The Tecno Spark 9 and Nokia G21 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone segment. Both aim to deliver essential features at a low price point, but they take different approaches. The Spark 9 prioritizes a slightly newer chipset, while the G21 focuses on extended battery endurance and a more refined software experience. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 emerges as the better choice. While the Tecno Spark 9’s Helio G37 offers a marginal performance edge, the G21’s proven 126-hour endurance rating, coupled with 18W PD3.0 charging, provides a more reliable and user-friendly experience for daily use.
| 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 | LTE | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | - | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2022, July 18 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2022, August 15 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.6 x 76 x 9 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.35 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 |
| Weight | - | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~266 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.6 inches, 105.2 cm2 (~84.1% 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 (4x2.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765V/CB Helio G37 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 12, HIOS 8.6 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
0.08 MP, (depth) | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 13 MP, f/1.9, 27mm (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | - |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | Yes | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | Yes | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Yes | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | - | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Infinity Black, Sky Mirror | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | KG5p | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 90 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) |
Tecno Spark 9
- Slightly newer chipset (Helio G37)
- Potentially higher peak CPU clock speed
- May offer a more responsive experience for light tasks
- Older CPU core architecture (Cortex-A53)
- Battery life data unavailable, potentially shorter than G21
- Limited information on camera capabilities
Nokia G21
- Exceptional 126-hour endurance rating
- 18W PD3.0 fast charging
- More modern CPU architecture (Cortex-A75)
- Slightly lower peak CPU clock speed
- Display brightness is good, but not exceptional
- Camera details are sparse
Display Comparison
Both the Tecno Spark 9 and Nokia G21 feature displays with a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Nokia G21’s measured 500 nits of brightness provides a noticeably brighter viewing experience, especially outdoors. While neither phone boasts a high refresh rate, the G21’s brightness advantage makes it more usable in direct sunlight. Details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and color gamut coverage are absent, suggesting both utilize standard panels for this price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed with 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without specific sensor details (megapixel count, sensor size, aperture), a direct comparison is difficult. It’s safe to assume both feature basic camera systems geared towards casual photography. The absence of any mention of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) suggests neither phone will excel in low-light conditions. Focusing on megapixel counts alone would be misleading; sensor size and image processing algorithms are far more critical.
Performance
The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Tecno Spark 9 utilizes the Mediatek Helio G37, featuring a mix of Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.3 GHz. The Nokia G21, conversely, employs the Unisoc T606, with a more modern architecture – two Cortex-A75 cores at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores also at 1.6 GHz. While the G37’s higher clock speed *appears* advantageous, the A75 cores in the T606 offer superior single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launching and smoother multitasking. The G37’s reliance on older A53 cores may lead to more noticeable slowdowns under sustained load. RAM configurations are not specified, but the Unisoc T606’s architecture is generally more efficient, potentially mitigating RAM limitations.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21’s standout feature is its impressive 126-hour endurance rating. This suggests a highly optimized power consumption profile. While the exact battery capacity isn’t specified, the endurance rating indicates it will comfortably last a full day, even with moderate usage. The inclusion of 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a significant advantage, allowing for faster and more efficient charging compared to potentially slower, non-standard charging solutions. The Tecno Spark 9’s battery specifications are not provided, making it difficult to assess its real-world performance. Without comparable endurance data, the G21 clearly wins in this category.
Buying Guide
Buy the Tecno Spark 9 if you prioritize occasional gaming or app-intensive tasks and are willing to compromise on battery life. Its Helio G37 chipset offers a slight performance advantage. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value long-lasting battery life, reliable charging, and a generally smoother, more consistent experience for everyday tasks like browsing, calling, and social media. The G21 is the better option for users who prioritize practicality over raw power.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Does the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with demanding games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it's capable of running PUBG Mobile at medium settings with reasonable frame rates. The Cortex-A75 cores provide a performance boost over the older cores in the Helio G37, but don't expect a flagship gaming experience. Lowering graphics settings will be necessary for smoother gameplay.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Nokia G21 from 0% to 100%?
With the 18W PD3.0 charger, the Nokia G21 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The PD3.0 standard ensures efficient charging, minimizing heat buildup and maximizing battery health. Using a lower wattage charger will significantly increase charging time.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specifications a concern for both phones?
Yes, the limited camera information is a drawback. It suggests both phones utilize basic camera setups. Don't expect exceptional image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Focus on the phones' strengths – battery life and basic functionality – rather than expecting professional-grade photography.
