Alright, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Nokia G21 and Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. These two phones occupy a similar space in the market, but as we'll see, they have very different strengths. I'll break down their specs, give you my insights, and help you figure out which one might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Nokia G21 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 163 x 76 x 8 mm | The Redmi Note 12 Pro is slightly shorter and thinner, potentially feeling a bit more sleek in the hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 187g | Both are nearly identical in weight, so no noticeable difference in hand. |
| Build Material | Not Specified | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has superior screen protection |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.67" | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a marginally larger screen, which might be better for multimedia consumption. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1080 x 2400 | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a significantly sharper and clearer display. |
| Pixel Density (PPI) | 270 | 395 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's higher PPI translates to crisper text and images, enhancing overall viewing experience. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | Redmi Note 12 Pro has superior contrast, deeper blacks, more vibrant colors, and better energy efficiency for dark themes |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | Redmi Note 12 Pro provides a smoother visual experience for scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 900 nits | Redmi Note 12 Pro will be much easier to see outdoors in bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Mediatek Dimensity 1080 (6 nm) | Redmi Note 12 Pro's chipset is much more powerful, resulting in faster app loading and smoother multitasking, making it significantly better for gaming |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 573,200 | Redmi Note 12 Pro delivers significantly higher performance suitable for more demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G68 MC4 | Redmi Note 12 Pro's GPU is better suited for graphics-intensive apps and games. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Sensor | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.88, 1/1.56", 1.0µm | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a larger sensor with bigger pixels, resulting in better low-light performance and improved image quality. |
| Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 16MP | Redmi Note 12 Pro will capture sharper selfies with more detail. |
| Wide Angle Lens | No | 8MP, f/1.9 | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more versatility in taking shots with different focal lengths. |
| Portrait (Depth) Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | No | Nokia G21 offers a dedicated depth lens, which may help with portrait style pictures. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4, 1/5", 1.75µm | Both have macro lenses that allow for close-up shots, but the Redmi Note 12 Pro's sensor is a bit bigger. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, up to 720p@960fps | Redmi Note 12 Pro is capable of recording much higher quality videos, including slow motion videos. |
| OIS | No | Yes | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers optical image stabilization for steadier videos and photos |
| DXOMark Score | Not Tested | 102 (Mobile) | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a good camera score. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer similar battery capacity and can last throughout the day under moderate usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Redmi Note 12 Pro charges much faster, reducing downtime significantly. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 12 (no max version specified) | Redmi Note 12 Pro runs on a newer version of Android. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports the newer Wi-Fi 6 standard for faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.2 LE | Redmi Note 12 Pro has a newer Bluetooth standard |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, QZSS, Galileo | Redmi Note 12 Pro supports more satellite systems for better location accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 128GB/256GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more base storage and more storage at higher end. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 6GB/8GB/12GB | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers more RAM, excellent for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has an SD Card slot |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | Redmi Note 12 Pro offers an enhanced audio experience with stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos. |
| Security | |||
| Security | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both phones have the same fingerprint sensor. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope | Redmi Note 12 Pro has more sensors that can enhance features. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Battery Life: While the capacity is similar, Nokia has a reputation for power efficiency, and the lower resolution screen and less powerful chipset could lead to longer battery life.
- Price Point: Nokia often targets the budget-conscious, so the G21 is likely to be more affordable.
- Simplicity: Its less powerful chipset is more than enough for basic tasks, meaning it is a great phone for the user who wants something simple and dependable.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro Strengths:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED screen with high resolution, refresh rate, and brightness makes it much better for media consumption and general use.
- Performance Powerhouse: The Dimensity 1080 chipset offers a massive performance advantage, making it a great choice for gaming and demanding applications.
- Advanced Camera: The larger main camera sensor with 1.0µm pixel size and video features like OIS and 4K recording, significantly improve the quality of the photos and videos captured with the phone.
- Fast Charging: 67W charging is a game-changer, quickly topping up the battery when needed.
- Improved audio and connectivity: Dolby Atmos with stereo speakers along with a more modern Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity makes it much better suited for multimedia.
- Premium Features: Inclusion of features like an OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a faster Bluetooth and WiFi, and a gyro and compass shows how the phone excels at higher performance and better hardware.
Trade-offs and Limitations:
- The Nokia G21 falls short in display quality, processing power, and camera capabilities. It's a phone made for those who need to get the basic things done on a smartphone.
- The Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro might be more expensive than the G21 and neither phone has expandable storage.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is ideal for:
- Budget-Conscious Users: Those who prioritize affordability and still need a reliable smartphone for basic use.
- Light Users: Individuals who primarily use their phones for calls, texts, web browsing, and simple social media.
- Users with Battery Life Priority: The low powered chip and the low resolution display will mean better battery life for day to day tasks.
- First-Time Smartphone Buyers: Its simplicity and reliability could be a great stepping stone to those new to smartphones.
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro is ideal for:
- Multimedia Enthusiasts: Users who consume a lot of videos, games, and enjoy high-quality visuals.
- Gamers: The powerful chipset and GPU make it a great choice for mobile gaming.
- Photography and Videography Enthusiasts: Those who want a more versatile camera with better low-light performance and high-quality video capabilities.
- Power Users: Individuals who multitask, run resource-intensive apps, and appreciate fast charging and more connectivity options.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose:
- What’s my budget? If you're on a tight budget, the Nokia G21 may be more appealing.
- How do I use my phone daily? If your usage is primarily basic communication, the Nokia is fine; for anything more, the Redmi Note 12 Pro will be much better.
- How much do I value performance and features? The Redmi Note 12 Pro wins in display, performance, camera and charging.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Basic Daily Use
- Recommendation: Nokia G21. If you primarily use your phone for calls, texts, and simple social media, its reliability and longer battery life will be beneficial.
- Scenario 2: Casual Gamer & Media Consumer
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The improved display and powerful processor will be essential for a great experience.
- Scenario 3: Camera and Photography
- Recommendation: Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. The improved camera features and sensor size make it a better choice for photography and videography enthusiasts.
- Scenario 4: Budget Buyer
- Recommendation: Nokia G21. Prioritizing the budget makes this phone a great option, with the basic functionality you need from a smartphone.
My Choice
If I were to choose, I'd go for the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro. While the Nokia G21 is a decent phone for basic tasks, the Redmi Note 12 Pro offers a much more rounded and powerful experience. The AMOLED display alone makes it a great option for everyday use. The faster chipset, better camera, and lightning-fast charging are features that, for me, are essential for a modern smartphone. Given my penchant for mobile photography, gaming, and watching videos, the Redmi Note 12 Pro caters perfectly to my use case. Although it might be a bit more expensive, the improvements across the board make it the better value and an overall winner in this comparison.
