Nokia unveils its G21, an entry-level smartphone under €200. It offers a panel refreshed at 90 Hz, a main module of 50 megapixels as well as the promise of three days of autonomy.
Far from the high-end park, Nokia continues to devote itself to inexpensive smartphones, with more modest, but no less interesting technical sheets. The proof with the announcement of the G21, successor to the G20 launched in the spring of 2021.
No revolutions, improvements
If this new G21 does not intend to revolutionize Nokia’s offer, it offers welcome specificities, even if they are nothing new. Starting with the appearance of a refresh rate of 90 Hz – a first for the manufacturer, which still seems quite cautious with this technology. Just as it seems to be with the Oled, since the G21 hosts a 6.5-inch LCD panel, with HD + definition. A teardrop-shaped notch is present, housing an 8-megapixel photo module.
Nokia is slightly upping its game on the photography side. The G21 swaps the 48 megapixel module of the G20 for a 50 megapixel sensor. Unfortunately, the firm does not detail its equipment, so it is impossible to specify the reference. No ultra wide-angle on the program, the main sensor is accompanied by a macro module and a depth sensor, both 2 megapixels.
For the rest, the smartphone retains a 3.5 mm mini-jack socket, as well as a dual SIM / microSD card slot. Design level, no revolution. Nokia remains classic, but quite effective. The fingerprint reader is placed on the right edge, combined with the start key.
Big battery, long runtime
As on the previous model, Nokia relies on autonomy to seduce its audience. The G21 finds the accumulator of 5050 mAh which promises an autonomy of three days – in 60 Hz however. The company under the flag of HMD does not communicate on the lifespan when using 90 Hz, but it will inevitably be reduced. Fast charging at 18 W is offered, but unfortunately the firm only offers a 10 W block in the box.
As with the T20, Nokia is once again relying on a Unisoc processor. Thus, it is the T606 which equips this G21. A chip that we had already been able to find in the Motorola moto e20. This SoC is coupled with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage. 5G is not on the program on this model (to benefit from it, you have to turn to the G50).
The promise of true software tracking
Nokia has already announced that many of its smartphones will receive Android 12, and this G21 is no exception. HMD promises two years of updates. Thus, this new entry-level device will be able to receive Android 13 in addition to version 12. Regarding security updates, the firm promises that they will be carried out for three years. Slightly more expensive than its predecessor, the smartphone is announced at €189.99 (4/64 GB version).
This G21 is also accompanied by a model called G11 charged €169.99. Strictly identical to the G21, the G11 is distinguished by its main photo sensor limited to 13 megapixels, and by its 3 GB of RAM.