The Blackview A53 Pro and Nokia G21 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space, but cater to slightly different priorities. The A53 Pro aims for a balance of features at a low price, while the Nokia G21 emphasizes longevity and a clean software experience. This comparison dissects their key specifications to determine which device delivers the most value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 emerges as the slightly better choice. While the Blackview A53 Pro offers a marginally faster CPU clock speed, the Nokia G21’s 18W PD3.0 charging and measured 500 nits brightness provide a more refined and practical user experience, justifying its position as the winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 - USA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 7, 8, 20, 40 - International | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 25, 26, 28, 41, 66 - USA | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, March 03 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, March | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76.9 x 9.4 mm (6.48 x 3.03 x 0.37 in) | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 194.6 g (6.88 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~80.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio G35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, Doke OS 3.0 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.0 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | 12 MP
other unspecified camera | 50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Unspecified | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5080 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rock Grey, Murky Black, Starry Blue | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | - | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | - | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.34 W/kg (head) 1.05 W/kg (body) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Battery life | - |
Endurance rating 126h
|
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 1631:1 (nominal) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
-30.7 LUFS (Below average)
|
| Performance | - |
AnTuTu: 171299 (v9)
GeekBench: 1193 (v5.1)
GFXBench: 8.9fps (ES 3.1 onscreen) |
Blackview A53 Pro
- Potentially faster CPU clock speed for basic tasks
- Lower price point (likely)
- Compact form factor (potentially)
- Slower 10W charging
- Less efficient CPU architecture
- Likely lower display brightness
Nokia G21
- Faster 18W PD3.0 charging
- More efficient CPU architecture (Unisoc T606)
- Brighter display (500 nits measured)
- Cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates
- Slightly lower CPU clock speed
- Potentially higher price point
Display Comparison
Both the Blackview A53 Pro and Nokia G21 share a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar panel characteristics in terms of black levels. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, a significant advantage over what is likely a lower brightness output on the A53 Pro. This translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. While neither phone is expected to offer exceptional color accuracy, the Nokia G21’s higher brightness makes it the more practical choice for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, focusing on the core chipsets, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Unisoc T606 is likely more capable than the one in the Helio G35, potentially leading to slightly better image processing and noise reduction. The inclusion of a dedicated camera app with features like HDR and night mode will be more impactful than any hardware differences at this price.
Performance
The Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606 utilizes a more modern CPU architecture with 2x Cortex-A75 cores alongside 6x Cortex-A55 cores, compared to the Blackview A53 Pro’s MediaTek Helio G35 featuring 4x Cortex-A53 cores and 4x Cortex-A53 cores. While the Helio G35 has a higher peak clock speed (2.3 GHz vs 1.6 GHz), the A75 cores in the T606 offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking. The Unisoc T606 is also built on a 12nm process, similar to the Helio G35, meaning thermal performance should be comparable, but the architectural advantage favors the Nokia G21.
Battery Life
Both phones achieve an endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Nokia G21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a clear advantage over the Blackview A53 Pro’s slower 10W charging. PD3.0 allows for faster and more efficient charging with compatible chargers, reducing the time spent tethered to an outlet. While both phones likely have similar battery capacities (estimated around 5000mAh), the Nokia G21’s charging speed provides a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Blackview A53 Pro if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed for basic multitasking and are comfortable with potentially slower charging. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value longer battery life, faster and more versatile charging with PD3.0 support, and a brighter, more usable display in outdoor conditions. The Nokia G21 is also a better choice for users who prefer a cleaner Android experience with guaranteed updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. Expect some occasional stuttering, especially in intense firefights. The Blackview A53 Pro's Helio G35 will likely offer similar gaming performance, but the T606's more efficient architecture may result in slightly better sustained performance.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Blackview A53 Pro with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% on the Blackview A53 Pro will likely take around 3-4 hours. This is significantly slower than the Nokia G21, which can achieve a full charge in approximately 1.5-2 hours with its 18W PD3.0 charger.
❓ What Android version does the Nokia G21 ship with, and how many software updates are guaranteed?
The Nokia G21 ships with Android 12 and is guaranteed to receive 2 years of Android OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates. This is a significant advantage over the Blackview A53 Pro, which typically receives limited software support.
