Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Realme C61. It's always exciting to see how different manufacturers approach similar price points, and these two are no exception. As always, I'll be breaking down the tech specs into real-world implications to help you decide which is the better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the key specifications of the Nokia G21 and Realme C61, focusing on what these mean for you as a user:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Realme C61 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 167.3 x 76.7 x 7.8 mm | Realme C61 is slightly taller and thinner, while Nokia G21 is a bit thicker. Minor differences in pocket feel. |
| Weight | 190g | 188g | Practically identical weight, won't feel different in hand. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.74" | Realme C61 offers a slightly more immersive viewing experience due to the larger screen. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | Both are HD+, fine for casual use, but not the sharpest for detailed text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 260 PPI | Very similar sharpness levels, minor differences hard to notice in daily use. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Standard LCD, expect decent but not vibrant colors and good viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have the same brightness, indicating they might struggle in very bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm) | Minor differences, both are entry-level chips. Expect smooth performance for daily tasks but may struggle with heavy gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 252,597 | Near identical performance; both are similar in real world usage, not suitable for demanding games |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 (ARM Mali-G57) | Mali-G57 (Mali-G57 MP1) | Similar GPU capabilities, graphics performance will be comparable. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh | Similar battery sizes, expect both to last a full day with moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging, Li-Ion | 45W Fast Charging, Li-Polymer | Realme C61 charges significantly faster; Li-Polymer is generally more durable. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, 10W Charger In-Box | Non-removable | Nokia G21 has an in box charger and both have a non removable battery |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 32MP, f/1.8 | Nokia G21 has a higher resolution sensor, but the Realme C61's sensor performance is still unknown. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.0 | Nokia G21's selfie camera captures more detail. |
| Portrait Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both include a secondary depth sensor. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Nokia G21 has a dedicated macro sensor |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video capabilities, good for basic social media content. |
| Camera Features | Triple Camera, Digital Zoom, Autofocus, Touch Focus... | Dual Camera, Digital Zoom, Autofocus, Touch Focus... | Nokia G21 offers a Macro lense, front flash and continuous shooting mode; Realme C61 provides PDAF, dual camera and digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | Realme C61 has a newer version of Android out of the box, resulting in a more modern interface and better security. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac | Realme C61 offers more modern WiFi standards with Wi-Fi Direct allowing for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE, EDR, HID | Realme C61 has additional features such as EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) and HID (Human Interface Profile). |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Galileo | Nokia G21 provides additional BeiDou support for more precise positioning. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both support two SIM cards with dual standby, allowing for easy management of multiple lines. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB or 256 GB | Realme C61 comes in 256 GB variant, giving a significant advantage to those who need more space. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB or 8 GB | Realme C61 offers 8GB RAM variant, leading to smoother multitasking and better performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, so choosing an adequate internal storage variant is crucial. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 microphones | Stereo speakers | Realme C61 offers a slight edge in audio quality, Nokia G21 offers two microphones to improve audio clarity during phone calls. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | Both offer fingerprint sensors for security. |
| Build | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Protection type is unknown for both phones |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Nokia G21 has fingerprint sensor for improved security features. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Higher Resolution Camera: The 50MP main camera offers more detail than the Realme C61's 32MP.
- Front Flash and Macro Camera Front flash helps take better selfies and macro camera lets you take close up shots.
- Better GPS: The Nokia G21 offers Beidou support, giving more precise location services
- Fingerprint Sensor: Unlike Realme C61, Nokia G21 has the fingerprint sensor.
Realme C61 Strengths:
- Newer Android OS: Android 14 out-of-the-box is more secure and offers a more modern user experience.
- Faster Charging: The 45W charging is a game-changer, minimizing downtime.
- More Storage & RAM Options: A 256GB storage option and up to 8GB of RAM means more space and performance.
- Stereo Speakers: Stereo speakers enhance the audio experience, better for watching content and listening to music.
- Modern WiFi Standard: Newer Wifi standard for better connectivity
Trade-offs:
- Nokia G21: While it has a higher resolution camera, it runs on an older Android OS, and has a slower charging speed.
- Realme C61: It has a slightly lower main camera resolution and lacks a macro camera.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is best for:
- Casual Photographers: Those who prioritize having a high resolution main camera with a front flash.
- Navigation Enthusiasts: Users needing robust and precise location tracking.
- Cost-conscious users: Those on a tight budget but still want basic functionality with longer-lasting battery.
Realme C61 is best for:
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who prefer the latest Android OS and faster charging.
- Media Consumers: Enjoying videos and music with stereo speakers.
- Multitaskers: Those needing more RAM and storage for daily tasks and apps.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Do you prioritize camera resolution and GPS or the latest Android and fast charging? If you value camera resolution and precise GPS, the Nokia G21 might be your choice. If you prioritize newer software and faster charging, go with the Realme C61.
- How important is having a large storage and RAM? If you need as much storage and ram as possible, the Realme C61 is the only way to go with a 256 GB version and 8 GB of ram.
- How much do you value quick charging? The 45W charging speed of the Realme C61 is a huge advantage that significantly reduces charging times.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget User): If you just need a basic smartphone that is affordable, and has a decent battery life, the Nokia G21 is a solid choice.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia User): If you enjoy watching videos, listening to music, and using many apps, the Realme C61 with its stereo speakers, large storage, and more RAM is the way to go.
- Scenario 3 (Photography Enthusiast): For those who like taking photos and videos, the Nokia G21 offers better camera resolution and front flash.
Final Choice
If it were my money, I would lean towards the Realme C61. Here’s why: The combination of faster charging, the latest Android OS, the availability of 256GB storage and 8GB RAM, plus stereo speakers make a more compelling daily driver for me. While the Nokia G21 has a higher-resolution camera and extra GPS features, the overall user experience and future-proofing of the Realme C61 tip the scales for my daily usage scenarios. The speed of charging and having access to the latest Android features are very appealing to me.
