Umidigi A15T vs Nokia G21: A Detailed Comparison of Performance and Battery Life

The Umidigi A15T and Nokia G21 represent compelling options in the ultra-budget smartphone space, but cater to different priorities. The A15T focuses on delivering a more powerful processing experience with its MediaTek Helio G95, while the Nokia G21 emphasizes longevity with its endurance-focused design and 126-hour battery rating. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right device.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For users prioritizing responsiveness and occasional gaming, the Umidigi A15T is the better choice thanks to its significantly more powerful Helio G95 chipset. However, if maximizing battery life and consistent, if slower, performance are paramount, the Nokia G21 offers a compelling package.

PHONES
Phone Names Umidigi A15T Nokia G21
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41, 661, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTEHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTEGSM / HSPA / LTE
 -1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 28, 40, 66 - LATAM
Launch
Announced20242022, February 14
StatusAvailable. Released 2024Available. Released 2022, February 15
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions167.6 x 75.3 x 8.6 mm (6.60 x 2.96 x 0.34 in)164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm (6.48 x 2.99 x 0.33 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight195 g (6.88 oz)190 g (6.70 oz)
Display
Resolution720 x 1650 pixels (~269 ppi density)720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 106.2 cm2 (~84.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 500 nitsIPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 & 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55)Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetMediatek Helio G95 (12 nm)Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
GPUMali-G76 MC4Mali-G57 MP1
OSAndroid 13Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal128GB 8GB RAM64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
 -eMMC 5.1
Main Camera
FeaturesLED flashLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Triple64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), AF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro)50 MP, f/1.8, 28mm (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide)
Video720p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE5.0, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDSGPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
RadioFM radioFM radio, RDS
USBUSB Type-CUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/acWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired, PD3.0
Type5000 mAhLi-Po 5050 mAh
Misc
ColorsSpace Black, Nebula Purple, Glacier BlueNordic Blue, Dusk
Models-TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412
PriceAbout 180 EURAbout 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)

Umidigi A15T

  • Significantly more powerful processor for smoother performance.
  • Better suited for gaming and demanding applications.
  • Potentially better image processing due to the Helio G95's ISP.

  • Likely shorter battery life compared to the Nokia G21.
  • Charging speed may be slower without PD3.0 support.

Nokia G21

  • Exceptional battery life with a 126-hour endurance rating.
  • PD3.0 support for potentially faster charging.
  • Reliable performance for basic tasks.

  • Unisoc T606 processor struggles with demanding applications.
  • Less responsive user experience compared to the A15T.

Display Comparison

Both the Umidigi A15T and Nokia G21 share a contrast ratio of 1631:1, suggesting similar visual depth. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, which will translate to better outdoor visibility compared to the A15T, whose brightness is not specified. While both likely utilize IPS LCD panels, the Nokia G21’s brightness advantage is a tangible benefit for users frequently exposed to sunlight. The lack of high refresh rate support on either device is typical for this price bracket.

Camera Comparison

Both devices offer 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size or megapixel count. Given the price point, image quality will likely be similar, relying heavily on software processing. The absence of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device suggests that low-light performance will be a challenge. Without further specifications, it’s difficult to declare a clear winner; however, the A15T’s more powerful ISP (Image Signal Processor) within the Helio G95 *could* translate to slightly better image processing, but this is speculative.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Umidigi A15T’s MediaTek Helio G95, built on a 12nm process, features a CPU configuration of 2x2.05 GHz Cortex-A76 cores and 6x2.0 GHz Cortex-A55 cores. This is a substantial upgrade over the Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606 (also 12nm) with its 2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 and 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55 setup. The Cortex-A76 cores in the G95 offer significantly higher single-core performance, resulting in snappier app launches and smoother overall operation. The G95 also benefits from a more capable GPU, making it the clear winner for gaming. The Unisoc T606 in the G21 is adequate for basic tasks, but will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

The Nokia G21’s standout feature is its impressive endurance rating of 126 hours. While mAh capacity isn’t specified, this rating suggests efficient power management. Both phones support 18W wired charging, but the Nokia G21 also includes PD3.0 support, potentially allowing for faster charging with compatible chargers. The A15T’s reliance on standard 18W charging may result in slightly longer charge times. However, the G95’s higher power consumption will likely offset some of the G21’s battery advantage during intensive use.

Buying Guide

Buy the Umidigi A15T if you need a phone capable of handling demanding apps, light gaming, and smoother multitasking. Its Helio G95 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the competition. Buy the Nokia G21 if you prioritize extended battery life and a reliable, albeit less powerful, experience for everyday tasks like calling, texting, and social media browsing. The G21 is ideal for users who rarely push their phone's processing limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 struggle with multitasking?
Yes, the Unisoc T606 is a relatively low-powered chipset. While it can handle basic multitasking (switching between a few apps), it will likely exhibit slowdowns and lag when running multiple demanding applications simultaneously. The Umidigi A15T’s Helio G95 is far better equipped for heavier multitasking workloads.
❓ How much of a difference will the Helio G95 make for gaming on the Umidigi A15T?
The Helio G95 offers a substantial improvement in gaming performance compared to the Unisoc T606. You’ll be able to play more demanding games at higher settings and frame rates on the A15T. While it won’t rival flagship gaming phones, it provides a significantly more enjoyable gaming experience than the G21.
❓ Does the Nokia G21's PD3.0 charging actually make a difference in charging speed?
PD3.0 support *can* result in faster charging, but only if you use a compatible PD3.0 charger. If you use a standard 18W charger, the charging speed will be similar to the Umidigi A15T. However, with a PD3.0 charger, the G21 may charge slightly faster.
❓ Given the lack of detailed camera specs, should I expect similar photo quality from both phones?
Generally, yes. Without knowing sensor sizes or megapixel counts, it's safe to assume similar image quality in good lighting conditions. However, the Umidigi A15T’s more powerful ISP *could* provide an edge in image processing, potentially resulting in slightly better dynamic range and detail, especially in challenging lighting scenarios.