The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the Infinix Smart 7 and Nokia G21 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches: the Smart 7 prioritizes a lower entry cost, while the G21 attempts to offer a more refined experience with a more powerful chipset and faster charging. This comparison dissects their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset provides a significantly more responsive experience than the Infinix Smart 7’s Helio A22, and the 18W charging with PD3.0 support is a substantial advantage. While both offer similar battery endurance, the G21’s overall performance justifies the potential price premium.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 8, 38, 40, 41 | 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, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, February 09 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, February 22 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.8 x 75.6 x 8.7 mm (6.45 x 2.98 x 0.34 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 (~267 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 104.6 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 500 nits | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 5 MP | 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 |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 5 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 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 | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Polar Black, Coastal Green, Iceland White, Peacock Blue | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | X6515 | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 90 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) |
Infinix Smart 7
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life
- Simple and straightforward software experience
- Weak processor performance
- Slow charging speed
- Likely low-quality display
Nokia G21
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Faster 18W charging with PD3.0
- Brighter display (500 nits)
- Potentially higher price
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance likely average
Display Comparison
Both phones lack detailed display specifications beyond the Nokia G21’s measured 500 nits of brightness and 1631:1 contrast ratio. While the contrast ratio is nominal for both, the G21’s brightness suggests a more usable experience outdoors. Neither manufacturer details panel technology (IPS, TFT), but given the price point, IPS is likely on the G21. The Smart 7’s display is likely a lower-cost TFT panel. Bezels are expected to be substantial on both devices, impacting the overall screen-to-body ratio.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, given the price bracket, expect basic image quality from both. The absence of details suggests neither phone features optical image stabilization (OIS). The Nokia G21 likely benefits from slightly better image processing capabilities due to its more powerful chipset, potentially leading to improved dynamic range and noise reduction. Any mention of a 2MP macro lens on either device should be viewed with skepticism; its utility is limited.
Performance
The Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606 is the clear winner in terms of processing power. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, provides a significant performance uplift compared to the Infinix Smart 7’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The A75 cores offer substantially better single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the architectural advantages of the T606 translate to a smoother, more fluid user experience. The Smart 7 will struggle with multitasking and demanding applications.
Battery Life
Both the Infinix Smart 7 and Nokia G21 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 significant advantage over the Smart 7’s 10W charging. PD3.0 allows for more efficient charging and potentially faster speeds with compatible chargers. While a full 0-100% charge time isn’t specified, the G21 will demonstrably recharge faster, reducing downtime.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 7 if your absolute priority is the lowest possible price and you primarily need a phone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value a smoother user experience, faster charging, and a more capable processor for handling multiple apps or occasional gaming. The G21 is ideal for users who want a phone that feels less sluggish and offers more future-proofing.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 capable of playing modern mobile games?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle many popular mobile games at medium settings. Expect playable frame rates in titles like PUBG Mobile and Call of Duty Mobile, but don't anticipate high-end graphics or consistently smooth performance. The Infinix Smart 7’s Helio A22 will struggle with most modern games.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Nokia G21 with the included charger?
While Nokia doesn't specify the exact 0-100% charge time, with the 18W PD3.0 charger, you can expect a full charge in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Infinix Smart 7, with its 10W charging, will take significantly longer – likely over 4 hours.
❓ Does the Nokia G21 support software updates and security patches?
Nokia is known for providing relatively good software support for its budget devices. The G21 is guaranteed to receive at least two years of security updates, which is a significant advantage over many other phones in this price range. The Smart 7’s software update commitment is less clear.
