Alright, let's dive deep into the Nokia G21 and the ZTE Blade V60 Design. We'll go beyond the spec sheets to explore what these phones offer in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a breakdown of the key specifications, focusing on what they mean for you, the user:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | ZTE Blade V60 Design | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-15 | 2024-06-01 | ZTE is significantly newer, potentially with more modern design cues. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | 164.2 × 75.3 × 8.6 mm | Very similar, expect a comfortable grip with minor variations. |
| Weight | 190g | 198g | Nokia G21 is slightly lighter, which can be noticeable with prolonged use, but both are within a similar range. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.6" | Very similar screen size for comfortable viewing and interaction. |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 720x1612 | Both have similar resolutions, which are adequate for everyday use, but not ideal for crisp visuals. |
| PPI | 270 | 267 | Comparable pixel density, meaning similar screen sharpness. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Consistent color reproduction and viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 90Hz | Smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Similar brightness levels which mean they might struggle under direct sunlight |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Identical chipset, resulting in comparable performance for daily tasks and light gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 240,000 | The Nokia G21 demonstrates marginally better performance based on benchmarks, potentially offering slightly smoother responsiveness |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Identical GPU, similar graphics performance. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 5000mAh | Very similar capacity, expect all-day battery with moderate usage on both devices. |
| Charging | 18W fast charging | 22.5W fast charging | ZTE charges slightly faster than the Nokia. |
| Charging Tech | Li-Ion | Li-Polymer | ZTE uses a newer tech battery. |
| Included Charger | 10W | Not included | The Nokia comes with a slower in-box charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm | 50MP, f/1.8 | Comparable main cameras for everyday photos, but Nokia provides additional information on the sensor. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 8MP | Comparable selfie cameras. |
| Depth Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Similar depth sensors for portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | Not included | The Nokia has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots, while ZTE does not. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Similar video recording capabilities. |
| Video Stabilization | Not Included | Digital image stabilization | ZTE provides better video quality by offering digital image stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Front Flash | PDAF | Nokia has Front Flash; ZTE offers a faster autofocus with PDAF. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to 13 | Android 13 | ZTE has a newer OS out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-Band | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-Band | ZTE supports the newer Wi-Fi ac standard, which allows for faster data speeds and better range; ZTE also offers Wi-Fi Direct. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.0 LE | Similar Bluetooth for wireless connections. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Comparable GPS performance for navigation. |
| SIM | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Dual SIM Dual Standby | Both allow two SIM cards to be used at once. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB or 128 GB | 256 GB | ZTE has a higher storage capacity. |
| RAM | 4 GB or 6 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | Suitable for moderate multitasking on both devices. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither support MicroSD cards for extra storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | 2 Microphones | DTS / DTS X | ZTE offers a better surround sound experience. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted | Side-mounted | Similar fingerprint sensor for quick and easy unlock on both phones. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection details are not available |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Proximity, Fingerprint | ZTE offers a more comprehensive set of sensors. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Marginally Better Performance: While both phones share the same chipset, the Nokia G21 seems to edge out the ZTE in benchmark tests by about 6%, which might mean a slightly smoother experience overall.
- Dedicated Macro Lens: The inclusion of a macro lens allows for close-up photography, a feature the ZTE lacks.
- Included Charger: Nokia includes an in-box charger.
ZTE Blade V60 Design Strengths:
- Newer Device: Being a 2024 release, the ZTE Blade V60 Design offers a more current software experience, starting with Android 13 out of the box compared to Nokia's Android 11 which can be upgraded to Android 13.
- Faster Charging: The ZTE offers 22.5W fast charging, which is quicker than Nokia’s 18W, which means faster charging times.
- Higher Storage: The ZTE has 256 GB of internal storage.
- Better Video Stabilization: With digital image stabilization, video quality might be better when recording on the go.
- More Comprehensive Sensors: Gyroscope and compass provide better support for gaming, augmented reality, and navigation.
- Enhanced Audio: The ZTE has better surround sound due to DTS / DTS X.
- Newer Wi-Fi Standard: The inclusion of the Wi-Fi ac standard allows for faster data speeds and a wider range.
Trade-offs:
- Nokia G21: Offers a macro lens and is lighter, but comes with older software out of the box and the in-box charger is slow.
- ZTE Blade V60 Design: While it has an updated OS, bigger storage, faster charging and digital video stabilization, it lacks a macro lens and is slightly heavier.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 is ideal for:
- Users who need a lightweight phone: Its lighter build makes it comfortable for extended use.
- Entry-level photographers: The macro lens is a unique feature in this price range.
- Users who are on a budget and want a phone with a charger included in the box.
ZTE Blade V60 Design is ideal for:
- Users who want a more up-to-date experience: It comes with Android 13, meaning it's ready for the latest apps and services.
- Users who need plenty of storage space: 256 GB of storage is ample for most users, without the need for an SD card.
- Users who prioritize faster charging: 22.5W fast charging can be a significant advantage for people who are frequently on the go.
- Users who require better video quality and better audio quality.
- Users who enjoy mobile gaming, AR, and Navigation: The inclusion of compass and gyroscope provide better support for those features.
- Users who need faster internet speeds.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three practical questions to help you decide between these phones:
- How important is the latest OS and software experience? If having the most up-to-date software and features is crucial, the ZTE is the better choice.
- Do you need a dedicated macro lens? If you enjoy close-up photography, the Nokia G21's macro lens is beneficial. However, if you prioritize better video and sound quality then ZTE is a better choice.
- Is internal storage crucial? If you require plenty of space for your photos, videos, and apps, the ZTE with its 256 GB is the better option.
Scenario-based Recommendations:
- The Budget-Conscious Photographer: If you're on a tight budget and want to experiment with close-up photography, the Nokia G21 is a strong contender, but keep in mind the device will have an older OS.
- The Media Consumer: If you prioritize fast charging, and more internal storage for content, and a better video and audio experience, the ZTE Blade V60 Design is the preferred choice.
- The Mobile Gamer: If you require gaming-related sensors, ZTE is a better choice.
- The Everyday User: If you want a phone that offers good battery life and a balance of features without any major downsides, the ZTE Blade V60 Design is the more modern and versatile option.
My Choice
If I had to choose between these two devices, I would lean towards the ZTE Blade V60 Design. While the Nokia G21 offers a few advantages, the ZTE’s modern OS (Android 13), faster charging capabilities, digital image stabilization, more comprehensive set of sensors, enhanced audio, faster internet speeds and bigger storage are more appealing to me. I often find myself taking a lot of photos and videos, so I'd rather sacrifice the macro lens for better overall quality. Plus, the faster charging is something I always look for in a phone. While the Nokia G21 has some merit, the ZTE V60 Design feels like the better choice for me and what I'd look for in a smartphone.
