Nokia 8 vs Nokia G21

The Nokia 8 (2017) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, while the Nokia G21 (2022) runs on the Unisoc T606; launch prices were $699 and $179. By overall MobileRank rating, the Nokia G21 leads — 34/100 vs 29/100 (a 5-point difference). Key differences: the Nokia G21 has the bigger battery (5050 mAh vs 3090); the main camera is 13 MP vs 50 MP; the Nokia 8 is faster in AnTuTu (438,016 vs 330,006); the Nokia 8 is noticeably lighter (160g vs 190g).

The Nokia G21 edges out the Nokia 8 by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia 8
Performance 33
Display 52
Camera 12
Battery 12
Portability 84
Value for money 0
Nokia G21
Performance 27
Display 44
Camera 30
Battery 44
Portability 59
Value for money 36
What makes Nokia 8 better?
  • Higher AnTuTu: 438016 vs 330006
  • Better Geekbench Single: 427 vs 378
  • Better Geekbench Multi: 1500 vs 1335
  • Lighter: 160g vs 190g

  • Higher performance (33/100 vs 27/100)
  • Better display (52/100 vs 44/100)
  • Better portability (84/100 vs 59/100)
What makes Nokia G21 better?
  • Bigger battery: 5050 vs 3090 mAh
  • Better main camera: 50MP vs 13MP
  • Higher refresh rate: 90Hz vs 60Hz
  • Cheaper at launch: $179 vs $699

  • Better camera (30/100 vs 12/100)
  • Longer battery life (44/100 vs 12/100)
Comparison verdict

Comparing the Nokia 8 vs the Nokia G21, the Nokia G21 scores 5 points higher (34/100 vs 29/100). In the "camera" category, the Nokia G21 leads (30/100 vs 12/100). In the "battery" category, the Nokia G21 leads (44/100 vs 12/100). Value score: Nokia 8 — 0/100, Nokia G21 — 36/100; it is biased by price level, so it should not be compared directly between devices at different prices. In the "performance" category, the Nokia 8 is a bit better (33/100 vs 27/100). In the "display" category, the Nokia 8 is a bit better (52/100 vs 44/100). In the "camera" category, the Nokia G21 notably outperforms the Nokia 8 (30/100 vs 12/100). In the "battery" category, the Nokia G21 significantly outperforms the Nokia 8 (44/100 vs 12/100). In the "portability" category, the Nokia 8 notably outperforms the Nokia G21 (84/100 vs 59/100).

Nokia 8: The Nokia 8 is a better fit for everyday use.
Nokia G21: The Nokia G21 is a better fit for everyday use.
Specs comparison
Specification Nokia 8 Nokia G21
Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 Unisoc T606
AnTuTu 438016 330006
Geekbench Single 427 378
Geekbench Multi 1500 1335
Display 5.3" IPS LCD 6.5" IPS LCD
Resolution 2560x1440 1600x720
Refresh rate 60 Hz 90 Hz
Battery 3090 mAh 5050 mAh
Charging 18W 18W
Main camera 13 MP 50 MP
Front camera 13 MP 8 MP
RAM 4GB / 6GB 4GB / 6GB
Storage 64GB / 128GB 64GB / 128GB
OS Android 7.1 Android 12
Brightness (peak) 400 nits
NFC yes yes
Protection IP54
Dimensions 151.5×73.7×7.9 mm 164.6×75.9×8.5 mm
Weight 160 g 190 g
Launch price $699 $179
Camera comparison
Nokia 8
  • Main: 13MP f/2.0
  • Front: 13MP
12
camera
Nokia G21
  • Main: 50MP f/1.8
  • Front: 8MP
30
camera
Display comparison
Nokia 8
  • 5.3" IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 2560x1440
  • Refresh rate: 60 Hz
52
display
Nokia G21
  • 6.5" IPS LCD
  • Resolution: 1600x720
  • Refresh rate: 90 Hz
44
display
Battery and charging
Nokia 8
  • 3090 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • No wireless charging
12
battery
Nokia G21
  • 5050 mAh
  • Wired: 18W
  • No wireless charging
44
battery
Overall performance score

We compared Nokia 8 and Nokia G21, covering their specs and all relevant benchmarks.

Nokia 8 Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
29/100
438016 AnTuTu
Nokia G21 Unisoc T606
34/100 -32.7%
330006 AnTuTu

Nokia 8 leads Nokia G21 by 32.7% in our overall performance rating.

Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Nokia 8
$699
Nokia G21
$179

Launch price difference: $520. Nokia G21 was $520 cheaper at launch.

Detailed category analysis
performance

In the "performance" category, the Nokia 8 is a bit better (33/100 vs 27/100).

display

In the "display" category, the Nokia 8 is a bit better (52/100 vs 44/100).

camera

In the "camera" category, the Nokia G21 notably outperforms the Nokia 8 (30/100 vs 12/100).

battery

In the "battery" category, the Nokia G21 significantly outperforms the Nokia 8 (44/100 vs 12/100).

portability

In the "portability" category, the Nokia 8 notably outperforms the Nokia G21 (84/100 vs 59/100).

Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia 8 or the Nokia G21?

The Nokia G21 edges out the Nokia 8 by just 5 points — the two devices are very close in overall level.

What is the rating of the Nokia 8 and the Nokia G21?

The Nokia 8 has a MobileRank rating of 29/100, the Nokia G21 — 34/100.

Which has the better camera: the Nokia 8 or the Nokia G21?

The Nokia G21 leads on camera score (30/100 vs 12/100).

Which is more powerful: the Nokia 8 or the Nokia G21?

The Nokia 8 leads on performance (33/100 vs 27/100).

Should you choose the Nokia 8 over the Nokia G21?

The Nokia 8 is a better fit for everyday use. The Nokia G21 is a better fit for everyday use.