Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia G21 and Samsung Galaxy A05s. I'll break down these two budget contenders, focusing on how their specs translate into real-world experiences.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side look at how these phones stack up, along with what those specs actually mean for you.
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Samsung Galaxy A05s | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 168 × 77.8 × 8.8 mm | A05s is slightly larger and thicker, which may feel more substantial in hand but less pocketable. |
| Weight | 190g | 194g | Negligible difference; both feel similarly weighted. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.7" | A05s offers a bit more screen real estate, making content consumption and multitasking slightly more immersive. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2400 | A05s has a much sharper display, which means text and images look clearer and more detailed. |
| PPI | 270 | 393 | A05s’ higher pixel density will result in a significantly sharper visual experience with less pixelation. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | G21's IPS LCD may offer better viewing angles and color reproduction, but the A05s' improved resolution is still superior. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer smooth scrolling and animations, making the experience feel more fluid than standard 60Hz displays. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Unfortunately we do not have the brightness for either phone. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) | A05s’ Snapdragon chip is more efficient and capable, handling everyday tasks and light gaming smoother. |
| Antutu Score | 253,300 | 260,000 | Both offer similar performance for daily use but the A05s has a slight edge. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 610 | A05s’ Adreno GPU will handle graphics-intensive tasks and games slightly better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones should offer comparable battery life, easily lasting a full day of moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | A05s charges faster, reducing the time you’re tethered to a wall outlet. |
| In-box Charger | 10W | None | Nokia G21 has a charger in the box while you will need to source one for the A05s |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 | 50MP f/1.8 | Both should capture similar quality images, but Nokia provides more sensor details, including sensor model and pixel size. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 13MP f/2.0 | A05s will capture more detailed selfies. |
| Portrait/Depth Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both devices have similar sensors for portrait mode |
| Macro Camera | 2MP f/2.4 | 2MP f/2.4 | Both devices have similar sensors for macro mode |
| Video | 1080p@30fps, no stabilization and no slow-motion. | 1080p@30fps and 60fps, stabilization and 120fps slow-motion. | The A05s offers a superior video capture experience with support for 60fps, stabilization, and slow-motion. |
| Camera Features | Numerous features (see original JSON) | Less features (see original JSON) | The Nokia G21 offers more manual control options for more experienced users, like ISO settings and exposure compensation. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | A05s comes with a newer Android version and may receive updates for longer. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | A05s supports faster WiFi, allowing for more reliable and quick data transfers. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | A05s has a slightly newer version of Bluetooth for better connectivity and efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | A05s supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM capability for added flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both come with the same internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 4GB/6GB | Both come with the same RAM options. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports additional storage via MicroSD card. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Basic Audio | The G21 may have a slight edge in call quality and noise cancellation. |
2. Key Insights
Samsung Galaxy A05s:
- Strengths: Sharper display, more efficient chipset, faster charging, better video recording capabilities, more up-to-date software, and slightly improved connectivity.
- Competitive Advantages: The A05s edges out the Nokia in overall performance and has the advantage of a much sharper and brighter screen, offering a more enjoyable viewing experience. The Snapdragon chip will offer better performance in games and applications than the Unisoc chip.
- Trade-offs: Lacks a charger in the box, may not be as feature-rich with the camera controls compared to the Nokia, and has PLS LCD compared to the Nokia's IPS LCD.
Nokia G21:
- Strengths: IPS LCD display, more in depth camera features, and slightly better audio (dual microphones).
- Competitive Advantages: The G21 may attract users who prefer the display technology of IPS LCD and have more manual control over their camera. The inclusion of a charger is also a plus.
- Trade-offs: Lower screen resolution, older software, slower charging, and a less powerful chipset.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy A05s is Best for:
- Everyday Users: Those who consume a lot of media, need a smooth user interface, and appreciate a sharp screen for browsing.
- Budget Gamers: Users who play light mobile games occasionally.
- Tech-Savvy Users: Those who want a newer device with slightly better performance and connectivity and are looking for the most feature rich device on a budget.
Nokia G21 is Best for:
- Value-Conscious Users: Those who want an affordable and reliable phone with a charger in the box.
- Photo Enthusiasts: Users who appreciate more camera settings and want an IPS LCD panel.
- Long-Term Users: Those who might prefer a charger in the box, a reliable and well-built device and may not be bothered with future updates.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help users decide:
- How much do you value screen clarity? If you consume a lot of video content, the A05s's sharper display will be preferable.
- Do you need a charger in the box? The Nokia comes with a charger in the box while you will need to provide your own with the A05s.
- What is your budget and do you want the best device in this price bracket? The A05s has a better chipset, a much sharper screen, better charging, and a more up-to-date OS making it the better pick out of the two.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Media Buff: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05s for its superior display and video capabilities.
- The Budget-Conscious Photographer: Choose the Nokia G21 for the extra camera features and IPS LCD display.
- The Everyday User: Choose the Samsung Galaxy A05s for a smoother overall experience, better display, and a more up-to-date operating system.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would lean towards the Samsung Galaxy A05s. Here’s why:
While both phones have strong points, the A05s's higher resolution display, more efficient chipset, and faster charging make it the better overall device. The more up to date OS and slightly better connectivity is also a big plus. These advantages outweigh the Nokia’s slightly better audio and additional camera features, especially for a device used daily. The inclusion of a charger in the box is nice for the G21, but not a deal-breaker. The significantly improved user experience offered by the A05s makes it the better choice for me.
The superior performance, display quality and software make the A05s the clear winner here.
