Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison between the Nokia G21 and the Realme 12+. I'll break down the specs, explain what they mean for you, and help you figure out which phone might be the better fit.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up against each other, along with the real-world implications of each specification:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Realme 12+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 163 × 75.5 × 7.9 mm | The Realme 12+ is slightly smaller and thinner, which might make it more comfortable to hold, especially for smaller hands. |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Both phones are identical in weight. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | The Realme 12+ offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to its larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The Realme 12+ screen will look significantly sharper, with finer details and clearer text. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | The Realme 12+ will have a noticeably sharper and clearer display, reducing pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The Realme 12+ will boast vibrant colors, deep blacks, and superior contrast, which makes for a richer viewing experience, especially for videos and photos. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The Realme 12+'s display will feel smoother and more responsive in animations and scrolling. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 2000 nits | The Realme 12+ will be much more visible in direct sunlight. Nokia G21's display brightness is not specified and can cause readability issues under bright conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 7050 (6 nm) | The Realme 12+ will be significantly faster, with better app loading speeds, smoother multitasking, and enhanced gaming capabilities. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 601,000 | The Realme 12+ will provide a much smoother experience, especially for demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The Realme 12+ will offer superior graphics performance, resulting in smoother gaming and better image processing. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 1/2.76" | 50MP f/1.88 1/2" | The Realme 12+ has a larger sensor and can capture more light, potentially resulting in better low-light performance and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 16MP f/2.45 | The Realme 12+ will capture higher-resolution and more detailed selfies. |
| Wide Angle | None | 8MP f/2.2 | The Realme 12+ allows users to capture wider scenes, which is great for landscape and group photos. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | The Nokia G21 enables portrait mode with a dedicated depth sensor. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both phones offer a dedicated macro lens for extreme close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps EIS | The Realme 12+ will produce much higher-quality video with more detail, particularly with 4K capability. The presence of EIS significantly enhances the stability of video recordings. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both devices have a similar battery capacity, suggesting comparable battery life under typical usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | The Realme 12+ will charge significantly faster, reducing downtime and getting you back to full capacity much quicker. |
| Charger in Box | 10W | Not Specified | The Nokia G21 comes with a basic charger in the box while the Realme 12+'s box contents isn't specified. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (Up to 13) | Android 14 (Up to 16) | The Realme 12+ has a newer OS and will likely receive more software updates and features and security patches. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The Realme 12+ supports newer Wi-Fi standards, ensuring faster and more reliable wireless connections with better performance on congested networks. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The Realme 12+ offers a more robust Bluetooth connection and supports more profiles. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | Both devices offer accurate location tracking, although the Nokia G21 includes more satellite systems for enhanced location. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB/512GB | The Realme 12+ offers much more storage space, especially with 256GB and 512GB options, and will better serve users with a lot of media and applications. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB | The Realme 12+ will handle multitasking and demanding apps much more smoothly, particularly with the 12GB RAM option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both lack expandable storage options, which means you'll need to consider available onboard storage carefully. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The Realme 12+ will have a richer and more immersive audio experience, especially for media consumption and gaming. Its inclusion of Dolby Atmos and stereo speakers are a significant advantage. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Basic Fingerprint | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is more convenient, placing the sensor where your fingers would naturally land while holding your phone. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Compass, Gyroscope, Fingerprint | Realme 12+ will be much better for gaming and apps that require gyroscope and compass. |
| ## 2. Key Insights |
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Galileo GPS: A minor edge with slightly better location accuracy through its support of an extra satellite system.
- Price: This older model will likely be a bit cheaper.
- Side Mounted Fingerprint Sensor: Slightly more convenient placement and usage.
Realme 12+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution, pixel density, brightness, and refresh rate is a significant upgrade.
- Faster Performance: The Dimensity 7050 chipset offers a substantial boost in processing power and gaming capabilities.
- Better Camera System: Larger sensor, a wide-angle lens, and high-quality 4K video recording make it more versatile for photography and videography.
- Faster Charging: 67W charging is significantly faster, allowing you to quickly power up your device.
- More RAM/Storage Options: The device offers superior multitasking capability along with more options for storage.
- Newer Software: A more recent operating system promises extended updates and access to new features.
- Enhanced Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers offer significantly better audio playback and capture.
- More Sensors: The gyroscope and compass expand the phone's capabilities in gaming, navigation, and augmented reality applications.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G21: The major trade-off is its lower performance and basic display tech. Its camera, while decent, is less versatile compared to the Realme 12+.
- Realme 12+: The biggest consideration here is the price, which will likely be higher than the Nokia G21 due to its enhanced features. There's also the lack of expandable storage to consider, though the 512GB option should suffice for most users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability over top-tier features.
- Basic Tasks: Users who primarily use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Light Media Consumption: Individuals who watch occasional videos, but not heavy streaming.
Use Cases for Nokia G21:
- A solid backup phone or a starter smartphone for a family member.
- A reliable device for seniors with basic needs and preference for long battery life.
Realme 12+ is best for:
- Media Enthusiasts: Users who enjoy high-resolution videos and games with vibrant colors.
- Photography Lovers: Those who value versatile camera systems and the flexibility of wide-angle shots.
- Power Users: People who need smooth multitasking and demanding applications on the go.
- Gaming Enthusiasts: Those looking for a superior graphics and audio experience for mobile games.
Use Cases for Realme 12+:
- A great daily driver for students and professionals needing performance on the go.
- Ideal for content creators who value high-quality photos and videos.
- The best pick for frequent gamers and those who engage in a lot of online activity.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you decide, ask yourself these questions:
- How important is display quality to you?
- If you value a vivid and sharp screen, the Realme 12+ is the better choice. If you're fine with a more basic display, the Nokia G21 might work.
- What kind of tasks will you be doing on your phone?
- For basic use, the Nokia G21 may suffice. If you do heavy multitasking, gaming, or content creation, the Realme 12+ is a better fit.
- How important is the camera quality?
- If you value versatility and better quality pictures and videos, especially 4K video, the Realme 12+ wins. The G21 is fine for basic photos.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Scenario: If you are on a very tight budget and need a basic phone for everyday tasks and don't mind basic screen tech, the Nokia G21 can be a suitable option.
- Media Lover Scenario: If you are a content consumer or you want a display that pops, the Realme 12+ is a better choice.
- Gaming Scenario: The Realme 12+ is the clear winner here due to its performance advantage, better display and audio, and its additional gyroscope sensor.
Which phone would I choose?
For me, I'd choose the Realme 12+.
Here's why: As a tech journalist, I value a device that can handle a variety of tasks smoothly and efficiently. The Realme 12+'s superior display, faster performance, more versatile camera, faster charging, more storage, and a more recent OS make it the better choice for my needs. Although the Nokia G21 offers a good value for those with basic needs, the Realme 12+'s feature set ensures a more engaging and productive mobile experience. The faster charging alone is a massive convenience, and its performance makes it easier to multitask and handle daily tasks with ease.
Essentially, the Realme 12+ is just a better overall phone for those who want a modern, capable device, and I'm willing to pay the premium for it.
