The Motorola Moto G06 Power and Nokia G21 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space, both aiming to deliver essential features without breaking the bank. However, they take different approaches: the Moto G06 Power prioritizes exceptional battery endurance, while the Nokia G21 attempts a more balanced package with a slightly improved display and faster charging standard. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users prioritizing maximum uptime, the Motorola Moto G06 Power is the clear winner. Its significantly longer 74:45h endurance rating, coupled with a proven 1200-cycle battery lifespan, outweighs the Nokia G21’s marginally brighter display. However, the Nokia G21 offers a more modern charging standard.
| 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 | 2025, September 05 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2025, October 09 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, silicone polymer back (eco leather) | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 171.4 x 77.5 x 8.8 mm (6.75 x 3.05 x 0.35 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 | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3, Mohs level 4 | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1640 pixels (~260 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.88 inches, 112.4 cm2 (~84.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 15 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.1, (wide), 1.12µm | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, GLONASS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | 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 | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 7000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Pantone: Laurel Oak, Tapestry, Tendril | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | XT2535-13 | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | ₹ 7,448 | 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) |
| EU LABEL |
|---|
| Battery | 74:45h endurance, 1200 cycles | - |
| Energy | Class A | - |
| Free fall | Class A (270 falls) | - |
| Repairability | Class A | - |
Motorola Moto G06 Power
- Exceptional battery life (74:45h endurance)
- Long battery lifespan (1200 charge cycles)
- More powerful CPU (Helio G81 Ultra)
- Display specifications not provided
- Charging lacks PD3.0 support
Nokia G21
- Brighter display (500 nits)
- PD3.0 charging support
- Good contrast ratio (1631:1)
- Slower CPU (Unisoc T606)
- Significantly shorter battery endurance (126h)
Display Comparison
The Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits and a 1631:1 contrast ratio, offering a more visually appealing experience than what we’d expect in this price bracket. While the Moto G06 Power’s display specifications are not provided, the Nokia’s higher brightness is beneficial for outdoor visibility. Both share the same 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar panel technology, but the Nokia’s measured output provides a concrete advantage. The lack of high refresh rate panels on either device is typical for this segment.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered. The absence of detailed camera specs suggests neither phone will excel in low-light photography. Focusing on the core specs, the G06 Power's chipset may offer slightly better image signal processing capabilities, but without concrete sensor information, it's difficult to definitively declare a winner. The inclusion of a 2MP macro lens on either device is largely a marketing tactic and unlikely to deliver significant photographic value.
Performance
The Motorola Moto G06 Power utilizes the Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.7 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a performance step up compared to the Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606, which has a similar octa-core layout but clocks its Cortex-A75 cores at a lower 1.6 GHz. The Helio G81’s higher clock speeds translate to snappier app loading and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are 12nm, the G81’s architecture provides a noticeable edge in CPU-intensive tasks. The G06 Power will likely handle gaming slightly better, though neither phone is designed for demanding titles.
Battery Life
The Motorola Moto G06 Power truly shines in battery life, achieving an impressive 74:45h endurance rating and a remarkable 1200 charge cycles. This indicates a significantly longer lifespan and usability compared to the Nokia G21’s 126h endurance rating. While 126 hours is respectable, it falls far short of the G06 Power’s stamina. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Nokia G21 adds support for PD3.0, potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible adapters. However, the G06 Power’s massive battery capacity and longevity are more impactful for the average user.
Buying Guide
Buy the Motorola Moto G06 Power if you need a phone that can reliably last through two full days of moderate use, or if you frequently find yourself away from a charger. It’s ideal for travelers, field workers, or anyone who simply dislikes daily charging. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value a slightly more refined display experience with higher brightness and support for PD3.0 charging, and are willing to compromise on ultimate battery longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How much faster is the Moto G06 Power's charging compared to the Nokia G21 in real-world use?
While both support 18W charging, the Nokia G21's PD3.0 support *could* result in slightly faster charging times with a compatible PD charger. However, the Moto G06 Power's larger battery will still take longer to fully charge, even with PD. The difference will likely be marginal, and the G06 Power's endurance will offset any charging speed disadvantage.
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 sufficient for everyday tasks like social media and web browsing?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is capable of handling everyday tasks like social media, web browsing, and messaging without significant issues. However, it will struggle with more demanding applications or multitasking. The Moto G06 Power’s Helio G81 offers a smoother experience for these scenarios.
❓ What does '1200 charge cycles' mean for the Moto G06 Power's battery lifespan?
A '1200 charge cycle' rating indicates that the Moto G06 Power's battery is designed to retain a significant portion of its original capacity (typically 80%) even after being fully charged and discharged 1200 times. This is a substantial figure, suggesting the battery will remain usable for several years of typical use, far exceeding the lifespan of many other budget smartphones.
