Nokia's budget smartphone lineup continues to expand, offering affordable options for consumers. The Nokia G21 and C32 both aim to deliver value, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will help you decide which phone is the right fit for you.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G21 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly better battery life, brighter display, and more powerful chipset. While the C32 offers a more modern design and potentially better durability, the G21's performance and longevity make it the more compelling choice overall.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, February 14 | 2023, February 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, February 15 | Available. Released 2023, February 25 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, glass back, plastic frame |
| 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 8.6 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 199.4 g (7.02 oz) |
| | - | Splash and dust resistant |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Scratch-resistant glass |
| 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, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 & 4x1.2 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) | Unisoc SC9863A1 (22 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G57 MP1 | IMG8322 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | - | 50 MP, (wide), AF
2 MP (macro) |
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| 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, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | Yes |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.2, A2DP |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | No |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS |
| Radio | FM radio, RDS | Wireless FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nordic Blue, Dusk | Charcoal, Autumn Green, Beach Pink |
| Models | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | $ 129.00 / £ 73.99 / € 104.99 |
| 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) | - |
Nokia G21
- Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
- Brighter and higher contrast display
- More powerful chipset (Unisoc T606)
- PD3.0 charging support
- Unisoc T606 chipset isn't flagship level
- Camera details are limited
- Design is somewhat dated
Nokia C32
- Modern design
- Potentially more durable polycarbonate build
- Slightly more compact
- Significantly weaker chipset (Unisoc SC9863A1)
- Dimmer display
- Slow 10W charging
- Poor battery life compared to G21
Display Comparison
The Nokia G21 boasts a significantly brighter display with a measured peak brightness of 500 nits and an impressive 1631:1 contrast ratio. The C32's display details are less readily available, but it's likely to be dimmer and offer a less vibrant viewing experience. The G21's display is noticeably superior for outdoor visibility and overall image quality.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature 'Photo / Video' camera setups, but detailed camera specifications are missing. Based on general expectations for these price points, neither phone is likely to offer exceptional camera performance. However, the G21's more powerful chipset *might* allow for slightly better image processing.
Performance
The Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 offers a considerable performance advantage over the Unisoc SC9863A1 in the C32. The G21's Cortex-A75 cores provide a boost for demanding tasks, while the C32 relies solely on Cortex-A55 cores. Expect smoother multitasking and faster app loading times on the G21.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21's battery life is its standout feature, boasting an endurance rating of 126 hours. This is exceptional and far surpasses the C32. The C32's battery capacity is likely smaller, and its slower 10W charging further diminishes its appeal in this category.
Buying Guide
The Nokia G21 is ideal for users prioritizing battery life, performance, and a decent display experience. It's a great choice for those who need a phone that can last for days on a single charge and handle everyday tasks smoothly. The Nokia C32 is better suited for users who value a modern design, potentially enhanced durability (due to its polycarbonate build), and are less concerned about raw performance or screen brightness.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which Nokia phone has better battery life?
The Nokia G21 has significantly better battery life, with an endurance rating of 126 hours compared to the C32's likely shorter lifespan.
❓ Is the Nokia C32 worth buying over the G21?
The Nokia C32 might be worth considering if you prioritize a modern design and potentially greater durability. However, the Nokia G21 offers superior performance and battery life, making it the better overall value.
