Galaxy S21+ 5G vs Nokia X30

The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G, released in January 2021, and the Nokia X30, launched in September 2022, are both Android smartphones offering 5G connectivity. While the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G arrived as a premium flagship device, the Nokia X30 positions itself as a mid-range option with a focus on sustainability. Key differentiators include their processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build materials, catering to different user priorities.

When considering the longevity of these devices, several factors come into play, including their release timelines, software support, and physical durability.

• Release Timeline: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G was released in January 2021, making it an older model compared to the Nokia X30, which launched in September 2022. This difference in release date impacts their respective software support cycles.
• Software Support: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G launched with Android 11 and was promised four generations of OS updates and five years of security updates, meaning it is expected to receive updates up to Android 15 and security patches until early 2026. The Nokia X30, starting with Android 12, is guaranteed three OS upgrades and three years of security updates, also likely reaching Android 15, with security updates extending until late 2025.
• Physical Durability: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a glass front and back, both protected by Gorilla Glass Victus, and an aluminum frame, along with an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. The Nokia X30 also uses Gorilla Glass Victus for its display and an aluminum frame, but opts for a plastic back and carries an IP67 rating. The Nokia X30 has a higher repairability score, indicating easier access and replacement of components.

The performance of a smartphone is largely determined by its internal components, influencing how smoothly applications run and how efficiently it handles demanding tasks.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G is equipped with a high-end processor, which provides robust performance for intensive applications, complex multitasking, and graphically demanding games. The Nokia X30 features a mid-range processor, offering reliable performance for everyday tasks, web browsing, and lighter gaming.
• Multitasking and Responsiveness: With 8GB of RAM as standard, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G handles multiple applications running simultaneously with ease, maintaining smooth transitions and quick app loading times. The Nokia X30 is available with 6GB or 8GB of RAM, providing a responsive experience for typical smartphone usage, though it may show some limitations with very heavy multitasking compared to the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G.
• Storage Options and Speed: Both devices offer 128GB and 256GB internal storage options. The Nokia X30's 256GB variant utilizes UFS 3.0 storage, which generally offers faster read and write speeds than the UFS 2.2 found in its 128GB model, potentially impacting app loading and file transfer times.
• Battery Behavior: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G houses a larger 4800 mAh battery, designed to support its powerful components and vibrant display through a full day of varied use. The Nokia X30 comes with a 4200 mAh battery, which, combined with its more power-efficient processor and 90Hz display, aims to provide extended usage on a single charge.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer quality viewing experiences with distinct characteristics.

• Display Technology and Size: The Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, known for its deep blacks and vibrant color reproduction. The Nokia X30 has a slightly smaller 6.43-inch AMOLED display, also providing rich colors and good contrast.
• Resolution and Clarity: Both smartphones offer a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, resulting in sharp images and clear text for everyday viewing, browsing, and media consumption.
• Refresh Rate and Smoothness: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G boasts an adaptive 120Hz refresh rate, which allows for very smooth scrolling and fluid animations, adjusting dynamically to conserve battery. The Nokia X30 features a 90Hz refresh rate, providing a noticeably smoother experience than standard 60Hz displays, enhancing the responsiveness of the interface.
• Brightness Levels: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G's display can reach a peak brightness of 1300 nits, making it highly visible and comfortable to use even in bright outdoor conditions. The Nokia X30 offers a peak brightness of 700 nits, which is adequate for most indoor and outdoor scenarios.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G and the Nokia X30 are designed to capture moments, though they approach this with different hardware configurations and features.

• Rear Camera Setup: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G features a versatile triple-camera system, including a 12MP wide-angle lens with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 64MP telephoto lens with OIS offering 3x hybrid optical zoom, and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The Nokia X30 comes with a dual-camera setup, comprising a 50MP main wide-angle lens with OIS and a 13MP ultrawide lens.
• Photography Performance: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G excels in various lighting conditions, with its telephoto lens providing greater flexibility for zoomed shots and its larger sensors contributing to detailed images. The Nokia X30's 50MP main sensor is capable of capturing detailed photos, particularly in good lighting, and includes features like Night Mode 2.0 and AI Dark Vision for improved low-light performance.
• Video Recording Capabilities: The Galaxy S21 Plus 5G supports high-resolution video recording up to 8K at 24 frames per second, along with 4K at 30/60fps, offering advanced options for video creators. The Nokia X30 records video at a maximum of 1080p at 30 or 60 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: For selfies, the Galaxy S21 Plus 5G has a 10MP front camera. The Nokia X30 features a 16MP front camera, which also supports AI Portrait and Night Selfie modes. Both devices offer good microphone quality for calls, with the Nokia X30 featuring OZO Spatial Audio capture with wind noise reduction.