Alright, let's dive into a detailed comparison of the Nokia G21 and the ZTE Blade A75 4G. Both phones are targeting the budget-friendly segment, but they each bring slightly different strengths to the table.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a comprehensive look at the specs, along with their real-world implications:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | ZTE Blade A75 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 164.1 × 75.8 × 8.6 mm | Nearly identical sizes, will feel very similar in hand. |
| Weight | 190g | 189g | Both are light enough for comfortable, prolonged use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen sizes, slight edge to ZTE Blade A75 4G. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Standard HD+ resolution; fine for everyday use, but not the sharpest. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Very similar pixel densities. Expect similar clarity. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Good for balanced colors and wide viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations; noticeable improvement over 60Hz. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | A value of 0 nits is highly unusual for brightness. This may be missing or incorrect data. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Both phones use the same chipset; everyday tasks will feel similar. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 240,000 | Nokia G21 has a slight edge in raw performance; may be noticeable in demanding tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Both phones have the same graphical performance capabilities. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Both offer solid all-day battery life under normal use. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 22.5W Fast Charging | ZTE Blade A75 4G charges slightly faster, which could be more convenient. |
| Features | 10W in box charger, Li-Ion | Non-removable, Li-Polymer | Nokia G21 provides in-box charger. ZTE Blade A75 4G uses a slightly newer battery technology. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64 µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Both offer similar main camera specs, but Nokia G21 has details about the sensor that may indicate better image quality. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP | Similar selfie camera resolution; expect comparable performance. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP (depth) | N/A | Nokia G21 has a dedicated depth sensor for better portrait photos. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP | N/A | Nokia G21 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both record decent 1080p videos for standard social media sharing. |
| Features | Triple cam, Digital zoom, autofocus, etc. | Dual cam, Digital zoom, autofocus, etc. | Nokia G21 offers more lens options while ZTE A75 provides digital image stabilization. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (up to 13) | Android 13 | ZTE Blade A75 4G has a newer version of Android. Nokia G21 might receive future updates to android 13. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz | 802.11a/b/g/n/n 5GHz, ac | ZTE Blade A75 4G supports a newer Wi-Fi standard "ac," allowing slightly faster speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Standard Bluetooth connectivity; good for peripherals. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Standard location tracking with multiple options. |
| SIM | Dual SIM (Nano) | Dual SIM (Nano) | Both support dual SIM use. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB | 128 GB/256 GB | ZTE Blade A75 4G offers significantly more base storage (256 GB) with similar configurations. |
| RAM | 4 GB/6 GB | 4 GB/8 GB | ZTE Blade A75 4G provides additional RAM options, which is good for multitasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage, so keep that in mind when choosing storage variants. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X | ZTE A75 has slight edge with enhanced surround sound. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Standard side-mounted fingerprint sensors, fast and convenient. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Gyroscope | ZTE Blade A75 4G has gyroscope, which is useful for gaming and VR applications. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21:
- Strengths: More camera lenses giving it more shooting versatility. Slightly better benchmark performance and includes the power brick in the box.
- Competitive Advantage: The triple camera setup (including macro and depth sensors), which might appeal to those who like to take varied photos, and the 10W charger in the box.
- Trade-offs: Older version of Android, less base storage, and less fast charging.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Strengths: Newer Android version, more base storage capacity, and slightly faster charging speed.
- Competitive Advantage: The additional storage, the newer version of Android, faster charging, and the presence of a gyroscope sensor.
- Trade-offs: Lacks dedicated macro and depth cameras and the power brick is not in the box.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21:
- Best Suited For: Budget-conscious users who value camera flexibility and might not need tons of storage, and don't mind older versions of Android. Users who value having everything they need (charging brick) in the box.
- Use Cases: Casual photography, everyday social media, general use, and video sharing.
ZTE Blade A75 4G:
- Best Suited For: Users who prioritize storage, multitasking, and the latest Android version.
- Use Cases: Daily communication, media consumption, gaming, and running multiple apps simultaneously.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you choose:
How much storage do I really need?
- If you need a lot of space for media and files, the ZTE Blade A75 4G, with its base 256GB option is a clear winner. If storage is not as important, the Nokia G21's 128GB option should be enough.
Is having a dedicated macro or depth sensor essential for my photos?
- If you want to experiment with close-ups and portraits, the Nokia G21 has a dedicated lens for that. If you only use the main lens or your phone for selfies, the ZTE Blade A75 4G is the one to look at.
How important is having the latest Android software version?
- If you want the latest software features and security, the ZTE Blade A75 4G with Android 13 is the better pick. If you don't mind an older operating system, the Nokia G21 is a safe bet as well with a possible future update to android 13.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget Photographer: The Nokia G21’s triple camera setup gives you more options for varied shots.
- Power User: The ZTE Blade A75 4G with its faster charging and extra RAM is ideal for more demanding use.
- Casual User: Either phone will do well, but consider how important the different features are for you.
My Choice
If I had to choose, I'd go with the ZTE Blade A75 4G. Here's why:
- Storage: The base 256GB storage capacity is a game-changer for me. I like to keep a lot of media on my phone, and having that much space is incredibly convenient.
- Newer Android Version: I prefer having the latest software, not just for features, but also for better security and app compatibility.
- Gyroscope: I dabble in gaming, and the gyroscope sensor on the ZTE Blade A75 4G adds another layer of functionality for supported apps.
- Faster Charging: While not a huge difference, having a faster charging speed is handy for quick top-ups. I am also fine with buying my own charging brick as I have several already.
While the Nokia G21 is a solid phone, the ZTE Blade A75 4G's combination of more storage, updated software, and a gyroscope sensor makes it a better fit for my use case. The difference in camera capabilities is small and the slightly faster charging and more ram in ZTE A75 are more important for me personally.
Both phones offer great value for the price, so the "best" choice really depends on your priorities. I hope this breakdown helps you make the right decision for your specific needs!
