The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G3 and Nokia G21 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The G3 focuses on simplicity, while the G21 attempts to offer a more well-rounded experience with a focus on longevity. This comparison dives deep into the specifications to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset provides a noticeable performance uplift over the Umidigi G3’s Helio A22, and the 18W charging with PD3.0 support is a significant advantage. While both phones boast similar battery endurance ratings, the G21’s faster charging and more capable processor make it the more practical option.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 2100 - International |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 | 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 | 2023 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | - | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 163.9 x 75.7 x 8.8 mm (6.45 x 2.98 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 | 192 g (6.77 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~269 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.52 inches, 102.6 cm2 (~82.7% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~81.6% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek Helio A22 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 3GB RAM, 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| | - | eMMC 5.1 |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Dual | 13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), AF
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Features | Dual-LED flash, HDR | 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 |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 5 MP, f/2.2, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 720p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | No | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | No | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 10W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5150 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Dark Green, Lavender Purple | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | - | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | - | 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) |
Umidigi G3
- Extremely affordable
- Simple and easy to use
- Decent battery endurance
- Weak processor performance
- Slow charging speed
- Limited features
Nokia G21
- More powerful processor
- Faster charging with PD3.0
- Brighter display
- Still a budget device with limitations
- Camera performance likely average
- May be slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
Both the Umidigi G3 and Nokia G21 share a contrast ratio of 1631:1, suggesting similar panel characteristics in terms of black levels. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility. While neither phone is likely to offer exceptional color accuracy, the higher brightness of the G21 makes it the more usable device in bright sunlight. The lack of information regarding panel type (IPS, TFT) for the G3 makes it difficult to assess its viewing angles compared to the G21.
Camera Comparison
Both devices list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing. Given the price point, expectations should be tempered. It’s safe to assume both phones rely on budget sensors and software algorithms. Without further information, it’s impossible to definitively declare a winner. However, Nokia’s brand reputation for image processing suggests a potentially more refined camera experience, even with similar hardware. The absence of details makes it unlikely either phone will excel in low-light conditions.
Performance
The Nokia G21’s Unisoc T606 is a clear winner in the performance department. Its octa-core configuration, featuring two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores, provides a substantial advantage over the Umidigi G3’s quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 processor. The A75 cores offer significantly better single-core performance, crucial for responsive app launches and smoother multitasking. While both chipsets are built on a 12nm process, the architectural differences translate to a more fluid user experience on the Nokia G21. The G3 will struggle with anything beyond basic app usage.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G3 and Nokia G21 achieve an endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating comparable battery life under similar usage conditions. However, the Nokia G21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a significant advantage over the G3’s slow 10W charging. This translates to a much faster 0-100% charge time, reducing downtime. While both phones will likely last a full day on a single charge for moderate users, the G21’s faster charging provides greater convenience and flexibility.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G3 if you prioritize absolute simplicity and are only using the phone for the most basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. It’s a viable option for a first smartphone or as a temporary device. Buy the Nokia G21 if you want a phone that can handle more demanding apps, multitasking, and offers faster charging, making it a more future-proof and versatile choice for everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 capable of running popular games like PUBG Mobile?
The Unisoc T606 can run PUBG Mobile, but likely at lower graphics settings and frame rates to maintain a playable experience. Expect to adjust settings to prioritize smoothness over visual fidelity. The Umidigi G3’s Helio A22 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Nokia G21 with the included charger?
With the 18W PD3.0 charger, the Nokia G21 should fully charge from 0% to 100% in approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. The Umidigi G3, with its 10W charging, will take considerably longer – likely exceeding 4 hours.
❓ Does the Nokia G21 receive regular software updates and security patches?
Nokia is known for providing relatively consistent software updates and security patches for its smartphones, even in the budget segment. While the frequency may not match flagship devices, the G21 is likely to receive updates for at least a couple of years, offering improved security and potentially new features. Umidigi's update track record is less predictable.
