Nokia's budget phone lineup offers reliable options, but choosing between them can be tricky. The Nokia G400 and Nokia 5.4 both aim to deliver value, but they take different approaches. Let's break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is the better fit.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia G400 edges out the 5.4 thanks to its faster processor, 5G connectivity, and quicker charging. However, the 5.4 boasts a slightly better camera system and a more refined design. Ultimately, the G400 offers more future-proofing and performance for the price.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 2, 4, 5, 12, 13, 25, 26, 41, 66, 71 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71, 77 SA/NSA | - |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 28, 66 - NA, LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, January 05 | 2020, December 15. Released 2020, December 25 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 24 | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass 3), aluminum frame | - |
| Dimensions | 166.4 x 76.7 x 8.8 mm (6.55 x 3.02 x 0.35 in) | 161 x 76 x 8.7 mm (6.34 x 2.99 x 0.34 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 198 g (6.98 oz) | 181 g (6.38 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~81.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.39 inches, 100.2 cm2 (~81.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz | IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.9 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (4x2.0 GHz Kryo 260 Gold & 4x1.8 GHz Kryo 260 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350-AC Snapdragon 480+ 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6115 Snapdragon 662 (11 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, 13mm (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | - |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 115˚ (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 16 MP, (wide) | 16 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 | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive | 4.2, A2DP, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 20W wired, PD3.0 | 10W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Meteor Grey | Polar Night, Dusk |
| Models | TA-1530, TA-1448, TA-1476, N1530DL | TA-1333, TA-1340, TA-1337, TA-1328, TA-1325 |
| Price | About 70 EUR | About 90 EUR |
| SAR | 1.05 W/kg (head) 1.09 W/kg (body) | 0.68 W/kg (head) 1.02 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.99 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
Nokia G400
- Faster Processor (Snapdragon 480+)
- 5G Connectivity
- 120Hz Refresh Rate Display
- Faster Charging (20W)
- Larger Battery (5000mAh)
- Slightly less refined camera
- Less premium design
Nokia 5.4
- Better Camera System
- More refined design
- Good Battery Life
- Slower Processor (Snapdragon 662)
- No 5G
- Slower Charging (10W)
- Standard 60Hz Display
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.6-inch display, but the G400 has a slightly higher resolution (1080 x 2400) compared to the 5.4's (1080 x 2340). The G400 also has a 120Hz refresh rate, offering smoother scrolling and animations, a significant advantage over the 5.4's standard 60Hz. Viewing angles and color accuracy are comparable, leaning towards slightly better on the 5.4 due to its more refined panel.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 5.4 has a quad-camera setup (48MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth) while the G400 has a triple-camera setup (48MP main, 5MP wide-angle, 2MP macro). While megapixels aren't everything, the 5.4's additional depth sensor and slightly better image processing algorithms generally result in better photos, especially in portrait mode. The G400's camera is still capable, but the 5.4 holds a slight edge in image quality.
Performance
The Snapdragon 480+ in the G400 is noticeably faster than the Snapdragon 662 in the 5.4. This translates to snappier app loading, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance. While both phones handle everyday tasks well, the G400's extra power shines through in more demanding scenarios. The G400's 8nm process also contributes to slightly better power efficiency.
Battery Life
The Nokia G400 has a 5000mAh battery, while the Nokia 5.4 also has a 4000mAh battery. Despite the smaller capacity, the 5.4's more efficient processor and display contribute to comparable battery life in typical usage. However, the G400's 20W fast charging is significantly faster than the 5.4's 10W charging, allowing for quicker top-ups.
Buying Guide
The Nokia G400 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and 5G connectivity, even on a budget. The Nokia 5.4 is a good choice for those who value camera quality and a more polished design, and don't necessarily need 5G.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia G400 worth the extra money?
If 5G and a smoother display are important to you, then yes, the G400 is worth the extra cost. The performance boost is noticeable.
❓ Which Nokia phone has the better camera?
The Nokia 5.4 generally produces slightly better photos thanks to its quad-camera setup and image processing, but the G400 is still capable.