Motorola is made for share-worthy, high-quality content.

The Everyday User: Consider Mark, who needs a reliable phone for daily tasks. The Nokia G21 provides a basic, dependable experience. Its larger battery is good for busy days. For calls, texts, and some social media use, the Nokia G21 handles things with ease. While not as feature-rich, it gets the essential jobs done.

Inclusive Technology Evaluation: Different Needs, Different Phones

  • For the Tech Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 40 will excite the user who loves cutting-edge tech, thanks to its superior display, fast charging, and enhanced camera. It offers better performance and is more future-proof for tech-savvy users.
  • For the Budget Conscious User: The Nokia G21 is a solid choice for those who need a reliable, basic phone without breaking the bank. It provides essential features with a focus on battery life.
  • For the Photographer: The Motorola Edge 40's superior camera, enhanced by optical image stabilization and an ultrawide lens, is a win for avid photographers. Its ability to capture high-quality videos and its low-light performance are important for image creators.
  • For the Practical User: The Nokia G21's larger battery is perfect for those who need their phone to last through a busy day. It's less feature-rich but highly reliable for practical daily tasks.

Design-Centric Decision Framework: Making the Right Choice

When choosing between the Nokia G21 and Motorola Edge 40, think about your daily life:

  • Do you value cutting-edge features and high performance? The Motorola Edge 40 is likely your best bet.
  • Do you prioritize battery life and basic reliability? The Nokia G21 might be the better pick.
  • Is the camera a key feature for you? The Motorola Edge 40’s superior camera system makes it the winner.
  • Do you prefer a slim, lightweight phone that’s easy to carry? The Motorola Edge 40 is more comfortable in hand.

My Choice & Why

For me, the Motorola Edge 40 is the clear winner. While the Nokia G21 offers a larger battery, the overall user experience with the Motorola Edge 40 is far superior. The P-OLED display is vibrant and sharp, the performance is significantly faster, the camera is more versatile, and the build is more sleek and comfortable. I value the enhanced clarity, speed, and image quality the Motorola Edge 40 provides. Also, fast charging and wireless charging are incredibly convenient, especially for my fast-paced lifestyle.

In short, the Motorola Edge 40 provides a much more engaging and satisfying user experience overall, making it the ideal choice for my needs.

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.