The sub-$200 smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Both the vivo Y21 and Nokia G21 aim to deliver essential smartphone functionality at an accessible price point. However, they take different approaches to achieving this, with the Y21 prioritizing a slightly older, but potentially more refined, chipset while the G21 focuses on endurance and modern charging standards. This comparison will dissect their key differences to determine which device offers the best value.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing longevity and consistent performance, the Nokia G21 emerges as the better choice. While the vivo Y21’s Helio P35 might offer a slight edge in single-core tasks, the G21’s Unisoc T606, coupled with its 126-hour endurance rating and PD3.0 charging, provides a more well-rounded and future-proof experience.
| 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 | 1, 3, 5, 8, 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 | 2021, August 20 | 2022, February 14 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 20 | Available. Released 2022, February 15 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back |
| Dimensions | 164.3 x 76.1 x 8 mm (6.47 x 3.00 x 0.31 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 | 182 g (6.42 oz) | 190 g (6.70 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.51 inches, 102.3 cm2 (~81.8% 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 | Octa-core (4x2.35 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.8 GHz Cortex-A53) | Octa-core (2x1.6 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.6 GHz Cortex-A55) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6765 Helio P35 (12 nm) | Unisoc T606 (12 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Mali-G57 MP1 |
| OS | Android 11, Funtouch 11.1 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 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), PDAF
2 MP (macro) | - |
| Features | LED flash | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 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 | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) | 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | 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 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/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, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, proximity |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired, PD3.0 |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5050 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Diamond Glow, Midnight Blue | Nordic Blue, Dusk |
| Models | V2111 | TA-1418, TA-1477, TA-1415, TA-1405, TA-1404, TA-1412 |
| Price | About 180 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) |
vivo Y21
- Potentially faster single-core performance due to higher clocked cores.
- Established brand recognition in some markets.
- Compact form factor (likely, based on market positioning).
- Older chipset architecture (Helio P35).
- Likely shorter battery life compared to the Nokia G21.
- No PD3.0 charging support.
Nokia G21
- Superior battery life (126-hour endurance rating).
- More modern chipset architecture (Unisoc T606).
- PD3.0 charging support for faster and versatile charging.
- Better sustained performance for multitasking and gaming.
- Potentially slightly slower single-core performance.
- Unisoc chipset may have less software optimization compared to Mediatek.
- Larger form factor (likely).
Display Comparison
Both the vivo Y21 and Nokia G21 feature displays with a 1631:1 contrast ratio, suggesting similar visual pop. However, the Nokia G21 boasts a measured peak brightness of 500 nits, a crucial advantage for outdoor visibility. While both manufacturers list the contrast ratio as 'nominal', the G21’s measured brightness provides a concrete advantage. Details regarding panel technology (IPS, TFT) and color gamut coverage are absent, suggesting both utilize standard panels for this price segment. Bezels are likely comparable, focusing on maximizing screen real estate within the budget constraints.
Camera Comparison
Both phones are listed as having 'Photo / Video' capabilities, offering minimal insight. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to draw meaningful conclusions. The absence of information regarding Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) or aperture sizes suggests both rely on basic camera setups. The prevalence of 2MP macro lenses in this segment suggests both phones likely include one, but its utility is questionable. Image processing algorithms will likely be the differentiating factor, but without sample images, it’s impossible to assess which phone produces more pleasing results.
Performance
The chipset is where the most significant difference lies. The vivo Y21 utilizes the Mediatek Helio P35, featuring a mix of Cortex-A53 cores clocked up to 2.35 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 P35’s higher clock speed *might* translate to slightly faster single-core performance, the T606’s A75 cores offer superior sustained performance and efficiency, particularly in multi-threaded tasks and gaming. The Unisoc T606’s architecture is more efficient, potentially leading to better thermal management during prolonged use. RAM configurations are not specified, but both likely utilize LPDDR4X to balance cost and performance.
Battery Life
The Nokia G21 shines in the battery department with an impressive endurance rating of 126 hours. While the Y21’s battery capacity isn’t specified, the G21’s rating suggests a larger battery or more efficient power management. Both support 18W wired charging, but the G21 adds Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0) support, enabling faster and more versatile charging with compatible chargers. This means the G21 can potentially charge faster and negotiate optimal charging profiles with a wider range of power adapters, offering a more convenient user experience.
Buying Guide
Buy the vivo Y21 if you primarily need a phone for very basic tasks like calls, texts, and light social media, and are comfortable with potentially shorter battery life. Buy the Nokia G21 if you value all-day battery life, faster and more versatile charging, and a chipset designed for more sustained workloads, even if it means sacrificing a small amount of peak single-core performance.
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 A75 cores provide a performance boost over the Helio P35 in the vivo Y21, making the G21 the better choice for casual gaming. Expect some frame drops during intense firefights, but the experience should be playable.
❓ How much faster is the PD3.0 charging on the Nokia G21 compared to the standard 18W charging on the vivo Y21?
PD3.0 allows the Nokia G21 to negotiate a higher voltage and amperage with compatible chargers, potentially reducing charging times. While both phones support 18W, a PD3.0 charger can deliver up to 9V/2A, resulting in a faster 0-100% charge compared to the vivo Y21’s standard 5V/3.6A charging. The exact time savings will depend on the charger used.
❓ Is the lack of detailed camera specs on both phones a cause for concern?
Yes, it is. The absence of information regarding sensor size, aperture, and image processing suggests both phones utilize basic camera systems. Don't expect flagship-level image quality. The cameras are likely adequate for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions, but will struggle in low-light environments.
