Nokia T21 vs Nokia T20: The Ultimate Tablet Showdown

Nokia's T-series tablets offer reliable and affordable Android experiences. The T21 and T20 are two popular contenders, but which one delivers the best bang for your buck? We'll break down their key differences to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia T21 edges out the T20 thanks to its slightly faster chipset (Tiger T612 vs T610), faster charging (18W vs 15W), and generally improved performance. However, the T20's brighter display makes it a strong contender, especially for media consumption.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia T21 Nokia T20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAMHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 - US, LATAM
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 40, 66 - US, LATAM
SpeedHSPA, LTE - cellular model onlyHSPA, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps - cellular model only
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
Launch
Announced2022, September 012021, October 06
StatusAvailable. Released 2022, September 01Available. Released 2021, November 02
Body
BuildGlass front, aluminum backGlass front, aluminum back
Dimensions247.5 x 157.3 x 7.5 mm (9.74 x 6.19 x 0.30 in)247.6 x 157.5 x 7.8 mm (9.75 x 6.20 x 0.31 in)
SIMNano-SIM (cellular model only)Nano-SIM (cellular model only)
Weight466 g (1.03 lb)465 g (Wi-Fi), 470 g (LTE) (1.03 lb)
 Splash resistant Stylus supportSplash resistant
Display
ProtectionScratch-resistant glassScratch-resistant glass
Resolution1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)1200 x 2000 pixels, 5:3 ratio (~224 ppi density)
Size10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~79.1% screen-to-body ratio)10.4 inches, 307.9 cm2 (~78.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 360 nits (typ)IPS LCD, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x1.8 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetUnisoc Tiger T612 (12 nm)Unisoc T610 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G57Mali-G52 MP2
OSAndroid 12, upgradable to Android 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM32GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM
 eMMC 5.1eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash
Single8 MP, AF8 MP, AF
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP5 MP
VideoYesYes
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYes (Wi-Fi/LTE model only / TA-1521)No
PositioningGPS - cellular model onlyGPS - cellular model only
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band
Features
SensorsAccelerometer, proximityAccelerometer
Battery
Charging18W wired, PD3.015W wired
TypeLi-Po 8200 mAhLi-Po 8200 mAh
Misc
ColorsCharcoal GreyDeep Ocean
ModelsTA-1495, TA-1521, TA-1505, TA-1487TA-1397, TA-1394, TA-1392
PriceAbout 240 EURAbout 200 EUR
SAR1.19 W/kg (body)1.34 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.56 W/kg (body)1.35 W/kg (body)
OUR TESTS
Display-1786:1 contrast ratio, 422 nits max brightness (measured)

Nokia T21

  • Faster Chipset (Tiger T612)
  • 18W Fast Charging
  • Slightly Improved Performance
  • Clean Android Experience
  • Durable Build Quality

  • Display not as bright as T20
  • Camera performance is average
  • Price slightly higher than T20

Nokia T20

  • Brighter Display (422 nits)
  • More Mature Design
  • Clean Android Experience
  • Durable Build Quality
  • Generally more affordable

  • Slower Chipset (Tiger T610)
  • 15W Charging (slower)
  • Slightly less responsive performance

Display Comparison

The Nokia T20 boasts a measured peak brightness of 422 nits and a 1786:1 contrast ratio, making it noticeably brighter and offering better image quality, particularly in well-lit environments. The T21's display is adequate but doesn't match the T20's vibrancy. Both feature 2K resolution displays.

Camera Comparison

Both tablets feature modest camera setups, suitable for basic video calls and occasional snapshots. Image quality is generally acceptable in good lighting conditions, but don't expect flagship-level performance. The T21 may offer a marginal improvement in low-light conditions due to the slightly more powerful chipset.

Performance

The T21's Unisoc Tiger T612 chipset provides a slight performance advantage over the T20's T610. This translates to smoother multitasking, quicker app loading times, and a more responsive user experience. Both tablets run Android, offering a clean and bloatware-free experience.

Battery Life

Both tablets offer all-day battery life under moderate usage. The T21's 18W fast charging support allows for quicker top-ups compared to the T20's 15W charging.

Buying Guide

The Nokia T21 is ideal for users who prioritize performance and faster charging for multitasking and demanding apps. The Nokia T20 is a great choice for budget-conscious buyers who value a brighter display for reading and watching videos, and appreciate a slightly more mature design.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What Android version do these tablets run?
Both the Nokia T21 and T20 launched with Android 12 and are eligible for updates. Nokia promises regular security updates for a period of time.
❓ Are these tablets suitable for gaming?
While they can handle casual games, the processors in both tablets aren't designed for demanding, graphically intensive games. Expect lower frame rates and potential lag.
❓ What is the storage capacity of each tablet?
Both tablets are available in various storage configurations, typically ranging from 32GB to 128GB, with microSD card support for expansion.