Okay, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Samsung Galaxy S23+. I'll be putting on my tech journalist hat to break down these specs and make them relatable for anyone looking to make a decision.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Samsung Galaxy S23+ | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 157.8 × 76.2 × 7.6 mm | The Nokia G21 is noticeably taller and thicker, the S23+ is slightly wider, and both are comfortable in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 196g | The Nokia G21 is slightly lighter, but both are relatively similar in hand feel. |
| Foldable | Standard | Standard | Both are standard slab-style smartphones. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Both phones offer similar screen sizes for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2340 | The S23+ has a much sharper, more detailed screen for better viewing experience. |
| PPI | 270 | 393 | The S23+ offers significantly sharper visuals due to its higher pixel density. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | The S23+ boasts far superior display quality with deeper blacks and vibrant colors. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The S23+ provides smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1750 nits | The S23+ is much brighter, leading to far better visibility in bright, outdoor conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (4 nm) | The S23+ delivers lightning-fast performance compared to the G21, which may be prone to lagging with heavy apps. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 1,508,732 | The S23+ is capable of high-end gaming and multitasking with ease. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 740 | The S23+ is better for graphically demanding tasks, including gaming and video editing. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.57" sensor | The S23+ has a larger sensor, which generally means better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.2 | The S23+ will provide slightly more detailed selfies due to higher resolution. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 10MP, f/2.4, 1/3.9" sensor | The S23+ has a dedicated zoom lens, offering more versatility. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" sensor | The S23+ allows for broader perspectives and group shots. |
| Portrait Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The G21 has a depth camera for bokeh effect portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The G21 can take detailed close up photos. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@24/30fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240/960fps | The S23+ is capable of capturing much higher resolution video and offers slow-mo options. |
| DxOMark Mobile Score | N/A | 133 | The S23+ has been tested to have a very capable camera, and has much better image quality. |
| Camera Features | Digital zoom, Triple camera, Autofocus, etc | 4K/8K Video, Optical zoom, OIS, PDAF, RAW, Night mode, etc. | The S23+ offers a more versatile and professional set of camera features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 4700mAh | The G21 has a slightly larger battery capacity, potentially resulting in slightly better battery life. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 45W Fast Charging | The S23+ charges much faster, making it more convenient. |
| Battery Features | Non-removable, In-box 10W charger | Bypass Charging, Reverse Charging, Wireless charging, non-removable | The S23+ offers more versatile charging options. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 13, upgradable to 17 | The S23+ has the newer OS and longer software support timeline. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz/ac/ax | The S23+ has Wi-Fi 6 (ax) for faster and more stable connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.3 LE | The S23+ has the newer version with more advanced profile support. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5) | The S23+ offers more precise location accuracy with more satellite support. |
| SIM | Dual Nano SIM | Dual Nano SIM + eSIM | The S23+ includes eSIM for digital carrier switching and flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB or 512 GB | The S23+ has significantly more storage for apps and media. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 8 GB | The S23+ has more RAM for smoother multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone supports expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | The S23+ has a superior audio experience with enhanced sound quality and clarity. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | Both have fingerprint scanners, with G21 having side mounted. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | The S23+ has superior scratch and drop protection with Victus 2. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer, Hall, Geomagnetic | The S23+ features a more complete sensor package. |
2. Key Insights
- Nokia G21: This phone is built for affordability and decent battery life. It's good for basic tasks, social media, and casual users who don't demand high performance. It has a slightly larger battery and a macro lens, which are nice touches. However, it falls far short when it comes to processing power, display quality, and camera versatility.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+: This device is a powerhouse, excelling in almost every area. It has a stunning display, a top-tier processor, an advanced camera system, and a more modern software experience. The trade-off is a higher price point, but the performance and features justify the cost for users who require a premium experience.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G21:
- Best for: Price-conscious users, those needing long battery life, casual smartphone users.
- Use Cases: Simple day-to-day tasks, staying connected through messaging and social media, basic photography.
- Price-to-Value: The G21 is a budget option, providing basic functionality without the bells and whistles.
- Samsung Galaxy S23+:
- Best for: Power users, gamers, photographers, anyone who values a high-end experience.
- Use Cases: Advanced multitasking, resource-intensive gaming, professional-quality photography and videography, immersive media consumption.
- Price-to-Value: The S23+ commands a premium price, but the value comes through top-notch performance and overall quality.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three key questions to help you decide:
How important is overall performance to you? If you need a phone for high performance apps, gaming, and smooth multitasking, the S23+ is the clear choice. If you just need basic tasks done, the G21 may be fine.
What's your budget? The S23+ is in a completely different class price-wise. If you're looking to save some money, the Nokia G21 will be a good fit.
How much do you value display and camera quality? The S23+ provides a premium experience in this regard with its AMOLED display, powerful camera system, and much higher resolution.
Scenario-Based Recommendations
- Budget-Conscious User: If you're looking for a basic, functional smartphone that won't break the bank, the Nokia G21 will serve you well. It covers the essentials and offers reasonable battery life for day-to-day tasks.
- Everyday User: If you want a phone that has all the features that would satisfy most average users with good balance of display, cameras, and performance, the Samsung Galaxy S23+ is the winner. It will last longer because of its more advanced features.
- Power User: If you're a power user who enjoys gaming, video editing, high-quality video and photography, then go for the Samsung Galaxy S23+. It's going to have better performance and is more future proof.
My Pick
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would go for the Samsung Galaxy S23+ without hesitation. While the Nokia G21 has a good price point and a bigger battery, its shortcomings in screen quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall software features are too significant for me. As a tech journalist and enthusiast, I need a phone that can keep up with my demanding needs and the S23+ is much better for my daily workflow. The AMOLED screen, fast processor, and versatile camera system of the S23+ are worth the investment. It provides an overall premium experience.
