1. Specifications Comparison
Design
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Dimensions | 151.7 x 71.2 x 7.9 mm | 165 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm | S21 5G is more compact & pocketable. G22 is larger, may be less comfortable for small hands. |
| Weight | 169g | 196.2g | S21 5G is significantly lighter, more comfortable for extended use & less tiring. |
Display
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Size | 6.2" | 6.5" | G22 offers a slightly larger viewing area, better for media consumption. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | S21 5G has much sharper text, images, and overall visual clarity. |
| PPI | 421 | 270 | S21 5G display looks noticeably sharper. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | S21 5G offers better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors. Superior viewing experience overall. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | S21 5G's screen appears smoother when scrolling or playing games. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | S21 5G display is much easier to see under bright sunlight. Note, 0 nits for the Nokia G22 seems to be a data error, further information is needed. |
Performance
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | S21 5G is significantly faster and more responsive, better for demanding tasks and gaming. G22 is suitable for basic tasks and light use. |
| Antutu Score | 749,100 | 253,300 | S21 5G performs much better in benchmarks, translates to smoother app loading, multitasking and gaming. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | S21 5G has superior graphical capabilities, better for gaming and graphic intensive apps. |
Camera
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Main Camera | 12MP (f/1.8, 1/1.76") | 50MP (f/1.8, 1/2.76") | G22 has higher resolution but S21 5G has larger sensor, potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto Camera | 64MP (f/2.0, 1/1.72") | None | S21 5G offers better zoom capabilities, useful for capturing detailed shots at a distance. |
| Selfie Camera | 10MP (f/2.2, 1/3.2") | 8MP (f/2.0) | S21 5G has slightly higher resolution. G22 has wider aperture, potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Portrait Camera | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | G22 has a dedicated portrait camera. |
| Macro Lens | None | 2MP (f/2.4) | G22 has a dedicated macro lens for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP (f/2.2, 1/2.55") | None | S21 5G has a dedicated wide angle lens, good for capturing landscapes. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | S21 5G supports significantly higher video resolution, more versatile video recording. |
| DXOMark Mobile | 111 | N/A | S21 5G has a benchmarked camera with a good overall score. |
| DXOMark Selfie | 132 | N/A | S21 5G has a benchmarked selfie camera with a very good score. |
Battery
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|
| Capacity | 4000mAh | 5050mAh | G22 has a significantly larger battery, potentially longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | S21 5G charges faster, saving time when needing a quick top-up. |
| Features | 15W Wireless charging, reverse charging | 10W Charger in-box | S21 5G has wireless and reverse charging capabilities. G22 includes a charger, unlike the S21 5G. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: AMOLED panel with higher resolution, higher refresh rate, and significantly higher brightness leads to a much better visual experience.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset provides vastly superior performance for demanding tasks, gaming and multitasking.
- Advanced Camera System: Includes telephoto and wide angle lenses, 8K video recording, and generally higher image quality based on DXOMark scores.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Capabilities: 25W fast charging, 15W wireless charging, and reverse wireless charging offer more flexibility.
- Premium Build: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus screen protection offers superior durability.
- Better Audio Features: Includes Dolby Atmos, Noise Cancellation Microphone, and Stereo Speakers.
- More Advanced Connectivity: Supports more wifi standards and has more advanced Bluetooth.
Nokia G22 Advantages:
- Larger Battery: The 5050mAh battery should provide longer battery life than the S21 5G.
- Dedicated Macro and Portrait Lenses: Offers added versatility for creative photography, unlike the S21 5G which requires its ultrawide lens for macro.
- In Box Charger: Comes with a charger in the box, whereas the S21 5G does not.
- More Recent Android OS: Comes with Android 12 out of the box. However, the S21 is upgradable up to Android 15.
- Potentially Lower Cost: Usually positioned as a budget-friendly option, making it more accessible for price-conscious users.
Trade-offs:
- S21 5G: Sacrifices some battery life and a charger in the box for significantly better performance and features.
- Nokia G22: Offers longer battery life and a charger in the box, but compromises on display quality, performance, and camera capabilities.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Ideal Users:
- Power Users: Individuals who need fast processing for multitasking, gaming, and demanding applications.
- Media Consumers: Those who value high-quality displays for watching videos, browsing, and social media.
- Photography Enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with good image quality and advanced video features.
- Users who value overall performance and top-tier features.
Use Cases:
- Playing demanding mobile games at high frame rates.
- Editing photos and videos on the go.
- Consuming HDR content with vibrant colors.
- Utilizing wireless charging and reverse charging.
- Having faster app loading and smooth navigation experience.
Nokia G22 Ideal Users:
- Budget-Conscious Buyers: Those looking for an affordable phone with a long-lasting battery.
- Light Users: People who primarily use their phones for basic tasks like calls, messaging, and social media.
- Users needing a very long-lasting battery.
- Users needing a charger in the box.
Use Cases:
- Long days away from a power source.
- Basic web browsing, social media, and email.
- Occasional photography and video recording.
- Users who do not require high-end features.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions for Buyers:
- What is your budget? The S21 5G is usually more expensive.
- How important is performance for your daily usage? Gaming and demanding applications require better performance.
- How much do you value screen quality and camera capabilities? The S21 5G significantly outperforms the G22 in these areas.
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-performance and premium experience needed: If you prioritize smooth operation, best display, advanced camera features, and fast charging, the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G is the better choice.
- Scenario 2: Long-lasting battery and budget is paramount: If you prioritize battery life, and are working with a lower budget and do not have the need for high performance, the Nokia G22 is more suitable.
- Scenario 3: Balanced Use with some focus on photography: If you prefer a good enough experience across most use cases with better battery life, consider other options in the market before choosing either of these phones.
My Choice
If I were to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G. Although the Nokia G22 offers longer battery life and a charger in the box, the S21 5G provides a vastly superior overall user experience. The much better display quality, significantly higher processing power, advanced camera system, and faster charging capabilities are more important to me. While the S21 5G might require carrying a charger, the benefits of its performance and features outweigh the minor inconveniences for my needs. I prioritize the smooth navigation, higher display quality for media consumption, and the capability of advanced photography.
