Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and Nokia G100. I'll break down the specs, highlight key differences, and offer some practical advice to help you decide which one might be right for you.
Nokia G21 vs. Nokia G100: A Deep Dive
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table, focusing on practical implications for users:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Nokia G100 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-15 | 2022-10-01 | G100 is newer by about 7 months, potentially with more recent software and features. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 166.6 x 76.7 x 8.9 mm | G100 is slightly taller and thicker, might feel a bit bulkier in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 195.1g | G21 is a touch lighter, making it slightly more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.52" | Both offer very similar screen size, negligible difference in viewing area. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both have HD+ resolution, not the sharpest but fine for everyday use. |
| PPI | 270 | 269 | Very similar pixel density, resulting in comparable screen sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use IPS LCD, expect decent color and viewing angles, though not as vibrant as AMOLED. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | G21's 90Hz refresh rate provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness isn't specified, expect similar performance in sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) | G21's Unisoc has higher Antutu score, suggesting slightly better performance, while G100 has slightly more energy efficiency |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 201,615 | G21 demonstrates better overall performance with 26% higher scores. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 | Both GPUs will handle daily tasks and casual gaming adequately; different architectures, impacts games differently |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8 | 13MP, f/2.0 | G21's higher resolution and wider aperture should result in better image quality, especially in low light. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP, f/2.4 | G21 has slightly better light gathering capability on its front camera due to the wider aperture |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 5MP, f/2.2 | G100 offers a wide-angle option for landscape and group shots, while the G21 lacks it |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both provide a similar depth sensor for portrait mode blurring. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | G21 offers a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, which the G100 does not have |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps, No Slow-mo | 1080p@30fps, 120fps Slow-mo | Both offer similar 1080p video; G100 has slow-motion capability while G21 doesn't |
| Camera Features | Front Flash | Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | G21 has front-facing flash; G100 has image stabilization and night mode |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar battery capacity, expect comparable battery endurance. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 15W Fast Charging | G21 charges slightly faster, potentially reducing downtime. |
| In-box Charger | 10W | None | G21 includes a 10W charger in the box, G100 doesn't |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 12 | G100 comes with newer Android version out of the box, but the G21 can be upgraded to 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n 5GHz | 802.11ac | G100 supports the newer WiFi 5 (802.11ac) standard for faster Wi-Fi speeds. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | G21 supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB or 128 GB | 32GB or 128 GB | Both offer similar maximum storage, G21 has more base storage. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 3GB or 4GB | G21 has higher RAM configurations for better multitasking capabilities. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports external storage; this is a major limitation for heavy users. |
| Audio | |||
| Microphones | 2 | 2 | Both feature dual microphones for good call quality. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Both offer a standard, easily accessible fingerprint sensor for security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Gorilla Glass 3 | Nokia G100 has an edge when it comes to durability, the Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Barometer | G100 has gyroscope (for better gaming and navigation) and Barometer, useful for health apps. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate makes a big difference in the fluidity of the UI and animations.
- Better Performance: With a higher AnTuTu score and more RAM (in the 6GB variant), the G21 should handle daily tasks and multitasking slightly better.
- Superior Main Camera: The 50MP sensor and wider aperture will likely lead to better photos, particularly in low light, than the G100's 13MP.
- Includes a charger: The G21 includes a 10W charger in the box, which is convenient for users that don't have a charger.
- Better GPS: G21 features additional GPS technology for improved location accuracy.
Nokia G100 Strengths:
- Newer Software: Ships with Android 12, though G21 can be upgraded to 13.
- Wide Angle Camera: The G100 has a dedicated wide-angle lens, giving it more versatility in photography.
- Slow-motion Video: Ability to capture slow-motion video at 120fps.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3 adds an extra layer of scratch protection.
- Gyroscope and Barometer: Includes sensors that enhance gaming and provide more data for health and fitness apps.
- Better Wi-Fi Standard: The 802.11ac provides better performance and speed than the 802.11n standard.
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Storage: Both phones have limited base storage options, with a max of 128 GB and no expandable storage.
- Display: Both have relatively low-resolution HD+ screens, which are not the sharpest compared to other smartphones.
- Charging: Though both have fast charging capability, the G21 has slightly faster charging.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G21: Best for users who prioritize a smoother visual experience, slightly better performance, and a stronger main camera. It suits budget-conscious buyers who want a reliable daily driver, with better GPS technology.
- Nokia G100: Better for users who value camera versatility with a wide-angle lens, slow-motion video, more durable screen, and prefer slightly more sensors (gyroscope and barometer). Also, users who want a more modern version of Android right out of the box, as long as they do not require the newest version, since the G21 can be upgraded to 13.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your choice:
- How much do you value smooth screen scrolling? If a 90Hz refresh rate is important, the G21 is the clear choice. If you don't mind a standard 60Hz display, then this isn't an issue.
- Which camera features are more important? If you value low-light performance, the G21 has the advantage. If you prefer a wide-angle lens, the G100 should be considered.
- What is your storage requirement and use case? Both phones have a max of 128GB with no external storage. If you are more of a social media user, the Nokia G21, with its better main camera, should be considered. However, if you like playing a lot of games and would make use of the slow motion video, the G100 would be better.
Which one would I choose?
After careful consideration of both devices, I would personally choose the Nokia G21. Here's why:
While the G100 offers a more modern software version and additional sensor, the slightly better main camera, faster charging, and, most importantly, the smoother 90Hz refresh rate, provide a noticeably better user experience for me. As an Android user that likes to browse a lot on my phone, the smoothness of the 90Hz display cannot be understated. Also, the slightly more powerful processor and inclusion of a charger in the box makes it slightly better value for the money.
However, it's not a clear-cut decision, and the G100's wide-angle lens, slow-mo video, and additional sensors are still great features that some users may prioritize. If you like taking a lot of wide angle photos, then G100 is a good choice. In the end, the best choice depends on how well each phone aligns with your specific requirements and priorities.
