Okay, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. Buckle up, because we're about to get into the nitty-gritty of these two budget-friendly contenders.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a table breaking down the key technical specifications and their real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Xiaomi Poco M4 5G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 164 × 76.1 × 8.9 mm | Very similar size, Poco M4 5G is slightly thicker. Minimal practical difference. |
| Weight | 190g | 200g | Nokia is 10g lighter, noticeable over extended use. |
| Build | Plastic | Plastic | Both are budget-friendly builds, no significant difference in hand feel. |
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | Poco M4 5G offers better protection against scratches and minor drops. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.58" | Very similar screen size, negligible difference. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1080x2408 | Poco M4 5G has a sharper and clearer display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 401 | Poco M4 5G's screen will look noticeably sharper with finer details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both use the same technology, so color and viewing angles will be similar. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Both offer a smooth scrolling experience. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both have identical peak brightness; should perform similarly in terms of visibility in different lighting conditions |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 700 (7 nm) | Poco M4 5G's chipset is significantly more powerful, offering better overall performance. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 381,300 | Poco M4 5G is 51% faster, offering smoother multitasking and better gaming performance. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MC2 | Poco M4 5G has a more powerful GPU that can handle more demanding graphics-intensive tasks |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP (f/1.8) | 13MP (f/2.2) | Nokia G21's main camera has more detail and better low-light performance, at least on paper |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP (f/2.0) | 5MP (f/2.2) | Nokia G21's selfie camera should take better pictures with more detail and better in low light |
| Macro Lens | 2MP (f/2.4) | None | Nokia G21 offers dedicated macro photography for close-up shots |
| Depth Sensor | 2MP (f/2.4) | 2MP (f/2.4) | Both have comparable depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record standard 1080p video for social sharing. |
| Features | Triple Camera, Front Flash, Panorama, Continuous shooting | Dual Camera, 4K Video, Digital Image Stabilization, Night Mode | Nokia G21's camera has a dedicated macro lens and front flash, whereas the Poco M4 5G can record in 4K and has night mode. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both phones offer great battery capacity; similar battery life with regular usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Both phones use 18W for fast charging, average charge speed. |
| Battery Type | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | Both are safe and long-lasting; Li-Polymer is considered safer with slightly better performance, but minimal difference for regular usage. |
| Features | 10W In-box charger | Reverse charging | Nokia G21 has a charger included, Poco can charge other devices. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (Upgradable to 13) | Android 12 | Poco M4 5G is newer and closer to the latest versions of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | 802.11ac | Poco M4 5G has better WiFi capabilities for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.1 | Poco M4 5G has a newer Bluetooth version. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 64 GB or 128 GB | Both offer similar internal storage options. |
| RAM | 4GB or 6 GB | 4GB or 6 GB | Both offer adequate RAM options for multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone supports microSD cards for storage expansion. |
| Audio | 2 Microphones | Basic audio features | Nokia G21 has a slight edge for better call quality with dual mics. |
| Security | Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor | Side-Mounted Fingerprint sensor | Both offer similar biometric security for unlocking the phone. |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope | Poco M4 5G has more sensor options which can be used in apps and games. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Camera: Boasts a higher resolution main sensor (50MP) and a better selfie camera (8MP), along with a dedicated Macro lens for close-up photography. This is a win for photography enthusiasts.
- Battery: While similar in capacity, it comes with a 10W charger in the box, adding convenience.
- Audio Quality: The inclusion of two microphones should lead to clearer audio during calls and recordings.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G Strengths:
- Performance: The Dimensity 700 chipset and superior Antutu score result in a significantly faster experience. Apps will load quicker, and the phone is better suited for gaming.
- Display: Higher resolution and pixel density provide a much sharper display, significantly improving the viewing experience.
- Software: Comes with a newer Android version out of the box.
- Connectivity: Supports faster WiFi standards, Bluetooth 5.1 and Wi-Fi MIMO for more stable connections.
- Sensors: More sensor options allow for the use of more apps and gaming features
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- Nokia G21: The weaker chipset leads to lower overall performance and a lower resolution display.
- Xiaomi Poco M4 5G: The camera system is inferior to the G21’s; It is 10g heavier and lacks a dedicated macro lens.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize camera quality for everyday photos and videos, value an included charger, and prefer a slightly lighter device.
- Use Cases: Casual photographers, users who make a lot of calls, and value a simpler experience.
Xiaomi Poco M4 5G:
- Ideal for: Users who prioritize a smooth, fast user experience, value a clearer, sharper display, and need more reliable connectivity.
- Use Cases: Gamers, heavy app users, and anyone who streams a lot of videos.
4. Buying Decision Framework
To help you choose between these phones, ask yourself:
Do I need a higher-quality camera, or do I value performance more? If you’re into photography and don’t game much, go for the Nokia. If you’re more of a mobile gamer who watches a lot of media, choose the Poco.
Is a sharper display or dual microphones more important for me? If you want the best visual experience, Poco wins; if you want better voice capture, choose Nokia.
Do I need the latest Android version and connectivity, or is a good-enough experience adequate? If the latest version is essential or you need superior connectivity, pick the Poco; if a good-enough experience is fine, Nokia is an option.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- The Everyday User: For general use, the Poco M4 5G offers better performance and a sharper display.
- The Photo Enthusiast: The Nokia G21 is the better choice with its superior camera setup and dedicated macro lens.
- The Mobile Gamer: The Poco M4 5G is a clear winner with its higher performance chipset and better GPU.
- The Budget-Conscious Buyer: Both phones are budget friendly but with the Poco M4 5G offering more in performance, it might be worth the little extra.
Which Would I Choose?
If I had to choose between the two, I would go with the Xiaomi Poco M4 5G. While the Nokia G21 has a decent camera and a slight edge in audio features, the overall user experience on the Poco M4 5G would be significantly better. The more powerful processor, higher resolution display, newer software, and better connectivity are the more critical for an enjoyable daily experience.
The Poco M4 5G offers a level of performance that's noticeably superior and more future-proof, while the Nokia G21 excels in a few specific areas that are not as crucial for most users. For most, the Poco M4 5G offers a better balance of features for the money.
