Nokia G21 vs Motorola Edge 40 Pro - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia

General

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

Physical

Volume 106.19 cm³ 102.59 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.35 "/g
Weight 190 g 199 g
Height 164.6 mm 161.2 mm
Width 75.9 mm 74 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8.6 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue
  • Interstellar Black
  • Lunar Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.67 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 90 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 394 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz 165 Hz
Typical Brightness 400 nits N/A
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 119.53 mAh/in² 103.40 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.56 mAh/cm³ 44.84 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 4600 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM8550-AB Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Cortex-X3 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A715 & 2x2.8 GHz Cortex-A710 & 3x2.0 GHz Cortex-A510)
GPU Mali-G57 MP1 Adreno 740

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 3.2
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort 1
DisplayPort Version N/A 1.4
USB Features USB Type-C 2.0, OTG USB Type-C 3.2, OTG, DisplayPort 1.4

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 13
Maximum OS Version 13 16

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-focused comparison of the Nokia G21 and Motorola Edge 40 Pro. I'm going to put on my tech storyteller hat and look at these devices not just as a collection of specs, but as tools that shape our daily experiences.

Nokia G21 vs. Motorola Edge 40 Pro: A User-Centric Story

Imagine two travelers embarking on a journey. One, with the Nokia G21, is a practical adventurer, focused on reliability and battery life, the other, with the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, is a tech enthusiast who wants the most vibrant views and immersive experiences. Let's explore their paths.

1. Design and Usability: Two Different Journeys

Here's a breakdown of how each phone's design choices impact the user, using a comparative matrix:

CategoryFeatureNokia G21Motorola Edge 40 ProUser Experience Impact
Interface DesignDisplay TechnologyIPS LCDOLEDMotorola's OLED offers richer colors and deeper blacks, enhancing the viewing experience, especially for media consumption.
Screen Resolution720 x 16001080 x 2400Motorola's higher resolution makes text and images sharper, reducing eye strain and providing a more premium feel.
Refresh Rate90Hz165HzMotorola's smoother refresh rate provides a fluid interface, improving responsiveness and making scrolling more comfortable.
Brightness0 nits1100 nitsMotorola Edge 40 Pro is significantly brighter, enhancing outdoor visibility and making it easier to use in sunny conditions.
Interaction FlowPerformanceUnisoc T606 (12 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm)The Motorola Edge 40 Pro provides dramatically faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive user interface overall, perfect for performance-hungry users.
SoftwareAndroid 11 (upgradable to 13)Android 13 (upgradable to 16)The Motorola offers a more modern experience with access to the latest features and is poised to stay up to date for longer.
Accessibility FeaturesScreen ProtectionUnknownCorning Gorilla Glass VictusMotorola Edge 40 Pro provides a more robust screen and offers greater peace of mind for everyday use.
Battery Charging18W Fast Charging125W Fast Charging, Wireless & Reverse ChargingMotorola’s charging capabilities will get you back to full battery far quicker, and wireless and reverse options add user flexibility.
Design ErgonomicsPhysical Size164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm, 190g161.2 x 74 x 8.6 mm, 199gWhile similar, the G21 is a slightly larger and lighter, with a less premium build quality, while the Edge 40 Pro feels more compact and sturdy.
Fingerprint SensorSide-mountedBasic (in-display)The side-mounted sensor may offer quicker access for some users, but both designs provide basic biometric security.

Key Observations: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is designed for a premium user experience, focusing on top-tier performance, display quality, and fast charging. The Nokia G21 emphasizes practicality, focusing on battery and general day to day tasks.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration: Stories in Tech

Let's bring these specs to life with a few scenarios:

Scenario 1: The Content Creator

Imagine a content creator filming a street art mural. With the Nokia G21, they capture decent video at 1080p@30fps, and its large battery will keep them going, but they need to be mindful of lighting. They then need to edit on the phone or transfer to a desktop later. Now, picture the same creator using the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. They effortlessly shoot in 8K, capturing every detail, with rich HDR and amazing stabilization, plus they have a suite of advanced camera features to use, plus they can edit and upload it on the go. It offers a complete creative suite with advanced video and photo features. It’s a tool for professional-grade content creation, a portable studio in their pocket.

Scenario 2: The Everyday Commuter

A busy commuter navigates through a crowded city. The Nokia G21 with its good battery keeps them connected throughout the day, handling social media and messaging. The Motorola Edge 40 Pro, with its smooth display and fast performance, offers a seamless experience in the hustle. The commuter can easily switch between maps, music, and messaging with buttery-smooth transitions, while also benefiting from the incredibly bright screen on a sunny day. Plus with that fast charging, they can top off their phone during a quick coffee break.

Scenario 3: The Casual Gamer

The casual gamer, on the Nokia G21, can enjoy simple games, though performance might be limited in more complex titles. The Motorola Edge 40 Pro, with its powerful chipset and 165Hz refresh rate, offers an exceptional gaming experience. Games load faster, animations are smoother, and the overall performance is top-tier. It's the difference between a basic console and a high-end gaming rig.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation: Different Users, Different Needs

For the Budget-Conscious User: The Nokia G21 offers a solid, reliable experience for users who prioritize battery life and basic functionality. It's a great option for those who need a straightforward device for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.

For the Tech Enthusiast: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro is designed for users who demand the best in performance, display, and camera technology. It's perfect for gamers, content creators, and anyone who wants a premium mobile experience.

For the Pragmatic User: The Motorola Edge 40 Pro might be overkill for simple users however it will offer a more future proof device due to the newer technologies.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework: Making Informed Choices

Here's a simplified guide to help users choose:

Choose the Nokia G21 if:

  • You value battery life above all else.
  • You need a reliable, affordable phone for daily use.
  • You're comfortable with basic features and performance.

Choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro if:

  • You want the best possible display and camera quality.
  • You need top-tier performance for gaming and content creation.
  • You want a feature-rich device with advanced connectivity options.
  • You prefer a more premium design and build.

Final Thoughts: Which Path Would I Choose?

If I were to choose between the Nokia G21 and the Motorola Edge 40 Pro, I would choose the Motorola Edge 40 Pro. My choice is driven by a focus on the user experience as a holistic design, which the Edge 40 Pro excels at, from its vibrant display, to its top-tier performance, and superior camera capabilities. While the Nokia G21 offers good battery life and a lower cost, the Edge 40 Pro’s modern features would be a greater fit for my workflow and offer more value in the long run. The faster refresh rate, brighter display, and enhanced camera features offer a more enjoyable, fluid, and capable experience.

As a technology communications specialist, I'm always interested in how the technology is used, and Motorola Edge 40 Pro offers a more advanced suite of features which allow the user to create and communicate more freely. Its design philosophy emphasizes not just functionality but an intuitive, enjoyable experience, which aligns with my principles. Ultimately, this phone is not just about specs; it’s about how it can elevate and enhance our daily interactions with technology.

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.