Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G21 and Samsung Galaxy A04. These two budget-friendly contenders offer a glimpse into the compromises you often encounter when seeking affordability. I'll break down the specs, translate the technical jargon into practical terms, and help you decide which might be a better fit for your needs.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed table comparing the two devices:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Samsung Galaxy A04 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-15 | 2022-10-10 | The A04 is a bit newer, which could mean a longer period of software updates, but that is not always a guarantee. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm, 190g | 164.4 × 76.3 × 9.1 mm, 192g | Both are roughly the same size but the A04 is slightly thicker, so it might feel a little more bulky in the hand. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both phones are traditional, non-folding designs. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Identical screen sizes; both suitable for media consumption and daily tasks. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1600 | HD+ resolution means text and images won't be super sharp, but its adequate for this price point. |
| PPI | 270 | 270 | Pixel density is the same, meaning similar level of detail and sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD generally offers slightly better viewing angles and color accuracy than PLS LCD, giving the Nokia G21 a slight edge. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | Nokia G21’s 90Hz display will feel smoother when scrolling through feeds and menus. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness is not specified, this might be a downside for viewing in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Different chips, indicating different architectures and performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 124,000 | Nokia G21 has a significantly higher AnTuTu score, so it will provide much faster performance and app loading. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 (ARM Mali-G57) | PowerVR GE8320 (PowerVR GE8320) | Different GPU configurations; the Nokia's GPU will likely handle graphics tasks better. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 0.80µm | Nokia G21 has smaller pixels, but sensor size is given, making it slightly better than the A04. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 5MP, f/2.2 | Nokia G21 has a higher resolution selfie camera with a wider aperture, great for low light selfies. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have an identical depth camera for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | Nokia G21 has an additional macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities, suitable for basic social media videos. |
| Features | Triple camera, Front Flash | Dual camera | Nokia G21 provides additional versatility with a macro lens, and a front flash. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Similar battery capacities; expect comparable battery life, likely a day's use for most users. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | No fast charging | Nokia G21 supports faster charging, allowing you to top up the battery quicker. |
| Charger | 10W In Box Charger | No In Box Charger | Nokia G21 includes a 10W charger in the box. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradeable to 13 | Android 12, Upgradeable to 13 | The A04 ships with a slightly newer Android version, but both should get updated to Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual band, Wi-Fi Display | 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Wi-Fi Direct | Samsung A04 has the newer 802.11ac standard. Nokia G21 supports dual band and WiFi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Both devices feature the same Bluetooth standard for connectivity. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS | Nokia G21 offers more satellite systems for slightly more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support Dual SIM functionality. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 32GB, 64GB, or 128GB | Both come in multiple storage configurations up to 128GB. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 3GB, 4GB, or 6GB | Both phones come with up to 6GB of RAM, adequate for most apps. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic | Nokia G21 has a slight edge in audio capture with its dual-microphone setup. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted Fingerprint sensor | Basic features | Nokia G21 offers better security features with the inclusion of a fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Features | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Proximity, Accelerometer | Nokia G21 has an additional fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 - Strengths:
- Performance: The Unisoc T606 chipset combined with a much higher AnTuTu score shows that it is significantly faster and more responsive than the Galaxy A04. This makes it better for multitasking and using more demanding apps.
- Display: The 90Hz IPS LCD is a clear upgrade, offering smoother visuals and slightly better colors and viewing angles.
- Camera: The extra macro camera and the higher resolution selfie camera add versatility, making it more feature-rich for photography.
- Charging: 18W fast charging is a welcome addition, allowing you to top up the battery much quicker, as opposed to waiting for a standard charger to complete.
- Security: Includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor.
- Audio: Improved voice capture with 2 microphones.
- In-Box Charger: Includes a 10W charger in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A04 - Strengths:
- Software: Ships with a slightly newer version of Android (12).
- Wi-Fi: Supports the newer 802.11ac WiFi standard.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Both phones have a relatively low-resolution HD+ display, which means text might look slightly less sharp and it is not ideal for crisp detail if you are watching media content.
- Neither device offers expandable storage, limiting you to the onboard capacity.
- Neither includes a dedicated screen protector.
- Samsung Galaxy A04 is missing fast charging and also an In Box Charger.
- The Galaxy A04 is weaker in its benchmark performance, and will struggle more when multitasking.
- Both phones are made entirely of plastic, which may feel less premium.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is Best For:
- Users seeking better performance in everyday tasks and moderate gaming.
- Those who appreciate a smoother display experience.
- Budget-conscious photographers looking for a more versatile camera system.
- Users who prioritize fast charging and a fingerprint sensor for quick unlocking.
- Users who need dual microphones for clearer voice capture and a charger included in the box.
Samsung Galaxy A04 is Best For:
- Users who prioritize the newest software.
- Those who require the latest Wi-Fi standard.
- Users with very basic smartphone needs who are not doing any heavy multitasking.
- Price-conscious shoppers on a tight budget.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- How important is performance for you? If you want smooth multitasking and app loading, the Nokia G21 is the better choice due to its significantly higher benchmark scores and stronger GPU.
- Do you prioritize display smoothness and camera versatility? If yes, the Nokia G21’s 90Hz display and macro lens are significant advantages, and offer better all round features, such as fast charging, a fingerprint sensor and charger included.
- What is your budget limit and feature priority? If price is the primary factor and basic smartphone functionality is all you need, the Samsung A04 is a more cost-effective option.
Final Thoughts: What I Would Choose
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would definitely go with the Nokia G21. The improvements in performance, the smoother 90Hz display, the extra camera lens and front flash, the 18W fast charging and inclusion of a fingerprint sensor make it a more well-rounded device and offer a far better user experience. The Samsung Galaxy A04 might appeal to those seeking the absolute lowest price, but the Nokia G21 provides better value for the money, offering more features and usability for only a slightly higher cost.
The G21 strikes a better balance between features, performance and value, and it’s a phone that would likely be far less frustrating to use on a daily basis.
