Smartphone Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S21 5G vs. Nokia G21
1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G21 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 151.7 × 71.2 × 7.9 mm | 164.6 × 75.9 × 8.5 mm | S21 is more compact and pocketable; G21 is larger and might be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 190g | S21 is significantly lighter, making it more comfortable for extended use. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | G21 has a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption if size is a priority. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 has a much sharper and clearer display, noticeable in text and images. |
| Pixel Density | 421 PPI | 270 PPI | S21's higher pixel density results in a significantly more detailed and less pixelated display. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 has superior contrast, black levels, color vibrancy and power efficiency with dark themes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 offers smoother scrolling and animations. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 is much better for outdoor use in bright sunlight. Nokia's brightness is unknown which is a major drawback for outdoor visibility |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S21's chipset is much faster, resulting in smoother app performance and gaming. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,300 | S21 offers dramatically faster performance, better for demanding tasks and games. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21's GPU provides superior graphics performance for gaming and demanding apps. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4 GB or 6 GB | S21 has more RAM, better for multitasking and handling demanding applications. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera Resolution | 12MP | 50MP | G21 has a higher resolution sensor, but S21 has larger sensor pixels that can potentially result in better low-light performance. |
| Main Sensor Size | 1/1.76" | 1/2.76" | S21's larger sensor can capture more light, potentially leading to better low-light photos. |
| Telephoto Lens | Yes (64MP) | No | S21 has an optical telephoto zoom lens for closer shots without digital zoom artifacts. |
| Ultra-wide Lens | Yes (12.2MP) | No | S21 can capture expansive photos. |
| Macro Lens | No | Yes (2MP) | G21 can take close-up macro photos. |
| Selfie Camera Resolution | 10MP | 8MP | S21 has a slightly higher resolution selfie camera. |
| Selfie Camera Aperture | f/2.2 | f/2.0 | Nokia selfie camera has a wider aperture, potentially better low light selfies |
| Video Recording | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 can record much higher resolution and has more advanced video features such as HDR. |
| DXOMark Mobile Score | 111 | Not Tested | S21 has demonstrated good mobile camera performance. |
| DXOMark Selfie Score | 132 | Not Tested | S21 has demonstrated very good selfie camera performance. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5050mAh | G21 has a significantly larger battery and should provide longer battery life but battery life depends on software and usage optimization. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 18W Fast Charging | S21 charges faster than the G21. |
| Wireless Charging | Yes, 15W | No | S21 supports wireless charging. |
| Reverse Charging | Yes | No | S21 can charge other wireless devices like earbuds or other phones. |
| In-box charger | No | 10W | Nokia comes with a charger in the box, while the Samsung does not. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, upgradeable to 15 | Android 11, upgradeable to 13 | S21 will have longer software support, but both OS are outdated at the time of comparison. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | WiFi 6 (802.11ax) | 802.11n | S21 supports newer WiFi standards for faster and more efficient connections. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0, Extensive Features | 5.0, Limited Features | S21 has more Bluetooth features for better compatibility with accessories. |
| GPS | GPS (L1+L5), Galileo (E1+E5a) | GPS | S21 has more satellite support for better GPS accuracy. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal Storage | 128GB/256GB | 64GB/128GB | S21 offers a higher storage capacity option. |
| Expandable Storage | No | No | Neither phone has expandable storage. |
| Other | |||
| Audio | Dolby Atmos, Stereo Speakers | 2 microphones | S21 provides superior audio features including better music and video playback. |
| Security | Basic Fingerprint Sensor | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor | G21 offers a more user-friendly side-mounted fingerprint sensor. |
| Screen Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Unknown | S21 has stronger screen protection against scratches. |
| Sensors | Compass, Gyroscope, Barometer | Accelerometer | S21 offers more sensors for advanced features and applications. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: The AMOLED display with higher resolution, refresh rate, and brightness provides a much better viewing experience, especially in direct sunlight.
- Significantly Better Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers much faster processing speeds and better graphics performance, ideal for demanding games and apps.
- More Versatile Camera System: The S21 has a telephoto lens, ultra-wide lens and can record higher resolution videos.
- Advanced Features: Wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a more comprehensive set of sensors provide added convenience and functionality.
- Faster Charging: Offers faster wired charging.
- Better Audio: Stereo speakers and Dolby Atmos provide a more immersive audio experience.
- Longer software updates: Supports the later OS updates up to Android 15
Nokia G21 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The larger 5050mAh battery is likely to provide longer battery life, a key advantage for users who prioritize endurance.
- Macro Lens: Includes a dedicated macro lens for close-up photography.
- In Box Charger: Includes a charger in the box.
- Lower Price: The G21 is usually a more affordable option.
Significant Trade-offs:
- The S21 offers significantly better performance and display quality at the expense of battery life and price.
- The G21 prioritizes battery life and includes a charger in the box at the cost of lower processing power, display quality, and camera capabilities.
- Both phones lack expandable storage which might be a deal-breaker for users with large media libraries.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G:
- Ideal User: Power users, mobile gamers, social media enthusiasts, and anyone who values top-tier performance, a high-quality display, and advanced camera features.
- Use Cases:
- Mobile gaming with demanding titles.
- High-resolution video recording and editing.
- Viewing HDR content.
- Multitasking with various apps.
- Capturing high-quality photos and videos in various conditions.
- Price-to-Value: While more expensive, the S21 offers a premium experience and excellent value for users seeking top-tier performance and features, but the lack of a charger in box might be a deal breaker.
Nokia G21:
- Ideal User: Budget-conscious consumers, those who prioritize battery life, users who need a simple and reliable device for daily tasks.
- Use Cases:
- Basic everyday tasks like calling, texting, and browsing.
- Long battery life without frequent charging.
- Casual photography, with close-up macro photography.
- Users who prefer in box chargers.
- Price-to-Value: The G21 offers good value for users who are on a budget and are willing to sacrifice high-end features for a lower price and good battery life.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- Performance Requirements: How important is smooth and fast performance for your daily tasks, and will you be gaming or using demanding apps?
- Display Quality: Do you prioritize high-resolution, vibrant colors, and visibility in bright sunlight, or is a standard display sufficient?
- Battery Life: Is it more important for you to have all-day battery life with less need for frequent charging, or do you prioritize advanced features with potentially shorter battery life?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1 (Power User): If you frequently play mobile games, edit photos/videos, or multitask with demanding apps, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice due to its superior performance, display, and camera.
- Scenario 2 (Budget-Conscious, Long Battery): If your main priority is long battery life, and you are looking for a budget-friendly, reliable phone for everyday tasks, the Nokia G21 is the more suitable option.
- Scenario 3 (Balanced User): If you want a phone that balances performance and battery life and don't require flagship-level features, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is still recommended since it provides better camera, display, and overall user experience.
My Choice
Given the information, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. The significantly better display quality, much faster performance, more versatile camera system, and the presence of features like wireless charging and stereo speakers make it a superior overall experience. Even though the Nokia G21 has a larger battery, the S21's performance advantage and better features outweigh the Nokia's longer battery life. While the S21 doesn't include a charger, I can easily purchase a suitable one separately. For my own usage, the S21's strengths in camera, performance, and display are significantly more important than slightly longer battery life which could be mitigated by carrying a power bank, if needed. I also value better video quality and the S21's 8k recording is a must have for me. I also prioritize better quality photos and prefer the telephoto lens in the S21.
