Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Motorola Moto G72. As a tech journalist and smartphone analyst, I'll be looking beyond the spec sheets to see how these phones stack up in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key technical specifications of the Nokia G21 and Motorola Moto G72, focusing on how they translate into user experience:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Motorola Moto G72 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 160.5 x 74.4 x 7.9 mm | Moto G72 is more compact and easier to handle. The G21 feels a bit bulkier. |
| Weight | 190g | 166g | The Moto G72 is noticeably lighter, enhancing comfort for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Negligible size difference. Both offer decent screen real estate. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Moto G72 has a significantly sharper display. Text and images will look much clearer. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 402 | Moto G72 provides a far clearer image due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | P-OLED | Moto G72's P-OLED offers richer colors, deeper blacks, and better viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Moto G72 has a smoother visual experience, especially when scrolling or playing games. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness at 0 nits, which is a data issue; actual brightness will differ |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G99 (6 nm) | Moto G72's chipset is more powerful, resulting in faster app loading, and more fluid multi-tasking. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 415,300 | Moto G72 shows superior performance, making it suitable for more demanding tasks and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Moto G72 has a more powerful GPU that can handle gaming and graphic intensive apps much more easily. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.7 | Moto G72 has higher resolution, capturing more details and performs better in low light due to a wider aperture. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP | Moto G72 provides better selfie quality due to the higher resolution sensor. |
| Wide Angle Lens | - | 8MP, f/1.9, 1.12 µm pixel size | Moto G72 has a wide-angle lens that provides the user more versatility |
| Portrait Mode Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | - | G21 has a dedicated depth sensor, which can enhance portrait mode shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1.75 µm pixel size | Both offer a dedicated macro lens, though the Moto G72's has a slightly larger pixel size |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30/60fps | Moto G72 provides more flexibility with 60fps recording |
| Slow-motion | No | Yes, 120 fps | Moto G72 has the advantage to capture videos in slow-motion. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer similar battery capacity for all day usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging | Moto G72 charges much faster and offers much quicker top-ups. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, max 13 | Android 12 | Moto G72 has a newer base version of Android for slightly longer software support |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Moto G72 has newer WiFi and Wi-Fi Direct support. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth technology. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, SUPL, Galileo | Moto G72 has additional SUPL support. |
| Storage & RAM | |||
| Internal Storage | 64/128 GB | 128/256 GB | Moto G72 offers larger storage options for more files, photos, and videos. |
| RAM | 4/6 GB | 6/8 GB | Moto G72 has more RAM, which results in smoother multitasking and improved performance. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Moto G72 has better audio with dedicated speakers and enhanced sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | Nokia G21 has a more convenient fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | Moto G72 has a more comprehensive sensor suite, which provides the user with advanced functionalities like gaming and AR. |
2. Key Insights
Motorola Moto G72's Strengths:
- Superior Display: The P-OLED panel with higher resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate makes the viewing experience noticeably better.
- Stronger Performance: The MediaTek Helio G99 chipset provides better processing power and handles multitasking and gaming more efficiently than the G21.
- Enhanced Camera: Higher resolution main and selfie cameras, combined with a wider aperture and an additional wide-angle lens, result in improved photo and video quality.
- Faster Charging: 33W fast charging significantly reduces charging times compared to the G21's 18W.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers provide an enhanced audio experience for media consumption.
- More Storage and RAM: The Moto G72 provides bigger storage and RAM options.
Nokia G21's Strengths:
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: The sensor is more convenient than a basic one.
- Depth sensor: It enhances portrait mode shots.
- Front Flash: Better for taking selfies in low light.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G21 - Its display and processor are outdated which can be a problem when multitasking or gaming.
- Motorola Moto G72 - Lacks the depth sensor for portrait mode which is present in the G21.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is best suited for:
- Budget-conscious users: It offers basic smartphone functionalities at an affordable price.
- Users with basic needs: Good for those who prioritize battery life and a simple user interface.
- Users who like a front flash: Good for those who take a lot of selfies and need flash in low light scenarios.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication, casual browsing, and light social media use.
- Users who prefer a side-mounted fingerprint sensor and an easy-to-use device.
Motorola Moto G72 is best suited for:
- Users who value performance: Ideal for gamers and those who multitask frequently.
- Media consumers: Offers an immersive experience with its P-OLED display and enhanced audio.
- Camera enthusiasts: The higher resolution camera and wide-angle lens offers great picture quality and versatility.
Use Cases:
- Gaming, streaming, and multimedia consumption.
- Users who want high-quality photos and videos.
- Those who need a quick top-up during the day due to its fast charging capabilities.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these three crucial questions:
- How much does display quality matter to me? If you value vibrant colors, clarity, and smooth motion, the Moto G72's P-OLED screen is a must.
- What's my main use case and how important is performance? If you're a gamer or heavy multitasker, the Moto G72's processor and RAM are necessary. If you just need basic functionality, then Nokia G21 is adequate.
- How much do I value quick charging and audio quality? If you can not wait long when charging and want the best media experience, the Moto G72's fast charging and Dolby Atmos speakers are very useful.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: The Budget Shopper If you're on a tight budget and need a reliable device for basic tasks, the Nokia G21 will suffice.
- Scenario 2: The Casual User If you want a more balanced experience with better display and improved performance, then the Motorola Moto G72 will be better for you.
- Scenario 3: The Power User: If you want the most performance, a high-quality display, and faster charging, the Motorola Moto G72 is the clear choice.
Final Recommendation
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely choose the Motorola Moto G72. The difference in display quality alone is worth it; the move from an IPS LCD to a P-OLED is night and day, providing much more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Add to that the superior performance of the MediaTek Helio G99, the much better cameras, and the incredibly faster charging, and it's clear that the G72 is a vastly superior phone and will make it more enjoyable to use for longer. While the Nokia G21 certainly has its place, particularly if budget is the primary concern, the Motorola Moto G72 provides a superior user experience with minimal trade-offs.
