The Nokia G21 is a budget-friendly smartphone designed for users who prioritize longevity and a clean software experience, currently retailing at approximately Rs. 38,999 in Pakistan, which translates to roughly $140. Originally announced on 14 February 2022, this device focuses on delivering a reliable daily driver experience for students and office workers who need a phone that lasts through a busy day without constant recharging.

Key details

- Price in Pakistan: Rs. 38,999
- Price in US: $140
- Battery: 5050mAh with 18W charging
- Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 90Hz refresh rate
- Main Camera: 50MP triple setup
- Official website: nokia.com/phones/en_pk

Design & Build

The Nokia G21 features a polycarbonate back with a textured finish that provides a decent grip and resists fingerprints well. Weighing 190g, it feels sturdy in the hand, though the design is utilitarian rather than flashy. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is snappy and well-positioned, making unlocking the device intuitive during one-handed use.

Display

Equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS LCD panel, the Nokia G21 offers a 90Hz refresh rate, which makes scrolling through social media feeds and web pages feel smooth. While the 720 x 1600 pixel resolution is standard for this price bracket, the brightness levels are sufficient for indoor use, though sunlight legibility could be improved. It is a solid screen for consuming videos and reading news.

Performance

Under the hood, the Unisoc T606 chipset powers the device. Paired with 4GB of RAM, the phone handles basic multitasking, messaging, and light browsing with ease. It is not designed for heavy gaming, but for daily productivity tasks, it remains stable. The clean Android interface ensures that the phone does not feel cluttered or overwhelmed by unnecessary bloatware.

Camera

The 50MP main sensor captures decent daylight shots with good color reproduction and sharpness. The camera system also includes a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor. In well-lit conditions, the photos are more than adequate for sharing on social media. However, in low-light environments, the performance is limited, and users may notice some noise in the shadows.

Battery

This is where the Nokia G21 truly shines. The 5050mAh battery comfortably lasts up to three days of light usage or a full day of heavy usage. While it supports 18W charging, it is worth noting that the box often includes a slower charger, so you might need to purchase an 18W adapter separately to see the advertised charging speeds.

Verdict

The Nokia G21 is an ideal choice for someone who values battery endurance and a clean, simple interface over high-end gaming performance. While it faces stiff competition from other brands offering faster charging or AMOLED screens, the build quality and software support associated with the Nokia brand make it a dependable option for those seeking a long-term budget handset. For the price of Rs. 38,999, it offers a balanced package for the average Pakistani user.