1. Specifications Comparison
| Feature | Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G | Nokia G22 | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 161.5 × 75.6 × 7.8 mm | 165 × 76.2 × 8.5 mm | Nokia G22 is slightly taller and thicker, potentially feeling less sleek in hand. |
| Weight | 200g | 196.2g | Virtually identical weight; Negligible difference in hand feel. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.7" | 6.5" | Samsung S21+ offers a slightly larger screen, better for media consumption and multitasking. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 720x1600 | Samsung S21+ offers significantly sharper text and images due to higher pixel density. |
| PPI | 394 | 270 | Samsung S21+ screen will look clearer and less pixelated, particularly noticeable when reading text and viewing detailed images. |
| Technology | AMOLED | IPS LCD | Samsung S21+ has superior contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colours; Also better for battery with dark modes. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 90Hz | Samsung S21+ provides a smoother scrolling and animation experience. |
| Brightness | 1300 nits | 0 nits | Samsung S21+ is significantly more usable in bright outdoor conditions due to its higher peak brightness. The Nokia G22 brightness is missing. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Exynos 2100 (5 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Samsung S21+ provides faster app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance thanks to its superior processor. |
| AnTuTu Score | 749,100 | 253,300 | Samsung S21+ is significantly faster, showing the performance difference between a flagship and budget chip. |
| GPU | Mali-G78 MP14 | Mali-G57 MP1 | Samsung S21+ will handle graphically intensive tasks and games much more smoothly. |
| Battery | |||
| Capacity | 4800mAh | 5050mAh | Nokia G22 has a slightly larger battery, potentially offering marginally longer battery life. |
| Charging | 25W Fast Charging | 20W Fast Charging | Samsung S21+ charges slightly faster than the Nokia G22. |
| Features | Wireless, Reverse Charging | In-box charger (10W) | Samsung S21+ offers more flexible charging options, but does not come with a charger. Nokia G22 comes with a basic 10W charger. |
| Camera | |||
| Standard | 12MP, f/1.8, 1/1.76" | 50MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | Nokia G22 has higher resolution, but Samsung S21+ has larger sensor for potentially better low light performance. |
| Telephoto | 64MP, f/2.0, 1/1.72" | None | Samsung S21+ offers optical zoom capabilities. |
| Selfie | 10MP, f/2.2, 1/3.2" | 8MP, f/2.0 | Nokia G22 has wider aperture for potentially better low-light selfies. |
| Depth | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G22 can create more accurate portrait mode shots. |
| Macro | None | 2MP, f/2.4 | Nokia G22 has dedicated macro camera for close-up shots. |
| Wide Angle | 12.2MP, f/2.2, 1/2.55" | None | Samsung S21+ has wide-angle lens to capture a wider field of view. |
| Video | Up to 8K@24fps | Up to 1080p@30fps | Samsung S21+ offers much higher resolution video recording for professional applications. |
| DxOMark | Overall 111, Photo 118, Video 89 | Not Tested | Samsung S21+ has a camera score, indicating a better camera experience based on DxOMark tests. |
| Features | Optical Zoom, OIS, RAW, 8K | Front Flash | Samsung S21+ offers advanced camera features for greater flexibility. Nokia G22 offers front facing flash. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 11, Upgradable to 15 | Android 12 | Samsung S21+ might be upgradeable to newer Android versions in the future. The Nokia G22 has no listed max version. |
| Connectivity | |||
| WiFi | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 5 | Samsung S21+ supports faster and more efficient Wi-Fi for better network performance. |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 with many profiles | 5.0 with A2DP and LE | Samsung S21+ has more Bluetooth features and better compatibility with various accessories. |
| GPS | Dual-band GPS | Standard GPS | Samsung S21+ offers more accurate and reliable location services. |
| SIM | Dual SIM + eSIM | Dual SIM | Samsung S21+ offers eSIM support for greater flexibility with carrier management. |
| Storage | |||
| Internal | 128/256 GB | 64/128/256 GB | Both have the same max storage but Samsung does not offer a 64GB option. |
| RAM | 8 GB | 4/6 GB | Samsung S21+ provides smoother multitasking and better performance with more RAM. |
| Expandable | No | No | Neither offers expandable storage. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res, Stereo | Dual Microphones | Samsung S21+ offers richer audio experience for music and media consumption. The Nokia G22 has dual microphones for better sound capture in voice calls. |
| Security | |||
| Features | Basic fingerprint | Side-mounted fingerprint | Nokia G22 offers a more convenient and modern fingerprint sensor location. |
| Build Quality | |||
| Protection | Gorilla Glass Victus | Gorilla Glass 3 | Samsung S21+ offers much better screen protection from scratches and cracks. |
| Sensors | |||
| Sensors | Many environmental | Limited | Samsung S21+ offers more sensor types for advanced features and apps. |
2. Key Differences Analysis
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Advantages:
- Superior Display: Much higher resolution, AMOLED technology with vibrant colors, 120Hz refresh rate and significantly higher brightness provide a much better viewing experience, particularly in bright sunlight.
- Significantly Higher Performance: The Exynos 2100 chipset offers a considerably faster and smoother experience for multitasking, gaming, and demanding apps.
- Advanced Camera System: Telephoto lens, wide-angle lens, higher video recording capabilities (8K), OIS, and features like optical zoom give it a more versatile and capable camera system.
- Faster Charging & Wireless Charging: Offers both faster wired charging at 25W, as well as wireless and reverse wireless charging.
- Premium Build and Protection: Gorilla Glass Victus offers much better durability.
- Better Audio: Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and stereo speakers offer better sound quality.
Nokia G22 Advantages:
- Slightly Larger Battery: Marginal increase in battery capacity for potentially slightly better longevity.
- In-Box Charger: Includes a basic 10W charger, which is absent in the S21+ box.
- Side-Mounted Fingerprint: Some users may find side-mounted fingerprint scanner more convenient and faster.
- Portrait & Macro Lens: Dedicated lenses for close-up and portrait shots.
- Front Flash: Useful for better lit selfies.
- Potentially lower price: Typically budget phones have lower prices
Trade-offs:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G trades the convenience of an included charger and a higher capacity battery for significantly better display, performance, camera, build quality, and features.
- The Nokia G22 sacrifices display quality, raw performance, camera versatility and advanced features for affordability, and the benefit of a slightly larger battery and included charger.
3. User Profiles & Recommendations
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G Ideal Users:
- Power users: Those who need a fast phone for multitasking, gaming, and heavy app usage.
- Photography enthusiasts: Users who want a versatile camera system with optical zoom and advanced features.
- Media consumers: Users who value a high-quality display for watching videos and viewing content.
- Users who need a premium device
Use Cases:
- High-end mobile gaming with smooth graphics and response.
- Professional content creation (photos and videos).
- Heavy multitasking across various apps without slowdowns.
- Outdoor use where screen visibility in sunlight is critical.
Nokia G22 Ideal Users:
- Budget-conscious buyers: Users looking for a basic smartphone with essential features at a lower price point.
- Users with basic needs: Those who mainly use their phone for calls, texts, social media, and light browsing.
- Users who prioritize battery: Those who need a slightly larger battery to extend usage, and will find a included charger useful.
Use Cases:
- Daily communication (calls, texts, social media).
- Casual web browsing and light app usage.
- Users looking for a cheap phone for basic everyday tasks
Price-to-Value:
- The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G offers a significantly higher value proposition for those who need high performance, a great camera, and excellent display at a premium price.
- The Nokia G22 provides decent value for users with very basic needs at a lower price point.
4. Decision Framework
Key Questions:
- What is your budget? This is the most important factor as the S21+ is likely significantly more expensive.
- What is your primary use case? Is the phone for basic tasks, or will you need it for gaming, photography or media consumption?
- What features do you prioritize? Is a high-quality display, powerful performance, and a great camera essential? Or is battery life and having an in box charger more important?
Scenario-Based Recommendations:
- Scenario 1: High-Performance & Media Enthusiast - Choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G for its superior display, powerful chipset, advanced camera, and better audio quality.
- Scenario 2: Budget-Conscious User - Choose the Nokia G22 if price is your primary concern and basic functionality is sufficient for your needs, taking into account the significantly less capable device.
- Scenario 3: Camera-Centric - The Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G has a much more versatile camera system with more features including telephoto and wide angle lenses and OIS.
My Choice
If I were choosing between these two phones, I would choose the Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G, despite the missing in box charger and lower battery life. Here's why:
The Nokia G22 is a low end device, it is slower in performance, it has a low quality screen, and a basic camera system. The Samsung S21+ might be a few years old, but it is a previous flagship device, it would offer significantly better performance, a much better viewing experience with its AMOLED screen, and more versatile camera system. While the Nokia has a slight advantage in battery, the other upgrades on the S21+ would make the trade-off worthwhile. I am looking for a device that can perform well in any usage scenario, and the S21+ provides that performance.
