The Honor X5 Plus and Nokia G21 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The X5 Plus focuses on a slightly newer chipset, while the G21 emphasizes battery endurance and faster charging. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing consistent performance and a slightly more modern chipset, the Honor X5 Plus emerges as the better choice. While both phones offer similar battery life, the Helio G36 provides a noticeable edge in application responsiveness and light gaming, justifying its slight advantage.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | LTE | 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 |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, August 16 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, August | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.3 x 75.1 x 8.4 mm (6.43 x 2.96 x 0.33 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 | 188 g (6.63 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.56 inches, 103.4 cm2 (~84.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT LCD, 90Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G36 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13, MagicOS 7.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | - | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Triple | - | 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 | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5200 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Cyan Lake, Midnight Black | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | WOD-LX1, WOD-LX2, WOD-LX3 | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 100 EUR | 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) |
Honor X5 Plus
- Slightly more modern chipset (Helio G36)
- Potentially better multi-core performance
- Competitive price point
- Slower 10W charging
- Limited camera details
- No specified peak display brightness
Nokia G21
- Faster 18W charging with PD3.0
- Higher measured display brightness (500 nits)
- Long battery endurance (126h)
- Unisoc T606 chipset may feel less responsive
- Limited camera details
- Cortex-A55 heavy CPU configuration
Display Comparison
Both the Honor X5 Plus and Nokia G21 feature displays with a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, which will translate to better visibility outdoors compared to the Honor X5 Plus, where peak brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Nokia G21’s higher brightness is a tangible advantage for users frequently exposed to sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing features. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The absence of details suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. The presence of a camera is more for basic documentation than serious photography. Without further information, it’s difficult to definitively declare a winner; however, the Nokia brand historically focuses on computational photography, potentially offering slightly better image processing.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets: the Honor X5 Plus utilizes the Mediatek Helio G36, while the Nokia G21 employs the Unisoc T606. The Helio G36’s CPU configuration (4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53) is paired with a slightly more modern architecture than the T606’s (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55). The Cortex-A75 cores in the T606 offer higher single-core performance, but the G36’s higher clock speeds and potentially more efficient architecture give it an edge in multi-core tasks and sustained performance. Both are 12nm chips, so thermal efficiency will be comparable, but the G36 is likely to handle slightly more demanding applications without significant throttling.
Battery Life
Both the Honor X5 Plus and Nokia G21 achieve an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating similar real-world battery life. However, the Nokia G21 distinguishes itself with 18W wired charging and PD3.0 support, allowing for faster and more versatile charging compared to the Honor X5 Plus’s slower 10W charging. While both will likely take several hours for a full charge, the G21’s faster charging will be more convenient for users who need a quick power boost.
Buying Guide
Buy the Honor X5 Plus if you need a phone that feels a bit snappier for everyday tasks like browsing and social media, and you don't mind slower charging. Buy the Nokia G21 if you prioritize long-lasting battery life and the convenience of 18W PD3.0 charging, even if it means a slightly less responsive user experience. Both are excellent choices for first-time smartphone users or those needing a reliable backup device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with multitasking compared to the Helio G36?
While the Unisoc T606 has capable cores, the Helio G36’s higher clock speeds and potentially more efficient architecture suggest it will handle multitasking and app switching more smoothly. Users who frequently switch between multiple apps may notice a difference in responsiveness.
❓ How long will it realistically take to fully charge the Honor X5 Plus with its 10W charger?
Given the 10W charging rate and typical battery capacities in this segment, a full charge from 0% to 100% on the Honor X5 Plus will likely take between 3.5 to 5 hours. This is significantly slower than the Nokia G21’s 18W charging.
❓ Are the cameras on either phone suitable for taking clear photos in low-light conditions?
Unfortunately, neither the Honor X5 Plus nor the Nokia G21 are expected to perform well in low-light scenarios. The lack of optical image stabilization (OIS) and large sensors means image quality will suffer in dimly lit environments. These cameras are best suited for well-lit conditions.
❓ Does the Nokia G21's PD3.0 charging mean I can use a USB-C Power Delivery charger from another device?
Yes, the Nokia G21’s support for Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) allows you to use compatible USB-C chargers from other devices, such as laptops or tablets, to charge the phone. This provides flexibility and potentially faster charging speeds if you have a higher-wattage PD charger.
