Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137). These two budget-friendly smartphones have their own strengths, and understanding where they shine (and where they don't) is key to making the right choice.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive table comparing the two phones, with a focus on what these specs mean in real-world use:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137) | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 165.1 × 76.4 × 8.8 mm | The A13 is slightly thicker and wider. The G21 will feel a tad more compact in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 195g | The G21 is a bit lighter, which may be noticeable during extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both are similar in size, not too much difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | The A13's display will look significantly sharper and clearer due to the higher pixel density. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 400 | The A13 offers a sharper display with less noticeable pixels. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | PLS LCD | IPS LCD on Nokia G21 generally provides better viewing angles and color accuracy compared to PLS LCD of A13. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 60Hz | The G21's 90Hz display provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both displays have similar peak brightness. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Helio G80 (12 nm) | The G21's chipset offers slightly better performance in benchmark, so it should be faster in apps and games. |
| Antutu Score | 253,300 | 200,150 | The G21 has an upper hand in overall performance with its higher Antutu score. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G52 MC2 | Different GPU configurations. The G21 with Mali-G57 MP1 might offer better general performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 50MP (f/1.8) | Both feature a 50MP main camera for detailed shots in good lighting conditions. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 8MP (f/2.2) | The G21's wider f/2.0 aperture should be marginally better in low light for selfies. |
| Wide Angle Lens | Not Available | 5MP (f/2.2) | The A13 can capture wider scenes with its dedicated lens. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have a dedicated depth sensor for portrait shots. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both phones have macro lens for close up shots. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both devices offer standard 1080p video recording. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity for all-day usage for normal use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 25W Fast Charging | The A13 will charge faster with its 25W capability. |
| In-box charger | 10W | Not available | The G21 comes with a charger in the box, the A13 does not. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11, upgrade to 13 | Android 12, upgrade to 13 | The A13 ships with a newer OS out of the box, but both phones will get Android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 5+Wi-Fi Direct | The A13 offers Wi-Fi Direct, which is useful for connecting directly to other devices. |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 | Bluetooth 5.2 | The A13 offers more efficient power management and improved connection stability. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 64 GB or 128 GB | Not available | The G21 offers better storage options (64 or 128 GB). |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | Not available | The G21 offers better RAM options (4GB or 6GB). |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither device has an SD card slot. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The A13 has better scratch resistance. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Ultrasonic Proximity Virtual, Fingerprint | The A13 has a more comprehensive sensor suite for different applications. |
2. Key Insights
- Nokia G21:
- Strengths: Stronger benchmark scores, smoother 90Hz display, slightly larger battery, in box charger, better selfie camera in low light, more storage options and RAM configurations.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a more responsive screen and better value in terms of performance for the cost.
- Trade-offs: Lower resolution display, no ultra-wide camera, no screen protection.
- Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Strengths: Sharper display, ultra-wide camera, faster charging, better Bluetooth, Corning Gorilla Glass, and a more comprehensive sensor suite.
- Competitive Advantages: Offers a more complete camera system and enhanced screen quality.
- Trade-offs: Lower benchmark scores, no charger in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G21:
- Best For: Users who prioritize smooth performance, longer battery life, and don't want to carry a charger around.
- Use Cases: Social media users, media consumers, and those who want a device that feels more responsive during daily tasks and light gaming.
- Samsung Galaxy A13 (SM-A137):
- Best For: Users who appreciate a sharper display, enjoy taking a variety of photos, and want the faster charging and screen protection.
- Use Cases: Photography enthusiasts on a budget, media consumers who value display quality, and individuals who want better scratch resistance.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help users decide between these phones:
- How important is display sharpness and scratch resistance to you?
- If you value a sharper display, and scratch resistance is important, the A13's higher resolution screen and Gorilla Glass protection is the better pick. If these are not the highest priority, the G21 offers a smoother 90Hz display.
- Do you need fast charging and have a charger already?
- If you are willing to have your charger to carry around, the A13 will top you up much faster with its 25W charging capability. The G21 comes with a charger in the box, but it charges a little slower.
- Do you prioritize raw performance and storage?
- If you value responsiveness and storage, the G21 offers a better overall experience with its higher Antutu score and more storage options. If performance is not the highest priority, the A13 is a fine option too.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For the Everyday User: The Nokia G21 is a better all-rounder with a more balanced performance. The smoother display and better performance makes this an easy pick.
- For the Media Enthusiast: If display quality and scratch protection is a must, then the Samsung A13 is the better option, with better resolution and Corning Gorilla Glass.
- For the Budget-Conscious Photographer: While both phones feature a 50MP main camera, the Samsung A13 takes a lead, with its wide-angle lens. If camera quality is not the highest priority, the G21 is still a fine pick.
What I Would Choose and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would go with the Nokia G21. Here's why:
- Smoother Experience: The 90Hz display makes a noticeable difference in daily interactions, offering a more fluid experience. The higher Antutu score and better performance in benchmarks solidifies this choice.
- Better Overall Value: The G21 comes with more RAM and storage options, meaning you get better performance and more room for your files. It also comes with a charger in the box.
- Practicality: The slightly better battery capacity, faster benchmark score and better performance is much more important to me than the ultra-wide lens and the sharper screen.
While the Samsung Galaxy A13 has its merits, particularly with the display resolution, screen protection and wide-angle camera, the Nokia G21's blend of speed and value tips the scales for me. As a tech journalist who is always switching between devices, a more responsive and longer-lasting device is a must.
