Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and Realme 12 Pro+, translating their specs into real-world user experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Realme 12 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-15 | 2024-01-29 | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly newer, likely with more up-to-date software and features. |
| Dimensions (mm) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 | 161.5 x 74 x 8.8 | Nokia G21 is slightly taller and wider but a bit thinner; Realme 12 Pro+ is more compact, though slightly thicker. |
| Weight (g) | 190 | 196 | Nokia G21 is lighter, which may be preferable for extended one-handed use. |
| Build Type | Standard | Standard | Both are typical smartphones, no folding/unique designs |
| Display | |||
| Size (inches) | 6.5" | 6.7" | Realme 12 Pro+ provides a more immersive viewing experience with a larger screen |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2412 | Realme 12 Pro+ offers much sharper, clearer images and text. |
| PPI (Pixels Per Inch) | 270 | 394 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a far crisper display due to higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Realme 12 Pro+ has deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better power efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Realme 12 Pro+ delivers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have the same brightness (although, this could be an error since these phones would not work). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 (4 nm) | Realme 12 Pro+ is significantly faster, resulting in snappier apps, better multitasking, and improved gaming performance. |
| Antutu Score | 253,300 | 603,400 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a much better score, which shows in real-world tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 710 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more powerful GPU, leading to better gaming and graphics. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Realme 12 Pro+ has a larger sensor and pixel size for better low-light photos and more detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 32MP, f/2.4, 1/2.74", 0.8µm | Realme 12 Pro+ captures much higher resolution selfies with better detail. |
| Telephoto Lens | N/A | 64MP, f/2.6, 1/2", 0.7µm | Realme 12 Pro+ offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Portrait (depth) Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia G21 has a depth sensor for better portrait photos |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | Nokia G21 can capture close-up images |
| Wide Angle + Macro | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4", 1.12µm | Realme 12 Pro+ provides a wider field of view for landscapes and groups |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps | Realme 12 Pro+ records higher resolution videos, including 4k. |
| Video Stabilization | No | Yes (EIS) | Realme 12 Pro+ videos will be more stable with electronic image stabilization |
| Slow Motion | No | Yes, 240 fps | Realme 12 Pro+ can capture slow motion video. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery sizes, offering comparable battery life for day-to-day use |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Realme 12 Pro+ recharges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Charger included | 10W | N/A | Nokia G21 comes with a 10W charger in the box |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more up-to-date OS, leading to newer features and updates |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Realme 12 Pro+ supports newer Wi-Fi 6, providing faster speeds and better stability |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 | Realme 12 Pro+ has a more recent Bluetooth version, which might improve audio quality and reduce battery use. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, BeiDou (B1) | Realme 12 Pro+ has better location accuracy with more satellite support |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both phones support two SIM cards. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB or 512 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ offers more internal storage, accommodating more apps, media, and files. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB or 12 GB | Realme 12 Pro+ has far more RAM, better for multi-tasking and gaming. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Features | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | Realme 12 Pro+ has a significantly better audio setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Nokia G21 has more advanced fingerprint technology |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer | Fingerprint; Proximity; Accelerometer, Gyroscope | Realme 12 Pro+ comes with a gyroscope, giving it more motion tracking capabilities. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21:
- Strengths: The Nokia G21 has a slightly larger battery and a very basic in-box charger. It also has a dedicated depth sensor and macro lens, which could appeal to hobbyist photographers on a budget. Its fingerprint sensor is also side-mounted, which many prefer.
- Trade-offs: The phone’s performance is relatively slow due to its older chipset. Its low-resolution display, basic camera, and older Android version will be significant compromises for many users.
Realme 12 Pro+:
- Strengths: The Realme 12 Pro+ is a powerhouse with a high-resolution AMOLED display, a very powerful chipset, and a more versatile camera system with 4K video and OIS. Its extremely fast charging is also a huge plus.
- Trade-offs: It lacks the dedicated macro and depth camera lenses found on the Nokia G21. It also doesn't include a charger in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a basic smartphone for calls, texts, and light browsing on a tight budget.
- Basic Users: Individuals who prioritize battery life, don’t need top-tier performance, and have no intense camera requirements.
- First-Time Smartphone Users: People who are new to smartphones or who need a very affordable device with a very easy-to-use operating system.
Realme 12 Pro+ is ideal for:
- Performance Enthusiasts: Users who demand snappy performance, smooth multitasking, and good gaming capabilities.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Individuals who prioritize high-quality photos and videos, especially in low-light conditions.
- Media Consumers: Those who value a vibrant, high-resolution display for watching videos and movies.
- Tech Enthusiasts: People who want a modern smartphone with the latest features and technologies, like a more advanced display, faster performance, and the newest connectivity standards.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide:
- What's Your Budget? If you're on a very tight budget, the Nokia G21 might seem like the obvious choice. If your budget is more flexible and you're seeking the best value in a mid-range device, the Realme 12 Pro+ is better.
- What's Your Primary Use Case? If you mainly use your phone for basic tasks and want to maximize battery life, the Nokia G21 suffices. If you want a phone that's fast and capable, offering the latest in display technology and a good camera, go for the Realme 12 Pro+.
- What are your Feature Priorities? Do you want the latest features like faster charging, the best display, and the newest Android OS? Or do you just need a cheap phone? If you want the best features, the Realme 12 Pro+ is much better, while the Nokia G21 is a much more basic device.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: On a Strict Budget: Go for the Nokia G21 if it's the only option you can afford; otherwise, the value of the Realme 12 Pro+ is well worth it.
- Scenario 2: Performance is Key: The Realme 12 Pro+ is the clear winner for performance, fast charging, and camera quality.
- Scenario 3: Casual User, Long Battery Life: If all you want is a very cheap phone with a big battery and an easy-to-use OS, the Nokia G21 may be a reasonable option.
- Scenario 4: Advanced Photography and Videography: Choose the Realme 12 Pro+ for its much superior camera, including 4K video with OIS and a telephoto lens.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would absolutely go with the Realme 12 Pro+. While the Nokia G21 has its place for very basic users on a tight budget, the Realme 12 Pro+ offers a much more compelling package with its high-resolution AMOLED display, significantly better performance, versatile camera system, and incredibly fast charging. The difference in day-to-day user experience is huge. The Realme 12 Pro+ has a much more modern and smooth experience due to its superior screen, faster chipset, and additional RAM. It represents a much better investment for anyone who wants a phone that can keep up with today's technological landscape. The extra cost over the Nokia G21 is well worth the improvements you will see in the performance and camera of the Realme 12 Pro+.
