The Motorola Moto E22i and Nokia G21 represent the fiercely competitive sub-$150 smartphone market. Both aim to deliver essential functionality at an accessible price, but they take different approaches. The Moto E22i prioritizes a newer chipset, while the Nokia G21 focuses on maximizing battery endurance and offering faster charging capabilities. This comparison dissects 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 the Moto E22i’s Helio G37 is a more recent chip, the Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606, coupled with its 18W PD3.0 charging and comparable battery life, provides a more well-rounded experience, especially for media consumption and everyday tasks.
| 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, 7, 8, 20, 38, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | 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, September 16 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, October 11 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.6 x 74.7 x 8 mm (6.44 x 2.94 x 0.31 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 | 169 g (5.96 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| | Water-repellent coating | - |
| 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 (~83.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz | 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 MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12 (Go edition) | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 32GB 2GB RAM, 64GB 2GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm, 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 |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.4, 1/5.0", 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | 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 (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 4020 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Gray, Winter White | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | - | 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) |
Motorola Moto E22i
- Slightly newer chipset (Helio G37)
- Compact and lightweight design
- Affordable price point
- Slow 10W charging
- Older CPU core architecture
- Limited camera details
Nokia G21
- Faster 18W PD3.0 charging
- More efficient CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Brighter display (500 nits)
- Chipset is not the newest generation
- Potentially bulkier design
- Camera details are limited
Display Comparison
Both the Moto E22i and Nokia G21 share a contrast ratio of 1631:1, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, a significant advantage over what we’d expect from the E22i’s panel. This higher brightness translates to better visibility outdoors and in brightly lit environments. While neither phone is likely to offer exceptional color accuracy, the G21’s brighter display provides a more usable viewing experience.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Given their price point, image quality will likely be similar – adequate for social media sharing in good lighting conditions. Without sensor size or aperture information, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, focusing on the core specs, the Nokia G21’s image processing pipeline is likely more refined, given Nokia’s history with camera software. The inclusion of a dedicated night mode on the G21 (often found in Nokia’s budget offerings) further suggests a more versatile camera experience.
Performance
The Motorola Moto E22i utilizes the Mediatek Helio G37, featuring an octa-core CPU with a split configuration of 4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 and 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53 cores. The Nokia G21, conversely, employs the Unisoc T606, with a more modern CPU architecture: 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. The Cortex-A75 cores in the G21 offer a performance uplift over the A53 cores in the E22i, particularly in single-core tasks. While both are 12nm chips, the architectural advantage of the Unisoc T606 should result in smoother multitasking and quicker app loading times. The E22i's newer chip doesn't necessarily translate to a better user experience given the older core design.
Battery Life
Both the Moto E22i and Nokia G21 achieve an endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage scenarios. However, the Nokia G21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a significant advantage over the Moto E22i’s slow 10W charging. This means the G21 can be topped up much faster, minimizing downtime. While both phones will likely last a full day on a single charge, the G21’s faster charging provides greater convenience and flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto E22i if you prioritize a slightly newer processor and are comfortable with slower 10W charging. This phone is best suited for users who occasionally play light mobile games and need a basic, functional smartphone. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value longer battery life, faster charging speeds, and a more consistent overall experience. This is the better option for users who stream videos, browse the web frequently, or need a reliable phone that can last through a full day of heavy use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with demanding games?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of handling most casual mobile games at medium settings. Demanding titles may require lower graphics settings and frame rates for a smooth experience. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Moto E22i's A53 cores, making the G21 slightly better suited for gaming.
❓ How long does it *actually* take to fully charge the Moto E22i with its 10W charger?
With its 10W charging, the Moto E22i will likely take over 3 hours to fully charge from 0% to 100%. This is significantly slower than the Nokia G21’s 18W PD3.0 charging, which can achieve a full charge in around 1.5 to 2 hours. This difference is crucial for users who need a quick top-up.
❓ Is the Nokia G21's battery life truly as good as the 126-hour endurance rating suggests?
The 126-hour endurance rating is based on a standardized test profile. Real-world battery life will vary depending on usage. However, the Nokia G21’s large battery capacity and efficient Unisoc T606 chipset should comfortably provide a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, streaming, and social media.
