1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Realme GT 5G | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 158.5 × 73.3 × 8.4 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G21 is slightly larger and may feel less comfortable in smaller hands. Realme GT 5G is more compact |
| Weight | 186g | 190g | Virtually identical weight; neither is significantly heavier or lighter than the other |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.43" | 6.5" | Very similar screen sizes; negligible difference in everyday usage. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Realme GT 5G has a much sharper and clearer display with more detail. Nokia G21 will have a less crisp image quality. |
| PPI | 409 | 270 | Realme GT 5G has a significantly sharper display, resulting in clearer text, sharper images, and a better overall visual experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Realme GT 5G has superior color reproduction, deeper blacks, and better contrast, which improves media consumption and overall experience. Nokia G21's IPS LCD has less vibrant colors and contrast. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Realme GT 5G has smoother scrolling and animations, making the interface feel more responsive. Nokia G21's display will feel a little less fluid. |
| Brightness | 0 nits | 0 nits | Peak brightness is unknown for both phones which makes it impossible to compare display visibility under bright lighting conditions. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Realme GT 5G is significantly faster, with much better performance in games and demanding applications. The Nokia G21 is slower for daily usage with basic application use |
| AnTuTu Score | 912,342 | 253,300 | Realme GT 5G offers a much smoother and snappier experience, ideal for gamers and power users. The Nokia G21 will struggle with intensive tasks and multitasking. |
| GPU | Adreno 660 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Realme GT 5G has a far superior GPU, making gaming much more enjoyable. Nokia G21’s GPU is underpowered. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard Camera | 64MP, f/1.8, 1/1.7", Sony IMX682 | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76", Samsung S5KJN1 | Realme GT 5G captures more detailed and higher-quality photos due to its larger sensor and higher resolution, especially in low light. Nokia G21’s pictures will be less detailed. |
| Selfie Camera | 16MP, f/2.5 | 8MP, f/2.0 | Realme GT 5G captures more detailed selfies. The Nokia G21 may perform slightly better in low light with a wider aperture. |
| Wide Angle Lens | 8MP, f/2.3 | Not Available | Realme GT 5G allows capturing wider scenes which is more versatile |
| Portrait (depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G21 can capture bokeh effects with portrait mode. |
| Macro Lens | 2MP, f/2.4 | 2MP, f/2.4 | Both phones have similar macro capabilities for close-up shots. |
| Video Recording | Up to 4K@60fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Realme GT 5G records higher resolution video with better stabilization for professional looking videos. Nokia G21 is limited to 1080p, less suited for demanding video recordings. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4500mAh | 5050mAh | Nokia G21 will likely last longer on a single charge due to higher capacity, for extended usage without charging. |
| Charging | 65W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | Realme GT 5G charges much faster, ideal for users who need to top up their battery quickly. Nokia G21 has slow charging speeds. |
| Charger | Not Included | 10W Charger included | Nokia G21 includes a charger in the box, whereas the Realme GT 5G may not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11 (upgradeable to 14) | Android 11 (upgradeable to 13) | Realme GT 5G has an OS upgrade to Android 14 which gives the phone a longer lifespan |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | 802.11a/b/g/n | Realme GT 5G has newer WiFi standard, which gives faster and more stable connections when connected to compatible routers |
| Bluetooth | 5.2, LE, A2DP, APT-x, LDAC, SBC, AAC | 5.0, LE, A2DP | Realme GT 5G has a newer Bluetooth with better audio codecs for a better experience with wireless headphones |
| GPS | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (L1), BeiDou (B1), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS, A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo | Realme GT 5G has more satellite system support for better accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | Realme GT 5G offers more storage, which may be more suitable for users with a lot of files and applications. |
| RAM | 8GB/12GB | 4GB/6GB | Realme GT 5G offers significantly more RAM for multitasking, demanding applications, and gaming. Nokia G21's RAM will cause slower performance with multitasking. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Both phones lack expandable storage, this limits file management. |
| Audio | |||
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers, 2 microphones | 2 microphones | Realme GT 5G has superior audio quality, better listening experience with external speakers and headphones. The Nokia G21 has basic audio capabilities. |
| Security | |||
| Fingerprint Sensor | Basic Fingerprint | Side-mounted Fingerprint | The side-mounted fingerprint sensor on Nokia G21 can be more convenient and faster. Realme GT 5G has a basic and possibly less reliable fingerprint sensor. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Screen Protection | Unknown | Unknown | Screen protection is unknown for both phones. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer, Compass | Fingerprint, Proximity, Accelerometer | Realme GT 5G has a compass in addition to the basic sensors, which is more versatile for various use-cases |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Realme GT 5G Advantages:
- Superior Performance: The Snapdragon 888 chipset offers a massive performance advantage, making it ideal for gaming and demanding tasks, which the Nokia G21 struggles with.
- Significantly Better Display: The AMOLED panel with higher resolution, refresh rate, and superior technology provides a much better visual experience compared to the Nokia G21's IPS LCD, with crisp and vibrant visuals.
- Better Camera System: Offers higher resolution, bigger sensors and more features for both main and selfie cameras, making it more versatile for capturing photos and videos.
- Faster Charging: 65W fast charging significantly reduces charging times, which may be useful for individuals on the go.
- Enhanced Audio: Includes Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers for a superior listening experience compared to the Nokia G21’s basic audio setup.
- More RAM and storage: Provides larger storage options and superior multitasking capabilities thanks to the large RAM availability
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5050mAh battery offers longer battery life, which may be preferable for users who prioritize endurance.
- Included Charger: Comes with a 10W charger in the box, saving the additional cost.
- Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Provides a faster and more secure unlock method.
- Portrait mode(depth) camera: Adds more versatility to camera functionality with bokeh effects.
Trade-offs:
- Realme GT 5G: Sacrifices battery life for performance, and lacks expandable storage and an included charger
- Nokia G21: Offers longer battery life but at the expense of performance, display quality, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Realme GT 5G:
- Ideal Users: Gamers, power users, and multimedia enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance, stunning visuals, and fast charging capabilities.
- Use Cases: Mobile gaming, high-resolution video editing, high-quality photography, content creation, and consumption of media.
- Price-to-Value: Offers a high price-to-value ratio for users seeking flagship-level performance, even though it is an older phone.
Nokia G21:
- Ideal Users: Budget-conscious users seeking a reliable phone for basic tasks, with long battery life being the top priority.
- Use Cases: Everyday browsing, social media, messaging, casual photography, and extended usage without frequent charging.
- Price-to-Value: Provides good value for users who need a dependable device without breaking the bank and need long battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your primary use case? (Gaming/multimedia vs. basic usage/long battery)
- How important is performance to you? (Do you need a fast phone, or is adequate performance acceptable?)
- What is your budget? (Are you looking for the best value or the most affordable option?)
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- For Gamers and Performance Enthusiasts: The Realme GT 5G is the clear winner due to its powerful chipset, superior display, and fast charging, despite its higher price tag and lack of included charger and expandable storage.
- For Budget-Conscious Users: The Nokia G21 is more suitable for users needing a reliable phone for basic tasks with long battery life and an included charger. Its price is lower and it offers an included charger.
- For Casual Users: Consider both phones depending on preferences. The Realme GT 5G offers better overall features and experience while the Nokia G21 focuses on a simple and affordable experience.
- For Battery Focused Users: The Nokia G21 has a superior battery life compared to the Realme GT 5G
My Choice and Why
I would choose the Realme GT 5G.
While the Nokia G21 offers a larger battery and a lower price, the Realme GT 5G's strengths are significantly more appealing for my personal use case. The primary reason for this is the huge performance difference with the Snapdragon 888. I regularly use my phone for gaming, video streaming, and multitasking. The superior AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate makes the Realme GT 5G a significantly better phone for these tasks. Even if the battery isn't as large, the 65W fast charging is a big plus that allows me to quickly top up the phone whenever I need to.
Although I appreciate the Nokia's long battery life, for me, the performance and experience of the Realme GT 5G is much more valuable. If battery life and a budget is my priority, then the Nokia G21 would be a better choice.
