Nokia G21

Nokia G21 Review

Key Features

• Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD with 90Hz refresh rate, 720 x 1600 resolution (270 ppi), 400 nits (typ) brightness.
• Processor: Unisoc T606 (12 nm) Octa-core CPU with Mali-G57 MP1 GPU.
• RAM/Storage Options: 4GB RAM with 64GB/128GB storage, also a 6GB/128GB option is available in some regions.
• Cameras: Rear triple camera setup: 50MP main (f/1.8), 2MP depth (f/2.4), 2MP macro (f/2.4). Front 8MP selfie camera (f/2.0).
• Battery: 5050 mAh Li-Ion battery with 18W fast charging support (10W charger included in box).
• Operating System: Android 11 (upgradeable to Android 13).
• Connectivity: USB Type-C 2.0, NFC, Dual SIM, Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), Bluetooth 5.0 LE.
• Other: Side-mounted fingerprint sensor.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Large 6.5-inch display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate for better scrolling.
• Impressive battery life thanks to the large 5050 mAh battery.
• NFC support for contactless payments.
• Triple camera system offers flexibility in capturing photos.
• Decent performance for everyday tasks with the Unisoc T606 processor.
• Expandable software support up to Android 13.
• Side mounted fingerprint sensor for easy access.
• Available in several color options (Dusk, Nordic Blue).

Cons:

• Display resolution is only HD+ (720p), not Full HD, resulting in slightly lower sharpness.
• The Unisoc T606 chipset is not as powerful as some competitors' offerings, struggling with heavy gaming.
• Charging speeds are limited to 18W, with only a 10W charger included in the box.
• The camera performance is average, especially in low-light conditions.
• eMMC 5.1 storage is slower than UFS storage found in some competing devices.
• No dedicated SD card slot for storage expansion.

User Experience

The Nokia G21 offers a reasonably smooth experience for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, thanks to its 90Hz refresh rate display. The device is responsive enough for general use, but struggles when pushed with demanding games. The large 5050 mAh battery is the highlight, easily lasting a full day or even two days with moderate use. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is quick and reliable for unlocking the device. The software experience is close to stock Android, minimizing bloatware. The upgrade to Android 13 provides access to the latest features from Google.

Hardware & Design

The Nokia G21 measures 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm and weighs 190 grams. The build quality is acceptable for a phone in this price range. The device has a plastic frame and back panel. The design is practical, with a water drop notch for the selfie camera on the front and a triple camera module on the rear. The device feels sturdy in the hand, despite not having a premium finish. It includes a USB Type-C port, a headphone jack, and a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, that is easy to access and use.

Conclusion

The Nokia G21 is a budget-friendly smartphone that prioritizes battery life and a smooth display. It's a solid choice for users looking for a reliable device for basic tasks and extended battery performance. However, it is limited by its HD+ display, average processing power, and relatively slow charging speeds. It’s a good option if your main concern is long battery life, but performance-focused users may want to explore other options with better chipsets and displays.