Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Sony Xperia 1 IV. These two phones occupy very different segments of the market, and that difference is readily apparent when you get into the nitty-gritty of the specifications. I'll break it all down, focusing on what matters most to you, the user.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed comparison table focusing on real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Sony Xperia 1 IV | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm, 190g | 165 x 71 x 8.2 mm, 185g | Nokia G21 is slightly larger and heavier, might feel less comfortable in hand for some. Sony is more compact, but both are fairly standard for today's smartphones. |
| Build | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus | The Sony likely offers better screen protection, suggesting higher durability against scratches and drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.5" | Both have the same size display, but that's where the similarities end. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1644 x 3840 | Sony's display is much sharper, resulting in clearer text, crisper images, and overall a significantly better viewing experience. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 643 PPI | The difference in pixel density is significant. You’ll notice far more detail and less pixelation on the Sony. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | OLED | OLED generally provides superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast compared to IPS LCD. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Sony offers slightly smoother scrolling and animations. Noticeable in gaming and UI navigation. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Brightness specs unavailable, making it hard to compare outdoor visibility, and brightness settings. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM8450 Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4 nm) | Sony’s chip is substantially more powerful, leading to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and higher gaming performance. The Nokia chipset is very budget focused. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 1,076,100 | The massive difference in scores indicates a vast performance gap, where the Sony provides a far smoother experience for all use cases. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 730 | The Adreno 730 offers vastly superior graphical capabilities, leading to far better gaming performance and smoother UI. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 5050 mAh | 5000 mAh | Both have very similar capacity, so expect comparable battery life, although software and chipset differences will play a role. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Li-Ion) | 30W Fast Charging (Li-Polymer) | Sony offers noticeably faster charging speeds, reducing waiting time. Li-Polymer batteries generally last longer and are safer. Nokia also includes a 10W charger in the box, while the Sony does not. |
| Features | Non-removable, 10W In-box Charger | Bypass Charging, Non-removable | Sony's bypass charging is beneficial for gaming, where heat from battery charging is reduced, preserving battery health. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP f/1.8 (1/2.76" sensor, 0.64µm) | 12MP f/1.7 (Exmor RS, 1.8µm) | Sony has a larger pixel size, allowing for better low-light performance, while Nokia has more megapixels, potentially offering more detailed images in good light. The Sony sensor is more advanced. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP f/2.0 | 12MP f/2.0 | Sony has a slightly higher resolution, but other factors (like sensor type) also play a role. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 12MP f/2.3 (1/3.5" sensor, 1.0µm) | Sony provides optical zoom capabilities for better close-up shots without quality loss while the Nokia is limited to digital zoom. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 12MP f/2.2 | Sony can capture wide shots, offering greater flexibility in composition, which Nokia lacks. |
| ToF 3D Sensor | None | Yes | Sony can capture depth information for 3D effects, and augmented reality which is lacking on the Nokia. |
| Portrait Mode (Depth) | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Nokia has a dedicated sensor for portrait mode, but it's a very basic implementation. The Sony likely achieves similar depth effects with its powerful processor and software. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP f/2.4 | None | Nokia has a dedicated sensor for macro photography, but it's a very basic implementation. The Sony is likely lacking here. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Up to 4K@120fps, HDR, OIS, EIS | Sony offers vastly superior video capabilities, including higher resolutions, HDR, and advanced stabilization. |
| DxoMark Score | None | Mobile: 105, Photo: 107, Video: 92 | This highlights the significant difference in camera quality, with the Sony outperforming the Nokia. |
| Camera Features | Basic | Advanced | Sony offers more advanced features like RAW capture, optical zoom, and higher video stabilization. |
| Software & Connectivity | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Android 12 (upgradeable to 13) | Both will receive the same Android OS updates (13). |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 a/b/g/n Dual Band | 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Wi-Fi Direct | Sony features Wi-Fi 6 and direct functionality for faster and more reliable connectivity. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 with advanced audio codecs | Sony has a newer version and a richer set of audio codecs for high-fidelity audio. |
| GPS | Basic GPS | More Advanced GPS Support | Sony is compatible with more satellite positioning systems, offering more accurate location tracking. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano + eSIM) | Sony features eSIM for easy carrier switching and more flexibility. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64/128GB | 256/512GB | Sony offers much more storage, important for media, large apps, and 4K video. |
| RAM | 4/6GB | 12/16GB | Sony has significantly more RAM, leading to better multitasking performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither device has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 Microphones | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Sony offers significantly more immersive audio with the Hi-Res audio and Dolby Atmos. Nokia is very basic. |
| Security | |||
| Biometrics | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Side-Mounted Fingerprint | Both have a similar fingerprint sensor on the side. |
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Fingerprint | Proximity, Accelerometer, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Sony offers a more comprehensive sensor set for enhanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
- Nokia G21:
- Strengths: Its primary strength is its large battery, which, combined with a low-power chipset and display, will result in very long battery life. It also has a basic triple camera system, and its lower price point makes it more accessible.
- Limitations: The Nokia G21 struggles in every other category. Its performance is low, its screen lacks crispness, and its camera is not a strong performer. The lack of expandable storage and very basic audio is also noticeable.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Strengths: The Sony Xperia 1 IV is a powerhouse. Its standout features are its brilliant OLED display, high-end Snapdragon processor, high-quality camera system, superior video capabilities, and enhanced audio features.
- Limitations: It's a much pricier device, its battery capacity is similar to the Nokia, so battery life is likely to be less than the Nokia, and lack of expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Nokia G21:
- Ideal User: Someone who needs a very budget-friendly smartphone, prioritizes battery life above everything else, and performs basic tasks such as calling, browsing, and basic social media, but they need long battery life. It's a good fit for people who need a basic, reliable device without the bells and whistles.
- Use Cases: Basic calling, texting, checking emails, very light web browsing, and as a backup phone.
- Sony Xperia 1 IV:
- Ideal User: Tech enthusiasts, content creators, mobile gamers, and users who prioritize a premium experience. Someone who needs a device that delivers top-tier performance, excellent camera quality, and exceptional media consumption.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, professional photography, content creation, high-end video recording, and any application that benefits from a top-tier screen, such as watching high-resolution movies.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you decide:
- Budget: Are you budget-constrained, or are you willing to spend more for premium features? The price difference here is significant.
- Primary Usage: What do you need the phone to do most of the time? Is it basic communication or resource-intensive tasks like gaming and video editing?
- Feature Priorities: Do you value battery life over display quality and performance, or vice versa?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Budget-Conscious, Basic Use): If you're primarily looking for a device that will keep you connected with basic tasks without breaking the bank, the Nokia G21 is the more practical choice. The long battery life will be a significant advantage.
- Scenario 2 (Multimedia and Performance Enthusiast): If you demand the very best in display quality, performance, camera, and video capabilities, and you're willing to pay for it, the Sony Xperia 1 IV is the obvious choice.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): For most users who want some balance between a higher quality display, better performance without the highest price, neither device is a good fit, and another choice is needed.
My Choice and Why
If I were choosing between these two phones for myself, I would choose the Sony Xperia 1 IV, hands down. While the Nokia has the advantage in terms of battery life and price point, the user experience is significantly inferior in every other category, even though the Nokia does come with the wall charger, and the Sony does not. As a tech journalist and smartphone enthusiast, I prioritize display quality, performance, camera capabilities, and overall speed and smoothness of the user experience, which is where the Sony shines. I understand that it's considerably more expensive, but the value it delivers in terms of its high-end features and capabilities makes it a better choice for my needs and for anyone who wants an excellent user experience.
