Nokia G11 vs Nokia G21: A Head-to-Head Budget Battle

Nokia's G-series consistently delivers reliable, affordable smartphones. The G11 and G21 are two contenders in this space, offering similar features but with key differences. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone best suits your needs and budget.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia G21 edges out the G11 primarily due to its significantly longer battery life and slightly improved display brightness. Both share the same Unisoc T606 chipset, making performance largely comparable. If battery endurance is your top priority, the G21 is the clear winner.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia G11	Nokia G21

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, 28, 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
	eMMC 5.1	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM

Launch
Announced	2022, February 15	2022, February 14
Status	Available. Released 2022, March 24	Available. Released 2022, February 15

Body
Build	Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back	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)	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 + Nano-SIM
Weight	189 g (6.67 oz)	190 g (6.70 oz)

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 (~81.6% 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 (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)	Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
Chipset	Unisoc T606 (12 nm)	Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
GPU	Mali-G57 MP1	Mali-G57 MP1
OS	Android 11	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13

Memory
Card slot	microSDXC (dedicated slot)	microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal	32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM	64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
	-	eMMC 5.1

Main Camera
Features	LED flash	LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single	8 MP, (wide)	8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple	13 MP, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens	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	1080p@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	Yes (market/region dependent)	Yes (market/region dependent)
Positioning	GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO	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 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct	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, PD3.0	18W wired, PD3.0
Type	Li-Po 5050 mAh	Li-Po 5050 mAh

Misc
Colors	Charcoal, Ice	Nordic Blue, Dusk
Models	TA-1401	TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412
Price	About 100 EUR	About 90 EUR
SAR	-	1.00 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	0.47 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body)	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)

Nokia G11

Slightly more compact design
Potentially lower price
Reliable Nokia build quality

Shorter battery life
Less bright display
Average camera performance

Nokia G21

Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
Brighter display (500 nits)
Reliable Nokia build quality

Slightly larger size
Performance similar to G11
Average camera performance

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.5-inch HD+ display. While the G21 boasts a measured 500 nits brightness and a 1631:1 contrast ratio, the G11's display is generally considered adequate but not exceptional. The G21's brighter screen offers a noticeable advantage in sunlight.

Camera Comparison

Camera specifications are broadly similar, featuring a main camera setup with a primary sensor and depth sensor. Image quality is decent in good lighting conditions, but low-light performance is average. The G21 might offer slightly better image processing due to potential software optimizations, but the difference is minimal.

Performance

Powered by the same Unisoc T606 chipset and octa-core CPU, performance between the two phones is very similar. Expect smooth everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming, but don't expect flagship-level performance. Resource-intensive games may require lower graphics settings.

Battery Life

This is where the G21 truly shines. Nokia claims an impressive 126-hour endurance rating, significantly exceeding what most smartphones offer. The G11's battery life is still respectable, but it doesn't come close to the G21's longevity.

Buying Guide

The Nokia G11 is a good choice for users prioritizing a slightly more compact design and potentially a lower price point (depending on current deals). The Nokia G21 is ideal for those who need exceptional battery life and appreciate a brighter display for comfortable outdoor viewing.