Nokia G21

Nokia G21 Review: The Long-Haul Champion with a Few Compromises

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Nokia G21 through its paces, and it’s a device that carves out a specific niche in the budget-friendly smartphone landscape. Priced to appeal to the more value-conscious consumer, this phone promises longevity, particularly in battery life, and that’s where its core appeal lies. My testing involved a mix of daily tasks, media consumption, and some casual photography to get a comprehensive feel for its capabilities.

Stepping into the current market, the Nokia G21 finds itself competing in a crowded space where compromises are often necessary to hit a certain price point. HMD Global, the company behind Nokia phones, has consistently focused on reliability and durability, and the G21 seems to continue this trend. In my view, their strategy is clearly aimed at users who prioritize dependable performance over bleeding-edge features. The price point places it squarely against offerings from Realme, Xiaomi, and Motorola, all vying for the attention of budget-conscious buyers. My initial take is that the pricing feels appropriate for what's on offer, but the devil is always in the details.

Picking up the G21, the first thing I noticed is its substantial feel. It's not a small phone by any means, with its 164.6mm height making its presence known in the hand. The 190g weight adds to this sense of solidity, which, for me, translates to a feeling of durability. The "Nordic Blue" colorway is understated and rather pleasant, avoiding the overly flashy aesthetics some competitors opt for. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner is exceptionally responsive, a feature I always appreciate for its convenience and reliability. While the materials are primarily plastic, they feel robust enough for everyday use, and I don't have immediate concerns about its ability to withstand the usual bumps and scrapes. From a purely practical standpoint, it feels like a phone built to last.

Moving onto the display, the 6.5-inch IPS LCD is adequate for daily use. For browsing, social media, and watching videos indoors, it serves its purpose well. However, it's crucial to manage expectations here. The 720 x 1600 pixel resolution, while acceptable, isn't the sharpest I've encountered. While the 90Hz refresh rate makes scrolling feel smooth, enhancing the overall user experience, the 400 nits of typical brightness can struggle in direct sunlight. During my outdoor testing, visibility was noticeably reduced, requiring me to find shade to comfortably view content. Media consumption is generally enjoyable, but those accustomed to higher resolution panels will notice the difference in clarity. Gaming is a similar story; it’s functional but lacks the visual crispness you'd find on higher-end devices. For practical daily use, the display is fine, but it's certainly an area where compromises have been made to meet the price point.

Under the hood, the Nokia G21 is powered by a Unisoc T606 chipset. In my real-world testing, this processor handled everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and social media without major hiccups. However, when pushed with more demanding applications or during heavier multitasking, I did experience occasional stutters and noticeable loading times. Gaming sessions with graphically intensive titles revealed the limitations of the hardware; while playable, frame rates weren't always consistent, and details were often reduced. Temperature management seemed adequate; the phone didn't become excessively hot even during extended gaming periods. It's important to acknowledge that this isn't a performance powerhouse, but for its intended user base, it offers acceptable, if not exceptional, performance. One quirk I noticed was a slight delay when switching between certain apps, which, while not a deal-breaker, is worth noting for those who prioritize instantaneous responsiveness.

The camera system on the Nokia G21 is headlined by a 50MP main sensor, accompanied by a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. My experience taking photos has been a mixed bag. In well-lit conditions, the main sensor can produce surprisingly decent images with good detail and acceptable color accuracy. I was particularly impressed with some daytime shots, showcasing a level of clarity I didn't initially expect. However, as light diminishes, image quality noticeably degrades, with increased noise and a loss of detail. The 2MP macro lens, as is often the case with such sensors, offers limited practical use and struggles to produce truly impressive results. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is functional for basic video capture but lacks the features and quality of more advanced systems. Compared to alternatives in this price range, the camera performs adequately for casual snapshots, but it won't satisfy users with more serious photography aspirations. In real-world usage scenarios, it's fine for capturing memories and sharing on social media, but don't expect professional-grade results.

Battery life is where the Nokia G21 truly shines. The large 5050mAh battery consistently delivered impressive endurance in my testing. With moderate to heavy usage, including browsing, social media, video streaming, and some gaming, I routinely managed to get through a full day with battery to spare. On lighter usage days, pushing into a second day was entirely achievable. This is a significant strength of the device and a major selling point for those who prioritize battery longevity. While the phone supports 18W fast charging, the inclusion of a 10W charger in the box is a curious choice. Using the included charger, full charging does take a considerable amount of time. Investing in an 18W charger is highly recommended to take advantage of the faster charging capabilities. The power management seems efficient, contributing to the overall excellent battery performance. For users constantly on the go or who dislike frequent charging, the G21 is a compelling option.

On the software front, the Nokia G21 runs on Android, starting with version 11 and offering an upgrade path to Android 13. My daily usage experience with the software has been generally smooth. The interface is clean and close to stock Android, which I personally appreciate for its simplicity and lack of bloatware. The promised software updates are a significant advantage, ensuring the device remains secure and up-to-date for a reasonable period. Feature-wise, it covers the essentials, and the inclusion of NFC for contactless payments is a welcome addition. While not packed with innovative software features, the focus on a clean and stable Android experience is a plus for many users. The update policy, promising future Android versions and security updates, is a key differentiator in this price segment.

Analyzing the value proposition of the Nokia G21, my personal take is that it offers a compelling package for a specific type of user. Its strength lies in its exceptional battery life and reliable, if not groundbreaking, performance for everyday tasks. This phone is ideal for students, individuals who need a dependable device for basic communication and media consumption, or anyone who prioritizes battery endurance above all else. Those who should look elsewhere are users who demand high-end performance for gaming or professional photography, as the G21's capabilities in these areas are limited. In the competitive context, it holds its own by focusing on core functionalities and long-term software support, setting it apart from some competitors who prioritize flashier specs over sustained usability.

In conclusion, the Nokia G21 earns a solid recommendation for its target audience. It’s a no-frills smartphone that delivers on its promise of long-lasting battery life and dependable daily performance. While it makes compromises in areas like display resolution and processing power, these are understandable given its price point. For anyone seeking a reliable, budget-friendly phone that can go the distance, the Nokia G21 is definitely worth considering. It’s a champion of endurance, proving that sometimes, the most valuable feature is simply the ability to keep going.