Full review of the new Nokia T21, the handyman tablet aimed at multimedia and creativity with pen support
Review and analysis of the new tablet by Nokia, from December 2016 under the brand HMD Globalwhich demonstrates an excellent general balance as well as a software experience aimed at multimedia. Nokia T21in fact, brings with it all the stock experience of Android One with some small hardware and software additions. However, there are some smudges, largely due to hardware shortcomings and software that has not yet been properly refined. Let’s find out together!
Technical sheet | Nokia T21 review
- Display: 10.36″ IPS, 60Hz, 2K (1200 x 2000), SGS Low Blue Light Certified, 360 nits brightness (typical), Active pen support, Widevine L1 for Netflix HD support
- SoC: Unisoc T612, Octa-core: 2 x A75 and 6 x A55 @ 1.8GHz
- RAM: 4GB
- Internal memory: 64GB
- Rear cameras: 8 MP, AF, Flash rear LED
- Front camera: 8 MP, FF
- Connectivity: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4/5G dual band), GPS/AGPS + GLONASS + GALILEO, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (disponibile solo sulla variante WiFi+4G NFC), jack 3,5mm, USB Type-C (USB 2.0) OTG, Radio FM
- Drums: 8,200 mAh with support for 18W wired fast charging
- Audio: 2 altoparlanti, 96dB loudness, OZO Spatial Audio Recording and Playback, 2 microfoni
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 157.3 x 247.5 mm
- Weight: 471g
- Other: Accelerometer (G-sensor), Hall sensor, Ambient light sensor
- Operating system: Android 12 con Android One
Packaging, build quality and materials | Nokia T21 review
Beyond the packaging, very simple and bare, the tablet has a sober and elegant design, thanks to the aluminum frame that covers the body and back (the choice to cover the antennas with 60% recycled plastic, as well as the goal of planting 5 trees for each device sold). However, the excellent build quality does not affect its use, which remains pleasant and satisfying. On the back there is also a double aesthetic finish and a slight rise which houses the camera and the LED Flash. Finally, on the edges we find the classic on / off buttons, volume adjustment and hear hear the 3.5 mm audio jack, excellent on a tablet aimed at multimedia.
Frontally we have a large panel from 10.38 inches at 60Hz with 2K resolution and IPS technology (we will talk about the quality in the next paragraph). Despite the not exaggerated thickness and a very well distributed weight, the tablet integrates a capacious 8200mAh batterywith support for 18W fast charging.
Hardware, connectivity and displays | Nokia T21 review
The beating heart of this Nokia T21 is the hardware platform Unisoc T612 assisted by 4GB of RAM memory e 64 GB of ROMs. Perhaps this is the weakest point of the whole package, since net of a lean and clean software the performance will never be above expectations. Lags and jams they will not be missing during daily use, especially when the device is switched on, this also due to not too fast memories. However, we remain confident about possible software updates that will at least optimize and improve the current situation. Despite everything, temperature management remains at a good level as well as connectivity, complete from all points of view, thanks to the presence of the Bluetooth 5.0FM Radio and the aforementioned 3.5mm audio jack.
Returning to multimedia, the tablet offers a truly incredible audio setup for its price range, in fact we have 2 certified speakers OZO Spatial Audio and 2 microphones capable of making the sound experience truly satisfying. As mentioned, frontally we find a display from 10.38 inches at 60Hz with 2K resolution and IPS technology with pen support (not in package). The quality is overall good for the price range, with natural colors but at the same time lackluster. The same goes for the brightness, mainly suitable for use indoors given the not excessive peak of nits. Small mention of the cameras, both 8MP with average quality for the type of product, but more than enough for social use (e.g. video calls).
Software and autonomy | Nokia T21 review
Nokia T21 mounts inside Android in versione 12 without customizations and a 8200 mAh battery. An apparently winning combination, but which, due to the hardware problems mentioned above, will return results that are not always constant, often leading to abnormal consumption in standby. A pity, because in real use the battery is more than satisfactory, able to easily guarantee 2 full days of use. The recharge is wired and reaches up to 18W, consequently it will require about 3 hours to be completed.
In any case, the installed software package is really excellent for the “home” use foreseen for this product. To give an example, we have already pre-installed on our home screen a quick link to all streaming services! Finally, the expected software support for this tablet is 2 years of major updates and 3 monthly security patches.
Price and final considerations
Nokia T21 is a peculiar device, with strengths engaging (such as audio, pen support, and build quality) e smudges equally important (such as performance, bordering on acceptable even for the price range). A real shame because very little was enough to make it a best buy, also thanks to the competitive price of suns 279,99€ on the official site. We hope for future software updates that improve the current situation. Before saying goodbye, we invite you to follow the mobile section of techgameworld.com for further news and video reviews. See you soon!
Plus points
- Build quality
- Audio
- Software
Points against
- Performance
- Fluctuating autonomy