Nokia G21 is a budget phone with interesting features and up to 3 days of battery life

A successor to the G20 model launched last year, the Nokia G21 comes with improvements in terms of battery life, screen and camera quality.

Aimed at low-budget consumers, the phone announced for the European market at a price of 170 euros (10 euros more than last year’s model) has as its main distinguishing feature the hardware optimized for efficient use of the battery, which in the conditions of a nominal capacity 5050 mAh should now offer up to three days of battery life. The manufacturer HMD Global assures that the stated progress is not achieved by implementing an even more aggressive power saving mode. On the contrary, the experience with the Nokia G21 should be less respectable in terms of battery life restrictions. According to HMD, optimizations for a less intrusive power saving mode allow it to be activated at a 20% battery charge level (compared to 10% on the previous model), without the functionality of the device being too severely limited. Instead, Nokia G21 users are left to discover a second level of power saving, which is activated after the battery charge drops below the 10% threshold.

Strained into an 8.5mm thick case (compared to 9.22mm thick in the previous model) the 5050mAh battery supports fast charging up to 18W, although the accessory package only includes a 10W AC adapter. Although selected as a low-cost solution, the AC adapter is at least present, which we can not say about the package of some flagship phones recently launched and several times more expensive.

Putting all the battery consumption efficiency before the image clarity, the 6.5 inch LCD screen comes only with HD + resolution. However, support for the 90Hz refresh rate is appreciated, with a noticeable contribution to improving the user experience. Used adaptively, the refresh rate automatically drops to 60Hz to conserve battery life when the displayed image becomes static or we watch videos.

Appreciated for a budget phone, the photo configuration is based on a 50MP main sensor, 2MP more than the previous model and probably improved image quality. Although it does not specify the type and size of the photo sensor, HMD Global still confirms the presence of a night mode for pictures, which is normally reserved for more expensive phones. The recipe is complemented by a 5MP ultrawide camera and a 2MP macro camera, both of which are probably to be avoided.

The processing power is given by the Chinese chipset Unisoc T606, a solution with considerably higher performance than the Helio G35, found on low-cost phones last year. Made using the 12nm manufacturing process, it comes with two Cortex-A75 cores and six A55 cores, respectively a Mali G57 MP1 series GPU. The internet connection is provided by a 4G modem.

The list of features is completed with 3.5mm jack audio output, dual-SIM + microSD support, also available simultaneously.

In the basic equipment, Nokia G21 comes with 4GB RAM and 64GB internal storage, there is also a 128GB version. The pre-installed operating system is Android 11, but HMD Global promises a guaranteed upgrade to both Android 12 and the next version of Android 13.

In addition to the AC adapter, the accessory package also includes a clear silicone protective case and a pre-applied screen protector. The phone will be available in Nordic Blue and Dusk color versions, both with plastic finishes.