Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia G21 and Realme 9 Pro+. I've been itching to get my hands on these two for a while now, and from what the specs tell us, they represent two different schools of thought in the mid-range smartphone arena. Here’s my detailed breakdown.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the key specs, with an emphasis on what they mean for real-world usage:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Realme 9 Pro+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 160.2 x 73.3 x 8 mm | The G21 is slightly larger, which might feel less comfortable in smaller hands or pockets. The 9 Pro+ is slimmer and more compact. |
| Weight | 190g | 182g | The 9 Pro+ will feel slightly lighter, a difference that becomes noticeable during extended use. |
| Build | Plastic, side mounted fingerprint | Plastic, basic fingerprint | Both are plastic build with different finger print sensor placement |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.4" | Both phones offer a similarly sized viewing experience, a negligible 0.1-inch difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | The 9 Pro+ has a significantly sharper display, with 125% more pixels, resulting in clearer text and more detailed images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 411 | The 9 Pro+'s display is noticeably sharper, enhancing the visual experience by avoiding a pixelated look. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The 9 Pro+ offers superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors than the G21. AMOLED also improves battery life with darker themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both screens offer smooth scrolling, but with a better display on the 9 Pro+ |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both phones have identical peak brightness at 0 nits |
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Realme 9 Pro+ will be more resistant to scratches and minor impacts, with Gorilla glass 5 |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Dimensity 920 (6 nm) | The 9 Pro+’s 6nm chip is more powerful and efficient, handling demanding tasks much better, with faster app loading and gaming performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 496,970 | The 9 Pro+ offers significantly faster processing speed and superior graphical capabilities, ideal for gaming and multitasking. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | The 9 Pro+ will deliver much better graphics performance compared to the G21 |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | The 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor that captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance and overall image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4, 1/3.13", 1.0µm | The 9 Pro+ captures more detailed selfies due to the higher megapixel count and larger sensor size. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8", 1.14µm | The 9 Pro+ is more versatile with a dedicated wide-angle lens for landscapes and group shots. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | G21 has a dedicated depth sensor which is not available in 9 Pro+ |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | The 9 Pro+ has a larger sensor and bigger pixel size for better macro photos |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60/120/480fps, 720p@960fps | The 9 Pro+ offers superior video quality with 4K recording, smoother framerates, and advanced slow-motion capabilities. |
| Camera Features | Basic camera features, Front Flash | Advanced features: OIS, EIS, 4K Video, RAW, Night Mode, Manual focus | The 9 Pro+ has significantly more features to help you take great photos |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 4500mAh | The G21 should provide longer battery life, thanks to the larger battery capacity. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 60W fast charging | The 9 Pro+ will charge much faster, minimizing downtime, ideal for those on the go. |
| Charger | 10W in-box | None | Nokia G21 provides a charger in the box |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 12 | The 9 Pro+ has a more up-to-date OS out of the box, which could mean a longer update lifespan. |
| Max OS Version | Android 13 | Android 13 | Both are getting up to Android 13, so should have a similar life |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax | The 9 Pro+ is more future proof with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 for better speeds, reduced latency |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | The 9 Pro+ has a newer Bluetooth version for more robust and efficient connections. Also supports better audio codecs |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS | Both have a number of satellite system for better location accuracy |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 128 GB or 256 GB | The 9 Pro+ has a higher storage capacity, perfect for people with lots of photos, videos, and apps. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 6 GB or 8 GB | The 9 Pro+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking, particularly for running multiple apps simultaneously. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Features | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | The 9 Pro+ has a significant edge in audio, with support for Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio for richer and more immersive sound experiences |
| Security | |||
| Security | side-mounted fingerprint sensor | basic fingerprint sensor | The G21 provides a better side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Biometric: Fingerprint; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer | Biometric: Fingerprint, Heart Rate; Proximity: Proximity; Motion: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Geomagnetic | The Realme 9 Pro+ has additional sensors for gaming and a better experience |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Longer Battery Life: The 5050mAh battery is a standout, promising extended usage for those who prioritize battery life over top-tier performance.
- Side-mounted fingerprint reader: Slightly more premium experience
- Included Charger: The phone has a charger included inside the box
- Affordability: Typically sold at a lower price point.
Realme 9 Pro+ Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with higher resolution and pixel density offers a noticeably better visual experience.
- Powerful Performance: The Dimensity 920 chipset makes the 9 Pro+ much faster and more responsive for gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger main sensor, additional wide-angle lens, and 4K video recording put the 9 Pro+ in a different class.
- Fast Charging: The 60W charging significantly reduces charging time.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Noise cancellation microphone and Stereo speakers provides much better audio quality
Trade-offs & Limitations:
- Nokia G21: The lower-resolution display, less powerful chipset, and basic camera may disappoint users who prioritize performance and visual fidelity.
- Realme 9 Pro+: The smaller battery might require more frequent charging. Also, doesn't have a charger included in the box
- Both: Neither device supports expandable storage which might be a dealbreaker for some
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is best for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who need a reliable phone with long battery life without breaking the bank.
- Casual Users: Individuals who primarily use their phone for browsing, social media, and basic communication.
- Users who need a charger: The device comes with a charger in the box
Realme 9 Pro+ is best for:
- Tech Enthusiasts: Users who want cutting-edge technology, higher performance, and better camera capabilities.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset, better GPU, and superior display make this phone suitable for mobile gaming.
- Content Creators: Those who need a high-quality camera for photos and 4K videos, as well as a great screen to view content.
- Users who care about the quality of audio: Dolby Atmos and Hi-Res Audio will enhance your experience.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- How important is battery life to you? If long battery life is your top priority, the Nokia G21 is the better option.
- How demanding are your daily tasks? If you use your phone for gaming, media creation, or multitasking, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the way to go.
- How much do you care about display and camera quality? If you want a vibrant display and better camera capabilities, the Realme 9 Pro+ is the clear choice.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: You're a student on a budget, you primarily use your phone for social media, and need all-day battery life? Go for the Nokia G21.
- Scenario 2: You're a mobile gamer and content creator who needs the best performance, screen quality, and camera. The Realme 9 Pro+ is a perfect match.
- Scenario 3: You need a reliable everyday phone with a decent camera for capturing memories, but don't want to break the bank? The Realme 9 Pro+ is a great option that will give you the best performance and will not disappoint.
Conclusion
After thoroughly evaluating both devices, I would choose the Realme 9 Pro+. Although the Nokia G21 has better battery life, the Realme 9 Pro+ offers a significantly better user experience in almost every other aspect. It delivers an outstanding display, superior processing power, and a more versatile camera, along with modern features and better audio. The faster charging also ensures that the smaller battery isn’t much of an issue. It’s just an overall much better phone, and I value an engaging experience over longer battery life. The only downside is that there is no charger included in the box, which is something to keep in mind when purchasing.
