Nokia's G-series continues to offer affordable smartphones with a focus on durability and battery life. The G21 and G22 are two recent additions, both targeting budget-conscious consumers. But which one offers the better value? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G21 edges out the G22 thanks to its significantly longer battery life and superior display contrast. While the G22 boasts slightly faster charging and a modular design for easier repairs, the G21's overall package is more compelling for most users.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 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 (Gorilla Glass 3), plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in) | 165 x 76.2 x 8.5 mm (6.50 x 3.00 x 0.33 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 190 g (6.70 oz) | 196.2 g (6.91 oz) |
| | - | Dust and splash resistant
QuickFix user-reparable design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| 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 (~81.1% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 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, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| | eMMC 5.1 | UFS 2.2 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| 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 | 50 MP, f/1.8, (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, 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, RDS | 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 |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired, PD3.0 | 20W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | Li-Po 5050 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Nordic Blue, Dusk | Lagoon Blue, Meteor Gray, So Peach |
| Models | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 | - |
| Price | About 90 EUR | About 120 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) | - |
Nokia G21
- Exceptional battery life (126h endurance)
- High contrast display (1631:1)
- Durable build quality
- Clean Android experience
- Modularity not present
- Unisoc T606 chipset isn't a powerhouse
- Camera performance is average
Nokia G22
- Modular design for easier repairs
- Slightly faster charging (20W)
- Clean Android experience
- Potentially longer software support
- Shorter battery life compared to G21
- Display contrast likely lower than G21
- Unisoc T606 chipset isn't a powerhouse
Display Comparison
The Nokia G21 boasts a remarkable 1631:1 contrast ratio, providing deeper blacks and more vibrant colors compared to the G22 (specs not available, assumed to be standard). Both likely feature similar LCD panels, but the G21's contrast advantage is noticeable. The G21 also has a measured brightness of 500 nits, which is respectable for a budget phone.
Camera Comparison
Camera specifications are not fully detailed for either device. Both likely feature a primary sensor and potentially an ultrawide lens. Image quality will depend heavily on software processing and lighting conditions. Expect decent results in good lighting, but struggles in low-light scenarios. Further testing is needed for a definitive comparison.
Performance
Both phones share the same Unisoc T606 chipset and CPU configuration. Expect similar performance in everyday tasks and light gaming. Don't expect flagship-level speeds, but they should handle basic apps and multitasking without major issues. Software optimization will play a key role in the overall user experience.
Battery Life
This is where the G21 truly shines. Its endurance rating of 126 hours is exceptional, significantly outperforming the G22. The G22 offers 20W charging versus the G21's 18W, but the G21's larger battery capacity likely compensates for the slightly slower charging speed.
Buying Guide
The Nokia G21 is ideal for users prioritizing exceptional battery life and a vibrant display on a tight budget. The Nokia G22 is a better choice for those who value repairability and are comfortable with slightly reduced battery performance, potentially seeking a longer software support lifespan.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia G22's modular design worth it?
The modular design allows for easier repairs, potentially extending the phone's lifespan. However, the trade-off is a slightly reduced battery life compared to the G21.
❓ Which phone will receive software updates for longer?
Nokia typically provides consistent software updates. While specifics are not confirmed, the G22 may receive slightly longer support due to its newer release date.
