The itel P38 Pro and Nokia G21 represent two compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at a low price point, but they take different approaches to achieving this. The itel focuses on a streamlined experience, while the Nokia G21 emphasizes longevity and a more polished software experience. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 emerges as the better choice. While both phones share an 18W charging rate, the Nokia G21’s more efficient Unisoc T606 chipset (12nm vs 28nm) and reported 126-hour endurance rating provide a noticeable advantage in real-world battery life. The slightly more powerful CPU also translates to a smoother user experience.
| 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 | 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 | 2022 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | - | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | Dual SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1612 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.8 inches, 111.1 cm2 | 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 (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc SC9863A (28 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | IMG8322 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP
0.3 MP | - |
| Features | LED flash | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 6000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Mint Green, Ocean Blue, Night Black | 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) |
itel P38 Pro
- Potentially lower price point
- Functional for basic smartphone tasks
- Simple and streamlined user experience
- Less efficient chipset (28nm)
- Likely shorter battery life
- Slower performance due to all-A55 CPU cores
Nokia G21
- More efficient chipset (12nm)
- Longer battery life (126h endurance)
- More responsive CPU with Cortex-A75 cores
- May be slightly more expensive
- Software updates may be limited
- Camera performance likely similar to itel
Display Comparison
Both the itel P38 Pro and Nokia G21 share a contrast ratio of 1631:1, 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 we can infer for the itel P38 Pro. This higher brightness will improve visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. While neither phone is likely to offer exceptional color accuracy, the Nokia G21’s brighter display provides a more usable viewing experience overall.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price bracket, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on many phones in this segment is often a marketing tactic, offering limited real-world benefit. Focusing on the main sensor’s quality and image processing will be crucial for both devices, and user reviews will be the best indicator of performance.
Performance
The Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606 chipset, fabricated on a 12nm process, represents a clear architectural advantage over the itel P38 Pro’s Unisoc SC9863A (28nm). The T606 incorporates two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz alongside six Cortex-A55 cores, providing a boost in single-core performance compared to the P38 Pro’s all-Cortex-A55 configuration. This translates to snappier app launches and smoother multitasking. The 12nm process also contributes to better thermal efficiency, potentially reducing throttling during sustained workloads. While neither phone is a performance powerhouse, the Nokia G21 offers a more responsive experience.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21’s reported endurance rating of 126 hours is a significant selling point. While the itel P38 Pro’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the less efficient Unisoc SC9863A chipset suggests it will struggle to match the Nokia’s longevity. Both phones support 18W wired charging, and while this isn’t particularly fast, it’s adequate for the battery sizes likely used in these devices. The Nokia G21’s more efficient chipset will likely result in faster overall charge times, despite potentially having a similar battery capacity.
Buying Guide
Buy the itel P38 Pro if your primary need is a functional smartphone for basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and you prioritize the absolute lowest price. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value longer battery life, a slightly more responsive user experience thanks to the Cortex-A75 cores, and the promise of Nokia’s software update commitment, even if it's limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with demanding games like PUBG?
While the Unisoc T606 is a capable chipset for everyday tasks, it's not designed for high-end gaming. PUBG will likely be playable at lower settings and frame rates. Expect some frame drops and potential stuttering, especially during intense action sequences. The itel P38 Pro will likely perform similarly or slightly worse.
❓ How does Nokia's software support compare to itel's on the G21?
Nokia generally provides a more consistent software experience and a commitment to security updates, even on budget devices. While major Android version updates may be limited, you can expect regular security patches for a longer period compared to itel, which often has a less predictable software support lifecycle.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone fast enough for quick top-ups?
18W charging is relatively slow by today's standards, but it's adequate for these budget devices. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. However, the Nokia G21’s more efficient chipset may allow it to reach a usable charge level faster than the itel P38 Pro, even with the same charging wattage.
