Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and Samsung Galaxy M35. I've got my engineering hat on and will be breaking down the specs, relating them to real-world user experiences, and helping you figure out which phone might be the better fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the key specs, along with what they mean for you in the real world:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Samsung Galaxy M35 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 162.3 x 78.6 x 9.1 mm | The G21 is taller and slimmer, while the M35 is wider and a bit thicker. M35 has a larger overall volume which is heavier. |
| Weight | 190g | 222g | The Nokia is noticeably lighter which makes it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Virtually identical screen sizes, minor difference in the corner. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2340 | The M35's display will be significantly sharper, with more detail on text and images. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 390 | The M35's higher PPI leads to a clearer, crisper viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The M35's AMOLED display delivers deeper blacks, higher contrast, and more vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The M35's 120Hz screen results in smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical max brightness (we need real world numbers here but for now we'll assume this to be the same). |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Exynos 1380 (5 nm) | The M35's chip is significantly more powerful for faster app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 578,500 | M35 has more than double the score, indicating a substantially faster experience in day to day use. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MP5 | M35 will handle graphics-intensive tasks and gaming much better. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 6000mAh | The M35 will likely offer longer battery life thanks to the larger capacity. |
| Charging | 18W | 25W | The M35 can charge faster, minimizing downtime. |
| In-box Charger | 10W | Not Specified | M35 will likely require a separate purchase for a charger while the G21 comes with a very slow one. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2", 1.00µm | M35 has a larger sensor and larger pixel size, which should result in better low light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 13MP, f/2.2, 1.12µm | M35 has higher resolution, better details on selfies, the G21 has a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | N/A | 8MP, f/2.2 | M35 offers additional versatility with wide-angle shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | N/A | G21 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait shots |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Comparable for close-up photography. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@60fps with EIS | M35 offers higher resolution and smoother video, along with electronic image stabilization for shake-free recordings. |
| Slow-motion Video | 30fps | 480fps | M35 offers smoother slow-motion capture, allowing more fun and versatile video capabilities. |
| Features | Digital Zoom, Triple Camera, AutoFocus etc | 2x2 OCL, Pro Video, OIS, Ultra stable etc | M35 has much more advanced features for better quality photos. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 14 | M35 has a more up to date Android OS with future updates likely to be better. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11n Dual-Band | 802.11ax Dual-Band, WiFi 6 | M35 has Wi-Fi 6 for faster, more reliable Wi-Fi and MIMO, with more robust network capabilities. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 | M35 has newer Bluetooth with more features and better power efficiency. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | M35 supports more satellite systems for more precise location tracking. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB or 128GB | 128GB or 256GB | M35 has higher base storage and a larger maximum storage option. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6GB | 6GB or 8GB | M35 has more RAM for better multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | M35 will offer a much more immersive audio experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-Mounted | Side-Mounted | Both offer the same basic biometric security. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | M35 has significantly better screen protection. |
| Sensors | Biometric, Proximity, Accelerometer | Biometric, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Hall, Geomagnetic, Ultrasonic proximity virtual | M35 has many more sensors, allowing for more advanced features. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Lighter and Slimmer: The G21's design makes it slightly more pocketable and comfortable to hold for extended periods, especially if you prioritize a lighter phone.
- Included Charger: The G21 does come with a very slow charger in the box, saving you the extra cost.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution and refresh rate provides a much richer and smoother viewing experience, ideal for media consumption and gaming.
- Significantly More Powerful: The Exynos 1380 chip will breeze through daily tasks and offer a superior experience in gaming and other resource-intensive tasks.
- Larger Battery and Faster Charging: This means you'll likely get a longer battery life and spend less time plugged in.
- Advanced Camera System: The larger sensor and wider aperture in the main camera mean better low-light photos. The addition of a wide-angle lens, OIS, and advanced features make it much more versatile, while it also sports 4K recording for higher-quality vlogs and video content.
- Up to Date Software: The latest android experience is a great plus.
- Superior Audio: Dolby Atmos and Stereo Speakers enhance the audio experience.
- Better Screen Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus is a huge plus in terms of durability.
- More Advanced Sensors: Gives better support for features and gaming.
- More Storage: Comes with more storage and memory options.
Significant Trade-offs/Limitations:
- The Nokia G21's lower resolution display and less powerful processor mean it will lag behind the M35 in pretty much every task.
- While the Nokia G21 does include a charger, it's a very slow one.
- The M35 is heavier and thicker, which may not be ideal for everyone.
- Neither phone supports expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 Is Best For:
- Budget-Conscious Users: If you are looking for something very affordable and very light, this will suit you.
- Basic Users: People who primarily use a phone for calls, messaging, and basic browsing. If you are looking for a basic, dependable phone, this might fit your needs.
Samsung Galaxy M35 Is Best For:
- Media Enthusiasts: Those who watch videos and movies on their phones regularly will appreciate the AMOLED display and stereo speakers.
- Gamers: The more powerful chip and GPU will provide a much better gaming experience.
- Photography Enthusiasts: The M35's superior camera system, including the wide-angle lens and 4k recording, offers much more versatility.
- Performance-Oriented Users: People who want a snappy and responsive experience for daily tasks and multitasking.
- Users Who Want Future-Proofing: The newer technology, faster charging, and latest android OS makes the M35 the better long-term investment.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to guide your decision:
- What is your primary use case? If it's basic usage and calls, the Nokia G21 is fine; for media, gaming, or photography, the M35 is a better fit.
- How important is the display quality? If you prioritize a vibrant, smooth display, the M35's AMOLED is the clear winner.
- Is performance a priority? If so, the M35's superior processor and more RAM make it the better choice, the G21's processor is a significant downgrade.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Budget phone for basic usage: Choose the Nokia G21 if cost is the primary concern and you don't need top-end features.
- Scenario 2: Media consumption and gaming: Choose the Samsung Galaxy M35 for its superior screen and performance.
- Scenario 3: Photography on a budget: The Samsung Galaxy M35 is the better option with a far more versatile camera system and 4K video recording.
- Scenario 4: Future proof, long term investment: The Samsung Galaxy M35 will be a better option.
My Choice
If I were making the decision, I'd personally choose the Samsung Galaxy M35. The superior display, substantially faster performance, better camera, longer battery life, and more up-to-date software make it the clear winner for me. I prioritize performance, media, and photography. While the G21 has some appeal with its lightness and charger, the performance gap is simply too wide. The M35 is the more complete device, offering much more value for the overall user experience. If budget is not a huge concern, the M35 is simply the better phone in every aspect.
