Nokia G21 vs Motorola Moto G42 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia

General

Launch Date February 15, 2022 June 28, 2022
Release Year 2022 2022

Physical

Volume 106.19 cm³ 94.32 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.42 "/g 3.66 "/g
Weight 190 g 175 g
Height 164.6 mm 160.4 mm
Width 75.9 mm 73.5 mm
Thickness 8.5 mm 8 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue
  • Atlantic Green
  • Metallic Rose

Display

Screen Size 6.5 " 6.4 "
Resolution 720 x 1600 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 20:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.6 % 83.9 %
Pixel Density 270 PPI 411 PPI
Refresh Rate 90 Hz N/A
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 122.07 mAh/in²
Battery Density 47.56 mAh/cm³ 53.01 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 5050 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm)
CPU Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver)
GPU Mali-G57 MP1 Adreno 610

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

Comparison Summary

Okay, let's dive into a user-centric comparison of the Nokia G21 and Motorola Moto G42, focusing on how these devices fit into your daily life. We're not just looking at specs; we're exploring the experience.

The Tale of Two Mid-Rangers: Nokia G21 vs. Motorola Moto G42

Imagine you're choosing a trusty sidekick for your digital adventures. Both the Nokia G21 and Motorola Moto G42 offer similar functionality, but they bring unique strengths to the table. Let's look at how these differences play out.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

CategoryNokia G21Motorola Moto G42User Experience Impact
Interface DesignSimple, Clean Android 11 with the promise of an upgrade to 13. Focus on straightforward navigation.Cleaner Android 12 experience, closer to stock Android, with a potential advantage for new Google features.Moto G42’s fresher OS might appeal to users who prefer a newer interface. Nokia’s update to Android 13 is still great for longevity.
Interaction Flow90Hz refresh rate promises smoother transitions and scrolling, which makes the device feel more responsive.60Hz refresh might feel slightly less fluid, but is still suitable for everyday use.90Hz refresh gives the G21 a slightly faster feel when browsing. The Moto G42 has a great interface, even with 60Hz.
AccessibilityStandard Android accessibility features, such as screen readers and font adjustments.Standard Android accessibility features, including customizable settings.Both are adequate in providing accessibility features, but neither stands out in user access, and more in functionability.
Design ErgonomicsSlightly taller, wider, and thicker with more bulk (190g). May feel less comfortable for smaller hands.Slimmer and lighter (175g). More comfortable for one-handed use and prolonged use.The Moto G42's smaller size and lighter weight make it a better choice for users seeking a comfortable and portable experience.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

The Visual Storyteller: The Displays

Imagine you're watching a sunset on your phone. The Nokia G21, with its 90Hz refresh rate, would make the colors blend smoothly. While the display is an IPS LCD, it is still adequate for most users.

The Moto G42, however, has an AMOLED display, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors, which is truly immersive. It's like watching the sunset on a high-definition television. While the display is only 60 Hz, the AMOLED screen compensates for it with its vibrancy, which is great for watching videos and gaming. The higher pixel density also makes the display look sharper.

User takeaway: If display is a major priority, the Moto G42's AMOLED is the winner.

The Performance Powerhouse: Chipsets

Picture yourself playing a mobile game. The Nokia G21, with its Unisoc T606, offers good performance for casual gaming and daily tasks. The Moto G42, powered by the Snapdragon 680, provides efficient performance for most day-to-day uses, keeping it cool and battery efficient.

User takeaway: Both phones offer good day-to-day performance, but the Moto G42's chipset could make it slightly more efficient.

The Camera Crew: Capturing Moments

Imagine documenting a street festival. Both phones have a 50MP main camera for capturing everyday moments. The Moto G42 shines here, also featuring a wide-angle lens which can be really useful for group photos or landscapes. And the 16MP selfie camera will really please the social media savvy.

The G21, has its own camera tricks with an extra 2MP depth sensor for portrait photos and another 2MP for macro images.

User takeaway: The Moto G42 is better for social media-savvy users looking for versatile camera options. The Nokia G21 will appeal to people who prefer depth sensors and macro.

The Battery Marathoners: Power and Stamina

Picture a long day out. Both the Nokia G21 and Moto G42 pack in similar battery capacities. However, the Moto G42 charges slightly faster. The Nokia includes a 10W charger, but users would need to purchase their own to take advantage of the 18W fast-charging.

User takeaway: Both are great for long days, but the Moto G42's charging edge might be handy for on-the-go situations.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

  • Tech Novices: The Moto G42’s clearer display and simpler interface is easier to pick up.
  • Budget-Conscious Users: Both offer excellent value for money, so the choice will come down to a specific priority.
  • Multimedia Consumers: The AMOLED display and stereo speakers make the Moto G42 a great media device.
  • Avid Photographers: Moto G42’s wide-angle lens adds versatility.
  • Power Users: Moto G42’s better power management and fast charging could make the difference.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

Choose the Nokia G21 if:

  • You prioritize smoother screen scrolling with a 90Hz refresh rate.
  • You prefer a slightly more budget-friendly option, with extra camera sensors.
  • You don’t mind a larger, more bulky phone.

Choose the Motorola Moto G42 if:

  • You want a vibrant AMOLED display for richer colors and deeper blacks.
  • You value a sleek, lightweight design for comfort and portability.
  • You take a lot of wide-angle photos and/or selfies.
  • You want the latest software version for better integration and access to new features.
  • You need faster charging for quick top-ups on the go.

My Choice

For me, I would choose the Motorola Moto G42. Here’s why, from a user experience perspective:

  1. Visual Delight: The AMOLED display is a game-changer. I value the richer colors, deeper blacks, and better contrast.
  2. Comfort: The lighter weight and slimmer profile make the Moto G42 more comfortable for daily use and portability.
  3. Modern Experience: Android 12 offers a more modern interface, and the faster charging means less time tethered to an outlet.
  4. Versatile Camera: The wide-angle lens is a feature that I would use often.

While the Nokia G21 is a solid phone, the Moto G42's overall user experience is more aligned with my needs and preferences. It's not about having the best tech on paper, but about how well the phone fits into your life and enhances your daily interactions.

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.