The sub-$150 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. The Umidigi G5A and Nokia G21 both aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point, but they take different approaches. The G5A prioritizes a lower entry cost, while the G21 focuses on a more refined user experience with features like faster charging and a brighter display.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For most users, the Nokia G21 is the better choice. Its Unisoc T606 chipset offers a significant performance uplift over the Umidigi G5A’s Helio A22, and the 18W charging with PD3.0 support is a welcome addition. While both offer similar battery endurance, the G21’s display is measurably brighter.
| 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, 66 | 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 | 195 g (6.88 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 | LED flash | 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/2.0, (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, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio, RDS |
| USB | USB Type-C | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac | 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 | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Graphite Black, Jade Green, Lavender Purple, Pearl White, Space Gray | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | - | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 100 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) |
Umidigi G5A
- Lowest possible price point
- Acceptable battery life for basic use
- Simple and straightforward Android experience
- Significantly slower processor
- Slow 10W charging
- Likely limited software support
Nokia G21
- More powerful Unisoc T606 chipset
- Faster 18W charging with PD3.0
- Brighter display for better visibility
- Slightly higher price
- Camera performance likely limited by budget sensors
- Software updates may be infrequent
Display Comparison
The Nokia G21 boasts a brighter display, measured at 500 nits, compared to the Umidigi G5A’s unspecified brightness. Both share a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar panel characteristics in terms of black levels. However, the higher peak brightness of the G21 translates to better visibility outdoors and a more vibrant viewing experience. While neither phone is likely to feature high refresh rates or advanced panel technologies like LTPO, the G21’s display is demonstrably superior for everyday use.
Camera Comparison
Both phones list 'Photo / Video' capabilities, but lack specific details. Without sensor size or aperture information, a direct comparison is difficult. However, given the price point, it’s safe to assume both rely on budget sensors. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is largely a marketing tactic, offering minimal practical benefit. Image quality will likely be heavily reliant on software processing, and the G21’s more powerful chipset *may* allow for slightly more sophisticated algorithms.
Performance
The core difference between these two devices lies in their chipsets. The Umidigi G5A utilizes the Mediatek Helio A22, a quad-core processor built on a 12nm process. In contrast, the Nokia G21 features the Unisoc T606, an octa-core chip also on a 12nm node, but with a more sophisticated architecture – two Cortex-A75 cores for performance and six Cortex-A55 cores for efficiency. This architectural advantage gives the G21 a significant edge in multitasking and app responsiveness. The G21’s CPU configuration will handle more demanding applications and provide a smoother overall experience. While neither chipset is designed for intensive gaming, the G21 will offer a more playable experience in less demanding titles.
Battery Life
Both the Umidigi G5A and Nokia G21 achieve an endurance rating of 126 hours, indicating similar battery life under typical usage. However, the Nokia G21’s 18W wired charging with PD3.0 support is a substantial advantage over the G5A’s slow 10W charging. This means the G21 can be topped up much faster, reducing downtime. While both will likely last a full day on a single charge for moderate users, the G21’s faster charging provides greater convenience.
Buying Guide
Buy the Umidigi G5A if you absolutely need the lowest possible price and your smartphone usage is limited to basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value smoother multitasking, a more responsive user interface, and faster charging, even if it means spending a little more upfront. The G21 is better suited for users who consume media or play casual games.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Unisoc T606 in the Nokia G21 powerful enough for playing games like PUBG Mobile?
While the Unisoc T606 isn't a gaming powerhouse, it can handle PUBG Mobile at lower graphics settings and frame rates. Expect playable performance with reduced details to maintain a stable experience. The Umidigi G5A’s Helio A22 would struggle significantly with this title.
❓ How long does it realistically take to fully charge the Nokia G21 from 0% to 100%?
With the 18W PD3.0 charging, the Nokia G21 should fully charge in approximately 2-2.5 hours, depending on usage during charging. This is considerably faster than the Umidigi G5A, which could take upwards of 4-5 hours with its 10W charger.
❓ Will the Nokia G21 receive Android version updates in the future?
Nokia typically provides at least two years of software updates for their G-series phones. However, given the G21's budget positioning, major Android version updates are not guaranteed beyond Android 12. Security patches are more likely to be provided for a longer period.
