Nokia G21, launched by HMD Global, represents a compelling option in the budget smartphone category, offering a balance of essential features and affordability. Aimed at users who prioritize reliability, battery life, and a straightforward user experience, this device builds on Nokia’s legacy of durable and accessible technology. Announced in early 2022, the Nokia G21 brings modest specifications tailored for everyday use, making it an attractive choice for cost-conscious consumers. This article provides an in-depth look at the Nokia G21, covering its announcement date, camera system, display size and resolution, internal storage options, Android version, battery capacity, and processor, while assessing its value in the competitive market.
Announcement Date
The Nokia G21 was officially announced on February 14, 2022, with its global unveiling aligning with HMD Global’s strategy to refresh its G-series lineup. The device became available for purchase shortly thereafter, hitting markets like India on April 26, 2022, with a starting price of approximately ₹12,999 (around €170 globally). This launch positioned the Nokia G21 as an affordable alternative to pricier smartphones, emphasizing long battery life and a clean software experience as key selling points.
Camera Capabilities
The Nokia G21 has a triple-camera setup on the rear, designed to cater to basic photography needs. The primary camera is a 50-megapixel sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and phase-detection autofocus (PDAF), capable of delivering decent image quality in well-lit conditions. It is supported by two 2-megapixel sensors—one for macro photography and another for depth sensing—enabling close-up shots and portrait effects with a blurred background. The main camera includes an LED flash and supports 1080p video recording at 30 frames per second, offering functional video capabilities. On the front, an 8-megapixel wide-angle selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture handles selfies and video calls, also supporting 1080p recording. While the camera system lacks advanced features like optical image stabilization, it performs adequately for its price segment.
Display Size and Resolution
Featuring a 6.5-inch IPS LCD, the Nokia G21 provides a sizable screen suitable for browsing, video streaming, and casual gaming. The resolution is 720 x 1600 pixels, yielding a pixel density of approximately 269 pixels per inch (PPI). This HD+ resolution ensures acceptable clarity for daily tasks, though it falls short of the sharper Full HD displays found in higher-tier devices. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate, enhancing smoothness during scrolling and navigation compared to standard 60Hz panels. Protected by a layer of toughened glass (specific type unspecified by Nokia), the display achieves a brightness of around 400 nits, offering reasonable visibility in most lighting conditions, though it may struggle in direct sunlight.
Internal Storage Options
The Nokia G21 offers flexibility in storage and memory configurations to meet varying user needs. It is available with 64 GB or 128 GB of internal storage, paired with either 3 GB, 4 GB, or 6 GB of RAM, depending on the market and variant. The storage utilizes eMMC 5.1 technology, which is slower than the UFS standard in premium devices but sufficient for budget-level performance. A dedicated microSDXC slot allows for expandable storage up to 512 GB, providing ample space for apps, photos, and media—an advantage for users requiring additional capacity without upgrading to a more expensive model.
Android Version
The Nokia G21 ships with Android 11 pre-installed, delivering a near-stock Android experience free from heavy customization or bloatware. HMD Global has committed to providing two major OS upgrades—up to Android 13—and three years of monthly security updates, ensuring support through at least early 2025. This promise of longevity is a significant draw for budget buyers, as many competitors in this price range offer shorter software support. Android 11 includes features like improved notification management and privacy controls, optimized for the device’s modest hardware, with updates like Android 12 already rolling out in some regions by late 2022.
Battery Type and Capacity
Powering the Nokia G21 is a robust 5050 mAh lithium-polymer battery, a non-removable unit designed for extended use. HMD Global touts up to three days of battery life under typical conditions, a claim supported by the efficient processor and lower-resolution display. Real-world usage, such as calls, messaging, and light streaming, confirms its ability to last over 17-20 hours of continuous activity. The device supports 18W fast charging via a USB Type-C 2.0 port, though it ships with a 10W charger in the box, requiring about two hours for a full charge with the included adapter. This battery capacity and endurance make the Nokia G21 a standout in its class for users prioritizing longevity over rapid charging.
Processor Performance
At the heart of the Nokia G21 is the Unisoc T606 chipset, an octa-core processor manufactured on a 12nm process. It features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 1.6 GHz for performance tasks and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.6 GHz for efficiency, paired with a Mali-G57 MP1 GPU. This setup delivers adequate power for routine activities like web browsing, social media, and video playback, though it may lag during intensive multitasking or gaming. The Unisoc T606 is a cost-effective choice that ensures smooth operation within Android 11’s lightweight framework, but it lacks the horsepower of mid-range processors like the Snapdragon 6-series, reflecting the device’s budget orientation.
Design and Build Quality
The Nokia G21 sports a practical design with dimensions of 164.6 x 75.9 x 8.5 mm and a weight of 190 grams. Its polycarbonate body, available in Nordic Blue and Dusk, offers a sleek yet durable finish. The device includes a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and an IP52 rating for splash resistance, enhancing its utility for everyday use. While not as premium as glass-backed phones, the build aligns with Nokia’s reputation for sturdiness and ergonomic comfort.
Market Position and Appeal
Priced between €170 and ₹13,199 at launch, the Nokia G21 competes with budget devices like the Xiaomi Redmi 10 and Motorola Moto G31. Its strengths—long battery life, expandable storage, and software updates—appeal to students, seniors, or users in emerging markets seeking reliability over cutting-edge performance. However, its lack of 5G support and modest processor may deter tech enthusiasts, positioning it as a practical rather than aspirational choice.
Conclusion
The Nokia G21, announced on February 14, 2022, is a budget smartphone that excels in delivering essentials without frills. Its 50-megapixel triple-camera system, 6.5-inch 720 x 1600 display, up to 128 GB of storage, Android 11 (upgradable to 13), 5050 mAh battery, and Unisoc T606 processor cater to users valuing affordability and endurance. While it doesn’t push boundaries in performance or design, the Nokia G21 stands as a dependable option for those seeking a no-nonsense device backed by Nokia’s trusted brand heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When was the Nokia G21 announced?
A: The Nokia G21 was announced on February 14, 2022.
Q: What cameras does the Nokia G21 have?
A: It features a 50 MP main camera, 2 MP macro, 2 MP depth sensor, and an 8 MP front camera.
Q: What is the display size and resolution of the Nokia G21?
A: It has a 6.5-inch IPS LCD with a 720 x 1600 pixel resolution.
Q: What internal storage options does the Nokia G21 offer?
A: It comes with 64 GB or 128 GB of storage, expandable up to 512 GB via microSDXC.
Q: Which Android version does the Nokia G21 run?
A: It runs Android 11, with upgrades promised to Android 13.
Q: What is the battery capacity of the Nokia G21?
A: It has a 5050 mAh lithium-polymer battery.
Q: What processor powers the Nokia G21?
A: It uses the Unisoc T606 octa-core processor.
Q: Does the Nokia G21 support 5G?
A: No, it supports only 4G connectivity.
Q: Is the Nokia G21 water-resistant?
A: It has an IP52 rating, offering splash resistance but not full water resistance.