The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive, and the Infinix Smart 8 (India) and Nokia G21 represent compelling options for budget-conscious buyers. While both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality, they diverge in their core hardware choices, particularly in chipset and charging capabilities. This comparison dissects these differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 emerges as the slightly better choice. Its 18W PD3.0 charging and measured 500 nits brightness provide a more refined user experience, despite the Infinix Smart 8’s potentially faster CPU clock speeds. The Nokia G21’s endurance rating also suggests better overall battery management.
| 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, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2024, January 13 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2024, January 17 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 75.6 x 8.5 mm (6.44 x 2.98 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 | 189 g (6.67 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 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (peak) | 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 (Go edition), XOS 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | Ring-LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 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 | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | 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 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired
Reverse wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Rainbow Blue, Galaxy White, Shiny Gold, Timber Black | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | X6525B | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 80 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 8 (India)
- Potentially faster single-core CPU performance due to higher clock speeds.
- Reverse wired charging for accessory top-ups.
- Lower price point (likely, based on brand positioning).
- Slower 10W charging.
- Lack of detailed display specifications.
- Less efficient CPU architecture compared to the Nokia G21.
Nokia G21
- Faster 18W PD3.0 charging.
- Brighter display (500 nits measured).
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A75 cores).
- Potentially slower single-core performance compared to the Infinix Smart 8.
- No reverse wired charging.
- Camera specifications are vague.
Display Comparison
The Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, a significant advantage over the unstated brightness of the Infinix Smart 8. Both share a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar color reproduction capabilities. However, the Nokia’s higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors. The lack of detailed display specifications for the Infinix Smart 8 makes a precise comparison difficult, but the Nokia G21’s measured performance provides a clear advantage for users who frequently use their phones in bright environments.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. This suggests both phones feature entry-level camera systems. Without further information, it’s difficult to assess camera quality. The absence of details implies neither phone will excel in low-light photography or offer advanced features like optical image stabilization (OIS). The focus should be on basic point-and-shoot functionality.
Performance
The Infinix Smart 8 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G36, featuring an octa-core CPU with a split configuration of 4x2.2 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia G21, conversely, employs the Unisoc T606, with an octa-core setup of 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. While the Helio G36’s higher clock speeds on its primary cores *suggest* faster single-core performance, the Cortex-A75 cores in the Unisoc T606 are architecturally more efficient and offer better sustained performance. The A75 cores are a generation ahead of the A53, meaning the Nokia G21 will likely handle more demanding tasks with greater ease. Both chipsets are 12nm, so thermal efficiency will be similar.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a clear advantage over the Infinix Smart 8’s 10W charging. PD3.0 allows for more efficient charging and potentially faster speeds with compatible chargers. Both phones have an endurance rating of 126h, suggesting similar battery capacity and power management. However, the faster charging of the Nokia G21 means less downtime and a more convenient user experience. The Infinix Smart 8 also offers reverse wired charging, a niche feature for topping up accessories, but the slow 10W output limits its practicality.
Buying Guide
Buy the Infinix Smart 8 (India) if you prioritize raw CPU clock speed for basic multitasking and are comfortable with slower 10W charging. This phone suits users who primarily use their device for calls, messaging, and light social media. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value faster charging, a brighter display, and potentially longer battery life, making it ideal for users who consume more media or rely on their phone throughout the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
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 frame drops during intense action. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over older architectures, but don't expect a flagship gaming experience.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Infinix Smart 8 with its 10W charger?
With a 10W charger, a full charge from 0% on the Infinix Smart 8 will likely take between 3-4 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is significantly slower than the Nokia G21's 18W charging, which can potentially reach full charge in around 2 hours.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a major concern?
Yes, it is. It suggests both phones have basic camera systems suitable for casual snapshots. Don't expect exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions. If camera performance is a priority, you'll need to look at phones with more detailed specifications.
❓ Will the Nokia G21's PD3.0 charging work with my existing USB-C chargers?
Most modern USB-C chargers support some form of fast charging protocol. PD3.0 is widely compatible, so it's likely your existing charger will work, but it may not deliver the full 18W charging speed if it doesn't specifically support PD3.0.
