Sony Xperia 5 III vs Nokia G21 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification
Nokia G21
Nokia G21
Nokia

General

Launch Date October 8, 2021 February 15, 2022
Release Year 2021 2022

Physical

Volume 87.54 cm³ 106.19 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.63 "/g 3.42 "/g
Weight 168 g 190 g
Height 157 mm 164.6 mm
Width 68 mm 75.9 mm
Thickness 8.2 mm 8.5 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Green
  • Pink
  • Dusk
  • Nordic Blue

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.5 "
Resolution 1080 x 2520 720 x 1600
Aspect Ratio 21:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 81.4 % 81.6 %
Pixel Density 449 PPI 270 PPI
Refresh Rate 120 Hz 90 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A 400 nits
HBM Brightness N/A N/A
Peak Brightness N/A N/A

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 120.94 mAh/in² 119.53 mAh/in²
Battery Density 51.4 mAh/cm³ 47.56 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 4500 mAh 5050 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Qualcomm SM8350 Snapdragon 888 5G (5 nm) Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
CPU Octa-core (1x2.84 GHz Cortex-X1 & 3x2.42 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.80 GHz Cortex-A55) Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
GPU Adreno 660 Mali-G57 MP1

Connectivity

USB Version 3.1 2.0
OTG Support 1 1
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features USB Type-C 3.1, OTG, Video Output USB Type-C 2.0, OTG

Software

Operating System Android Android
Initial OS Version 11 11
Maximum OS Version 13 13

Comparison Summary

Sony Xperia 5 III vs. Nokia G21: A User-Centered Comparison

As a technology communications specialist, my goal is to help you understand these phones beyond the spec sheet. Let's delve into the Xperia 5 III and Nokia G21, focusing on how their design and features translate into real-world experiences.

1. Design and Usability Assessment

FeatureSony Xperia 5 IIINokia G21User Experience Impact
Interface DesignOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, HDR BT.2020IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rateXperia: Smoother visuals, richer colors, more immersive experience. Nokia: More basic display, but still responsive.
Interaction FlowSnapdragon 888, 8GB RAMUnisoc T606, 4GB RAMXperia: Significantly faster performance for demanding tasks and multitasking. Nokia: Suitable for everyday use, but limitations may arise with intensive applications.
Accessibility FeaturesSide-mounted fingerprint sensor, various color optionsSide-mounted fingerprint sensorBoth offer convenient biometric unlocking.
Design ErgonomicsCompact (157 x 68 x 8.2 mm), lightweight (168g)Larger (164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm), heavier (190g)Xperia: Easier to handle and pocket, ideal for one-handed use. Nokia: Larger screen for media consumption, but less portable.

2. Narrative-Driven Feature Exploration

Scenario: Imagine a photography enthusiast, Sarah. The Xperia 5 III's triple-lens camera system, with its Zeiss optics and advanced features like 4K HDR video at 120fps, empowers Sarah to capture stunningly detailed photos and videos, even in challenging lighting conditions. She can effortlessly switch between lenses to capture wide-angle landscapes or zoom in on distant subjects. The Nokia G21, while offering a capable 50MP main camera, lacks the Xperia's versatility and advanced capabilities.

Scenario: Consider David, a busy professional. The Xperia 5 III's powerful Snapdragon 888 processor ensures seamless multitasking, allowing David to switch between work apps, browse the web, and stream videos without lag. The Nokia G21's Unisoc T606 processor, while adequate for basic tasks, might struggle to keep up with David's demanding workflow. He would likely experience slower loading times and potential performance hiccups.

3. Inclusive Technology Evaluation

Both phones cater to a broad audience with their Android operating system and essential features. However, the Xperia 5 III's superior performance and advanced camera system make it a better fit for power users and creative individuals. The Nokia G21, with its longer battery life (5050mAh vs 4500mAh) and lower price point, might be more appealing to budget-conscious users who prioritize essential functionality and extended usage time. For users who value consistent software updates, both phones offer upgrades to Android 13.

4. Design-Centric Decision Framework

The Xperia 5 III embodies a premium design philosophy, prioritizing performance, advanced features, and a compact form factor. The Nokia G21, on the other hand, focuses on affordability and long battery life, compromising on processing power and camera capabilities.

My Choice: Sony Xperia 5 III

While the Nokia G21 offers excellent value for its price, I would choose the Sony Xperia 5 III. Its superior performance, stunning display, and versatile camera system create a significantly more engaging and enjoyable user experience. As someone who values a smooth, responsive interface and the ability to capture high-quality photos and videos, the Xperia 5 III aligns more closely with my needs and priorities. The compact form factor is also a significant advantage for me. While the price difference is considerable, the Xperia 5 III offers a substantial upgrade in overall user experience that justifies the investment for my usage patterns.

Sophia Rodriguez
Sophia Rodriguez

Technology Communications Specialist

Expert in transforming complex technological innovations into accessible, engaging narratives.

Key Strengths:

  • Technology storytelling
  • User experience design analysis
  • Inclusive technology communication
  • Design-driven technology insights

Bridging technical complexity with human-centered understanding.