Okay, let's dive deep into a side-by-side comparison of the Realme C35 and the Nokia G21. We'll cut through the marketing jargon and focus on what truly matters: how these phones perform in the real world.
1. Specifications Breakdown
| Feature | Realme C35 | Nokia G21 | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| DESIGN | |||
| Dimensions | 164.4 x 75.6 x 8.1 mm | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm | Virtually identical size, the Nokia G21 is slightly thicker. |
| Weight | 189g | 190g | Both feel similar in hand, with a negligible difference in weight. |
| DISPLAY | |||
| Size | 6.6" | 6.5" | Similar screen sizes; a difference of 0.1” is barely noticeable. |
| Resolution | 1080x2408 | 720x1600 | Realme C35 offers much sharper visuals, clearer text, and more detail. |
| PPI | 401 | 270 | Realme C35 display will appear crisper and more refined. |
| Technology | IPS LCD | IPS LCD | Both provide similar color and viewing angles; expected LCD experience. |
| Refresh Rate | 60Hz | 90Hz | Nokia G21 will feel slightly smoother during scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Both devices may struggle under direct sunlight due to the lack of brightness specification. |
| PERFORMANCE | |||
| Chipset | Unisoc T616 (12nm) | Unisoc T606 (12nm) | Both are budget chipsets, but the T606 in Nokia G21 benchmarks slightly higher. |
| AnTuTu Score | 230,726 | 253,300 | Nokia G21 expected to perform slightly better in demanding tasks/games. |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Similar graphics performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. |
| CAMERA | |||
| Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, pixel size | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1, 0.64µm pixel size | Both have 50MP main sensors; Nokia's larger sensor size should provide slightly better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, Sony Exmor | 8MP, f/2.0 | Both should perform similarly in typical selfie shots. |
| Additional Cameras | 2MP Macro, 2MP B&W | 2MP Macro, 2MP Depth | Realme includes a B&W for artistic shots; Nokia provides depth sensing for bokeh. |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps | Both will get you standard video output, suitable for social media. |
| Camera Features | PDAF, CDAF, DIS | Front Flash | The C35 will have faster focusing capabilities while the Nokia has front flash for selfies. |
| BATTERY LIFE | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5050mAh | Both offer a full day of battery with moderate usage; virtually the same. |
| Charging | 18W Fast, Li-Polymer | 18W Fast, Li-Ion | Similar charging speeds; Li-Polymer slightly lighter and more durable. |
| Battery Features | Non-Removable | Non-Removable, In-box 10W charger | Both have non-removable batteries; Nokia provides a 10W charger in the box. |
| SOFTWARE | |||
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, Upgradeable to 13 | Nokia's software is more future-proof with the update to Android 13 |
| CONNECTIVITY | |||
| Wi-Fi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Display | Realme has newer standard; Nokia offers dual band and Wi-Fi Display. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE | Both offer similar Bluetooth connectivity for audio and data transfer. |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Nokia G21 is more accurate with Galileo GPS. |
| SIM | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Dual SIM, Nano SIM, Dual Standby | Same SIM card usage and options on both. |
| STORAGE | |||
| Internal | 64GB/128GB | 64GB/128GB | Both offer the same storage options which should suffice for most users. |
| RAM | 4GB | 4GB/6GB | Nokia provides a larger RAM option, better for more demanding multi-tasking. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offer expandable storage, a potential drawback. |
| AUDIO | |||
| Quality | Basic audio | 2 microphones | Nokia offers slightly better voice capture because of the two microphones. |
| SECURITY | |||
| Features | Side-mounted fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Both provides basic biometric security. |
| SENSORS | |||
| Sensors | Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope | Proximity, Accelerometer, Fingerprint | Realme offers more sensors such as compass and gyroscope; Nokia includes a fingerprint sensor. |
2. Key Insights
Realme C35 Strengths:
- Sharper Display: The higher resolution and PPI make the Realme C35's screen noticeably crisper and more enjoyable for content consumption.
- Slightly more sensors: Realme includes a compass and a gyroscope that the Nokia G21 lacks.
Nokia G21 Strengths:
- Smoother Display: The 90Hz refresh rate offers a slightly smoother experience for scrolling and animations.
- Better Software Support: Nokia promises an update to Android 13, providing better long-term value and software.
- Slightly Better Performance: Benchmarks suggest the Nokia G21 has a marginal performance edge due to the chipset.
- Slightly Better low-light images: The larger main camera sensor size should offer a slight advantage in low light photography.
- Larger RAM option: 6 GB RAM option for Nokia G21 for better multitasking.
- Audio quality Two microphones will give a better audio experience.
- Extra Camera Features: Front Flash.
- More accurate GPS: Galileo GPS is an added feature.
Trade-offs:
- Realme C35: Higher display quality but lags in software updates and slightly less performance.
- Nokia G21: Slightly better performance and software support, but a less sharp display.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
Realme C35 User:
- Content Consumers: Those who watch videos, browse social media, and read a lot on their phones will appreciate the higher resolution display.
- Budget Conscious: Users seeking a sharp display experience without spending too much.
Nokia G21 User:
- Everyday Users: People who prioritize smooth performance, slightly better camera performance, and software updates.
- Practical Users: Users who value a balance between functionality, battery life, and software support.
- Users who multitask a lot: With its 6 GB RAM option, it is a slightly better option.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Here are three questions to help you choose between the Realme C35 and the Nokia G21:
- Display Preference: Do you prioritize screen sharpness (Realme C35) or smoothness (Nokia G21)?
- Software Support: How important is future-proofing your device with software updates (Nokia G21 has a slight edge)?
- Usage Patterns: Will you be doing more multimedia consumption (Realme C35) or everyday multi-tasking (Nokia G21)?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: Heavy Content Consumption: Choose the Realme C35 for the sharper, more detailed display.
- Scenario 2: Software Update Priority: Choose the Nokia G21 for its guaranteed update to Android 13.
- Scenario 3: Smooth Performance and Multi-Tasking: Choose the Nokia G21 for its slightly better overall performance and the option for more RAM.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two devices, I would lean towards the Nokia G21. Here's why:
While the Realme C35's higher resolution display is tempting, the slightly better performance and the promise of Android 13 on the Nokia G21 make it the more compelling option. The slight gain in screen clarity doesn’t outweigh the long term value offered by Nokia with software updates. Additionally, with the extra RAM available in Nokia G21, I would be able to multi-task better. Finally, the camera also seems more comprehensive in the Nokia, with a front-flash and slightly better low-light performance with a larger sensor.
Ultimately, both phones are budget-friendly and offer a lot of value for the price, so the "better" choice really depends on individual user needs and priorities. However, the Nokia G21 strikes a more balanced note, which is why it's the one I'd choose.
