Okay, let's dive deep into a comparison of the Nokia G21 and the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra. I'll be breaking down their specs and translating the jargon into real-world scenarios, just like I would for a friend trying to pick their next phone.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, with a focus on what these specs actually mean for you:
| Feature | Nokia G21 | ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Launch Date | 2022-02-15 | 2023-12-29 | The nubia Z60 Ultra is significantly newer with newer tech. |
| Form Factor | Standard | Standard | Both are traditional smartphone designs. |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | 164 x 76.4 x 8.8 mm | Similar size, but the nubia is a bit thicker and wider. |
| Weight | 190g | 246g | The Nokia is much lighter and easier to hold for extended periods. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.5" | 6.8" | The nubia has a slightly larger screen for more immersive viewing. |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 | 1116 x 2480 | The nubia's higher resolution means significantly sharper images and text. |
| Pixel Density | 270 PPI | 400 PPI | The nubia has a noticeably clearer display, with finer details. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | AMOLED | AMOLED offers deeper blacks, vibrant colors and better power efficiency. |
| Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz | The nubia’s higher refresh rate makes scrolling and animations smoother. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 1500 nits | The nubia is much more visible under bright sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (4 nm) | The nubia boasts significantly faster performance, better app loading, multitasking, and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 253,300 | 2,017,588 | The nubia is a powerhouse, while the Nokia is meant for basic tasks. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Adreno 750 | The nubia's GPU is designed for high-end gaming and graphics-intensive apps. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Lens | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", 0.64µm | 54MP, f/1.6, 1/1.49", 1.0µm | The nubia has a superior sensor, capturing more light and detail. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0 | 12MP, f/2.0, 1/2.4" | The nubia provides better selfie quality with a higher resolution sensor. |
| Telephoto Lens | None | 64MP, f/3.3, 1/2", 0.70µm | The nubia offers optical zoom capabilities, missing on the Nokia. |
| Wide Angle Lens | None | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/1.55", 1.0µm | The nubia captures wide perspectives, adding to its versatility. |
| Portrait Mode | 2MP depth sensor | None | The Nokia has a dedicated depth sensor for portraits. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | None | The Nokia has a dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 8K@30fps, 4K@120fps | The nubia records in much higher quality, suitable for professional video. |
| Stabilization | No | Yes (OIS/EIS) | The nubia provides smoother videos with optical and electronic stabilization. |
| Camera Features | Basic functions | Advanced features | The nubia includes advanced manual controls and features. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5050mAh | 6000mAh | The nubia has a larger battery for extended usage. |
| Charging | 18W Fast Charging | 80W Fast Charging | The nubia charges much faster, reducing downtime. |
| Charging Features | In box charger 10W | None | Both non-removable, Nokia G21 includes in box charger. |
| Software | |||
| Operating System | Android 11 (upgradable to 13) | Android 14 | The nubia comes with a newer Android version out of the box. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11n | Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) | The nubia has much faster and more modern WiFi for better speeds. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 LE | 5.4 LE, LDAC, SBC, AAC | The nubia has newer Bluetooth, more features for high quality audio. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Advanced, more systems | The nubia is more accurate with advanced satellite navigation systems |
| SIM | Dual SIM | Dual SIM | Both support dual SIM cards |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 64 GB/128 GB | 256GB/512GB/1024GB | The nubia offers more storage for apps, photos, and media. |
| RAM | 4GB/6GB | 8GB/12GB/16GB/24GB | The nubia has more RAM for smoother multitasking and performance. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | 2 microphones | DTS / DTS X, Stereo Speakers, 3 microphones | The nubia offers higher quality sound with better audio capture. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor | Basic fingerprint sensor | The Nokia provides a more advanced side-mounted fingerprint sensor |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Unknown | Corning Gorilla Glass 5 | The nubia has better screen protection. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint | Accelerometer, Proximity, Fingerprint, Compass, Gyroscope | The nubia has more sensors for advanced functionality. |
2. Key Insights
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Lightweight and Comfortable: Its lighter weight makes it easy to handle for long periods.
- Solid Battery Life: A 5050 mAh battery with efficient processing offers good battery life for daily tasks.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Secure and practical biometric security.
- In Box Charger: Includes a 10W charger for quick use.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra Strengths:
- Performance Powerhouse: The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip crushes any task you throw at it.
- Stunning Display: The AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh and high brightness is exceptional for media consumption and gaming.
- Professional Camera System: With its multiple advanced lenses and 8K video, the nubia is excellent for content creators and photography enthusiasts.
- Large battery and super-fast charging: The 6000mAh battery keeps you going, and when it's time to recharge, it does so extremely quickly.
- Advanced features: The inclusion of cutting-edge technology like WiFi 7, and advanced audio makes the ZTE device much more of a premium experience.
Significant Trade-offs:
- Nokia G21: It’s a budget-friendly phone, so you’ll notice a lack of features compared to the nubia. Its display, processor, and camera are designed for more basic tasks.
- ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra: The device is heavier and may be less comfortable for extended use for some users.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Nokia G21 User:
- Budget-Conscious User: Someone looking for a reliable phone without breaking the bank.
- Basic User: Individuals who need a phone for calls, texts, browsing, and light social media.
- First Time Smartphone User: Easy to handle with a focus on essential features.
- Long Battery Life Preference: Prioritizes battery life for extended use throughout the day.
ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra User:
- Tech Enthusiast: Someone who wants the latest and greatest specs.
- Power User: Individuals who need a phone for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and heavy multitasking.
- Content Creator: Perfect for people who want the best video and photo quality.
- Media Consumer: Excellent for watching videos and playing games with its immersive display and sound.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions that can guide your decision:
- What's Your Primary Use Case? If you're primarily focused on basic functions and a light weight, the Nokia G21 will get the job done. If you need high performance, amazing visuals, and advanced camera features, the nubia is the clear winner.
- How Much Are You Willing to Spend? The Nokia G21 is a budget-friendly option while the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is a premium flagship. Your budget will significantly guide your choice.
- How Important Is Camera Quality? If you need professional or high-quality results, then the ZTE device offers a much more robust system than the G21.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Budget User: If you need an affordable device for basic tasks, the Nokia G21 is a great choice.
- Gaming/Power User: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the obvious choice for a high-performance gaming phone with great graphical capabilities.
- Content Creation: The ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is superior with its advanced camera and video features.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two, I'd go with the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra, without a second thought. Here’s why:
As someone who appreciates cutting-edge technology and performance, I need a phone that can handle anything I throw at it. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip ensures that everything is buttery smooth, and the incredible AMOLED display and great battery make it an excellent daily driver.
While the Nokia G21 is fine for basic use and is budget friendly, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is just on another level in terms of raw power, display quality and camera performance. I love taking pictures and videos, and having professional-grade capabilities in my pocket is incredibly valuable. While I like the lightweight of the G21, I am willing to sacrifice that for the sheer power of the Z60 Ultra.
The nubia’s advanced features and performance make the difference, even though it's a bit heavier, for me the advantages outweigh its disadvantages. For anyone who values advanced technology, the ZTE nubia Z60 Ultra is the clear winner.
