Alright, let's dive deep into the nitty-gritty of the Nokia G21 and Realme 12x. We've got two contenders here, both aiming for the budget-friendly end of the smartphone market, but with some key differences that could make all the difference for you. Let's break it down, feature by feature, and see which phone might be your next best companion.
1. Specifications Breakdown
First things first, let’s get into the details. I’ve put together a comparison table focusing on real-world implications for each specification.
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Realme 12x | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 165.6 x 76.1 x 7.9 mm | G21 is slightly thicker, 12x is slightly taller and wider. Both phones are similarly sized in hand, 12x is more sleek and easier to handle |
| Weight | 190g | 190g | Virtually identical weight means both will feel similar in your pocket. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | 12x has a slightly larger screen; marginally better for media consumption and multi-tasking. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 720 x 1604 | Both are HD+; not the sharpest for detail lovers, but fine for daily use, especially at this price. |
| PPI | 270 | 264 | Very similar pixel density, meaning both will look very similar in terms of clarity |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Identical LCD technology, expect decent but not vibrant color reproduction; good viewing angles |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | 12x offers smoother visuals in scrolling and transitions, which can feel more premium and is very noticeable. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness could be problematic in direct sunlight; check detailed reviews for real brightness levels, but neither looks very promising |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 6100+ (6 nm) | 12x's chip is newer and more efficient (6nm);expect better overall performance, smoother app launching, and better battery usage. |
| Antutu Score | 253,300 | 442,599 | The 12x has a significant performance advantage, suggesting it will handle gaming and demanding apps more smoothly. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | 12x’s dual-core GPU will perform significantly better in gaming and graphic-intensive tasks. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacity; both should offer all-day battery life with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 15W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | G21 charges slightly faster, but the difference might not be huge in real-world scenarios. |
| Features | Non-removable, In box charger 10W | Non-removable | Both batteries are non-removable; G21 includes 10W charger in the box |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both phones have very comparable primary cameras, images should be similar under good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 8MP f/2.1 | G21's wider aperture should mean better low-light performance in selfies, but likely negligible difference. |
| Portrait (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both have similar depth sensors, with 12x having larger 1.75µm pixel size, resulting in slightly better bokeh. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | G21 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots; 12x does not. However, the resolution is typically low |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both support 1080p recording; 12x has a 120 fps slow motion option which is a big difference in features. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer, Front Flash | Digital zoom, Dual camera, Digital image stabilization, Autofocus, Touch focus, Continuous shooting, Geotagging, Panorama, HDR, Face detection, White balance settings, ISO settings, Exposure compensation, Scene mode, Self-timer | G21 has Triple camera, Front flash while 12x has Digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | 12x ships with a much more up-to-date Android version which has some privacy and security improvements. G21's older OS and limited updates are a huge negative. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n (Dual-band) | 802.11ac (Dual-band) | 12x supports newer WiFi standard, better performance and range on supported networks, supporting also Wi-Fi Direct |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | 12x offers slightly better range and stability with the newer Bluetooth version. |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Both offer the same basic GPS location features. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both are Dual SIM, dual standby; great for juggling work and personal lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 256GB/512GB | 12x comes with significantly more storage; better for storing a lot of media and apps, more future-proof than the G21. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 12GB | 12x offers much better multitasking potential. 12GB of RAM is excellent for this price point. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage, so choose wisely when deciding on storage needs. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | 12x provides much better audio experience with Hi-Res Audio and stereo speaker for higher quality and better immersion. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Side Fingerprint Sensor | Both feature a side-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick access. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Both phones have unknown screen protection, meaning there's a risk of breaking the screen more easily. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Magnetometer | 12x has a wider sensor suite offering more functionality like gaming and navigation. |
2. Key Insights
- Realme 12x's Performance Advantage: The Realme 12x clearly wins in performance. Its newer chipset, superior GPU, and more RAM result in a much smoother user experience, particularly for multitasking and gaming. The AnTuTu score difference is a huge indicator of this.
- Display: While both displays are similar in size and resolution, the 120Hz refresh rate of the Realme 12x provides noticeably smoother scrolling and animations, a plus for the overall user experience.
- Software: The Realme 12x has a significant advantage of launching with the much newer Android 14, while the Nokia G21 has the very old Android 11 and is likely not getting any new upgrades.
- Storage: The Realme 12x comes with much more internal storage than the Nokia G21, which will be important because of the lack of expansion slot.
- Camera: The Nokia G21 has a dedicated macro lens and a slightly better aperture on the selfie camera. However, the Realme 12x has better video quality with the slow motion option.
- Battery: Both have similar battery capacity, but the Nokia charges slightly faster; in the long run, the 12x will likely have better battery performance due to a newer, more efficient chipset.
- Audio: The 12x offers stereo speakers, a huge improvement in sound quality.
- Sensors: 12x offers a full sensor suite, allowing for enhanced gaming and navigation capabilities.
- Tradeoffs: The only real tradeoffs for the 12x are the slightly slower charging speed, which is usually marginal in real-world use, and the lack of a macro camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G21:
- Ideal for: Casual users who need a reliable phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and browsing. The macro camera might appeal to users who enjoy close-up photography.
- Use Cases: First-time smartphone users, or those with very light phone usage. The included in-box charger is also a nice plus.
- Limitations: The older operating system and chipset limit the capabilities for multitasking or gaming.
- Realme 12x:
- Ideal for: Users who want a smooth, responsive experience and enjoy a variety of tasks, including social media, gaming, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: Teenagers, young adults, and anyone who does a lot of media consumption. The superior performance and display are more suitable for gaming, and the larger storage is great for media.
- Limitations: The lack of a macro camera may disappoint those who love detailed close-up photography.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before making a decision, consider the following questions:
- How important is performance to you? If you need smooth multitasking and the ability to play demanding games, the Realme 12x is the clear choice. If your needs are basic, you might consider the G21.
- How much storage do you need? The 12x comes with a much larger storage capacity. If you have lots of apps, photos, and videos, the 12x is the better choice.
- How important is an up to date operating system? The 12x ships with Android 14, while the G21 ships with Android 11 and is not likely to get any new updates.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Budget-Conscious User: If your budget is tight and you need a simple phone for basic tasks, the Nokia G21 might suffice. However, considering the marginal price differences, the 12x is a much better purchase.
- For the Mobile Gamer: The Realme 12x, with its powerful chip and GPU, is the clear winner. The smoother display and additional sensors also make the gaming experience much better.
- For the Tech Enthusiast: The Realme 12x is the better choice with a newer, more powerful chipset and up to date software, and is definitely the better value choice.
- For a First Time Smartphone User: While the G21 is more accessible, for not much more money the 12x is a much better purchase.
My Choice
I would choose the Realme 12x without a doubt. Here’s why:
The performance boost from the Dimensity 6100+ chipset is HUGE, as indicated by the AnTuTu score difference. The newer, more efficient chipset paired with the 120Hz display, significantly larger internal storage, and more RAM creates a much more enjoyable and responsive experience. While the Nokia G21 might be slightly cheaper, the Realme 12x offers far superior overall value and will provide a longer lifespan before it starts to feel dated. It also has stereo speakers and a much more up to date operating system, both of which are important. The minor trade-offs like slightly slower charging and no macro camera are, for me, easily justifiable given the performance gains.
In short, the Realme 12x is the clear winner here for almost any user.
