Nokia G21

Currently, the Nokia G21 is available in two variants in Qatar: the 4GB RAM + 64GB storage model and the 4GB RAM + 128GB storage model. The 64GB variant is priced at around QAR 639, while the 128GB variant costs approximately QAR 699. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

It’s worth noting that some stores may offer bundle deals or discounts, so it’s always a good idea to shop around for the best price.

Nokia G21 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.5″ IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
Resolution	720 x 1600 pixels
Processor	Unisoc T606 (12 nm)
RAM	4GB
Storage	64GB / 128GB (expandable up to 512GB)
Main Camera	50MP Wide + 2MP Macro + 2MP Depth
Front Camera	8MP
Battery	5050mAh
Charging	18W Fast Charging
Operating System	Android 11 (upgradable to Android 13)
5G	No (4G LTE)
Water Resistance	No official rating

 

Release Date and Availability

The Nokia G21 was officially released on February 14, 2022, and became available in Qatar shortly after. This budget-friendly smartphone has been well-received in the Qatari market due to its affordable price point and decent specifications. The device is readily available in major electronics stores and online retailers across Qatar.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia G21 features a sleek and modern design that belies its budget-friendly price tag. The phone has a plastic body with a textured back panel that provides a good grip and resists fingerprints.

It’s available in two attractive colors: Nordic Blue and Dusk. The device measures 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm and weighs 190 grams, making it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.

On the front, you’ll find a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a waterdrop notch housing the selfie camera. The bezels are relatively thin for a budget phone, giving the G21 a modern look. The right side of the device features a volume rocker and a power button that doubles as a fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking.

Display and Performance

The Nokia G21 boasts a 6.5-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 720 x 1600 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest screen on the market, it offers decent color reproduction and brightness for everyday use. One of the standout features of this display is its 90Hz refresh rate, which is uncommon in this price range. This higher refresh rate provides smoother scrolling and a more fluid user experience compared to standard 60Hz displays.

Under the hood, the G21 is powered by a Unisoc T606 chipset, which is an octa-core processor built on a 12nm process. This is paired with 4GB of RAM and either 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, depending on the variant you choose. The performance is adequate for everyday tasks such as browsing the web, using social media apps, and light gaming. However, power users or those who frequently multitask with demanding apps might find the performance a bit lacking compared to more expensive devices.

Camera Capabilities

The camera setup on the Nokia G21 is quite impressive for its price point. The main camera array consists of a 50MP wide-angle primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. This combination allows for versatile photography options, including portrait mode shots with bokeh effects and close-up macro photography.

The primary 50MP sensor uses pixel binning technology to produce 12.5MP images with improved light sensitivity and reduced noise. This results in better low-light performance compared to many other budget smartphones. The camera app includes various modes and features, such as Night mode, Portrait mode, and AI scene detection, which can help users capture better photos in different scenarios.

On the front, there’s an 8MP selfie camera housed in the waterdrop notch. While it may not be the highest resolution front-facing camera on the market, it’s more than capable of taking decent selfies and handling video calls.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the standout features of the Nokia G21 is its impressive 5050mAh battery. This large capacity battery can easily last through a full day of moderate to heavy use, and many users report getting up to two days of battery life with lighter usage. This long-lasting battery is particularly beneficial for users who don’t have frequent access to charging points or those who use their phones extensively throughout the day.

The G21 supports 18W fast charging, which is a welcome feature in this price range. While it’s not the fastest charging speed available, it’s significantly quicker than standard 10W charging found in many budget phones. It’s worth noting that the 18W charger is not included in the box, so you’ll need to purchase one separately to take advantage of the fast charging capability.

Software and User Experience

The Nokia G21 runs on Android 11 out of the box, with an upgrade path to Android 13. Nokia is known for providing a near-stock Android experience, which means you get a clean, bloatware-free interface that’s easy to navigate. This approach also typically results in smoother performance and faster updates compared to heavily customized Android skins.

Nokia has committed to providing two years of major OS updates and three years of monthly security updates for the G21. This commitment to long-term software support is a significant advantage, as it ensures your device stays secure and up-to-date for an extended period.

Connectivity and Additional Features

The Nokia G21 supports 4G LTE networks, ensuring fast mobile data speeds for browsing and streaming. It also includes Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) for quick wireless connections, Bluetooth 5.0 for pairing with accessories, and GPS for accurate location services. The device features a USB Type-C port for charging and data transfer, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack for those who prefer wired audio.

One notable feature is the side-mounted fingerprint sensor, which is fast and reliable for secure unlocking. The G21 also supports face unlock using the front-facing camera, providing an alternative method for quick access to your device.

Comparison with Other Nokia Models

When comparing the Nokia G21 to other models in the Nokia lineup, it sits comfortably in the mid-range category. The G22, released after the G21, offers similar specifications but with improved repairability features. The G42, on the other hand, provides 5G connectivity and a slightly more powerful processor, but at a higher price point.

Compared to the older G20, the G21 offers significant improvements in camera quality, processing power, and display refresh rate. The G50 is a step up in terms of overall performance and features 5G connectivity, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

Comparison with Competitors

In the same price range as the Nokia G21, you’ll find competitors like the Xiaomi Redmi Note 11, Realme 9i, and Samsung Galaxy A13. The G21 holds its own against these devices, offering a good balance of features, clean software, and long battery life.

While some competitors may offer higher resolution displays or more powerful processors, the G21’s 90Hz refresh rate and commitment to software updates give it a unique edge.

Who Should Buy the Nokia G21?

The Nokia G21 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers who prioritize long battery life, clean software, and reliable performance for everyday tasks. It’s particularly well-suited for:

1. Students who need a dependable phone for communication and light productivity tasks.
2. Older users who appreciate a simple, easy-to-use interface and long battery life.
3. Parents looking for an affordable yet capable first smartphone for their children.
4. Users who value long-term software support and security updates.
5. Those who prefer a near-stock Android experience without bloatware.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price point
• Excellent battery life
• 90Hz refresh rate display
• Clean, bloatware-free Android experience
• Commitment to long-term software updates
• Decent camera performance for the price

Cons:

• Limited processing power for demanding tasks
• Low-resolution display compared to some competitors
• No 5G connectivity
• Plastic build may feel less premium