Energizer Hardcase H621S vs. Nokia XR20: A Detailed Comparison of Budget Rugged Phones
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing future-proofing and 5G connectivity, the Nokia XR20 is the better choice. Its Snapdragon 480 chipset offers a significant performance advantage and supports faster data speeds. However, the Energizer H621S remains a compelling option for those on a tight budget who prioritize durability above all else.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Energizer Hardcase H621S | Nokia XR20 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 34, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | - | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G |
| - | CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, June. Released 2021, June | 2021, July 27 |
| Status | Discontinued | Available. Released 2021, August 04 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 163 x 78.2 x 12 mm (6.42 x 3.08 x 0.47 in) | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 241 g (8.50 oz) | 248 g (8.75 oz) |
| - | IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliant | |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 720 x 1520 pixels, 19:9 ratio (~271 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.2 inches, 95.9 cm2 (~75.3% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD | IPS LCD, 550 nits |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6762 Helio P22 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | PowerVR GE8320 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | - | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | Dual-LED flash | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 48 MP, PDAF | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | - | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 3.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 15W wired | 18W wired 15W wireless |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4630 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Black | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray |
| Models | - | TA-1368, TA-1362 |
| Price | About 200 EUR | About 270 EUR |
| SAR EU | - | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) |
Energizer Hardcase H621S
- Exceptional durability and ruggedness
- Very affordable price point
- Simple and functional design
- Outdated and less powerful processor
- No 5G connectivity
- Limited software support
Nokia XR20
- 5G connectivity for faster data speeds
- More efficient and powerful Snapdragon 480 chipset
- Wireless charging support
- Higher price compared to the Energizer H621S
- Durability may not match the Hardcase series
- Software updates may still be slower than flagship devices
Display Comparison
Neither device boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this segment. However, details on panel quality (nit brightness, color gamut coverage) are unavailable. The Nokia XR20’s advantage lies in its potential for better image processing due to the more powerful chipset driving the display. The Energizer H621S, lacking specific display specs, likely prioritizes durability over visual fidelity.
Camera Comparison
Without detailed sensor information, a direct camera comparison is difficult. However, the Nokia XR20 benefits from the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 480, which offers superior image processing capabilities. The Energizer H621S, relying on the Helio P22’s ISP, will likely struggle with dynamic range and low-light performance. While both phones may include multiple rear cameras, the processing power of the XR20 will likely yield more usable results, especially in challenging conditions.
Performance
The Nokia XR20’s Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm) represents a substantial leap over the Energizer H621S’s MediaTek Helio P22 (12nm). The 8nm process node inherently offers better power efficiency, translating to less heat generation and potentially sustained performance. The Snapdragon 480’s Kryo 460 cores, with their 2x2.0 GHz and 6x1.8 GHz configuration, provide a more balanced and capable CPU for multitasking and app performance compared to the H621S’s homogenous Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 setup. This difference is particularly noticeable in demanding applications and 5G network usage.
Battery Life
The Nokia XR20’s 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging provide greater flexibility than the Energizer H621S’s 15W wired charging only. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the Snapdragon 480’s superior power efficiency means the XR20 will likely achieve comparable or better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity. The addition of wireless charging on the XR20 is a convenience feature absent on the H621S.
Buying Guide
Buy the Energizer Hardcase H621S if you need an exceptionally durable phone for demanding work environments or outdoor adventures and are willing to compromise on processing power and 5G. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prefer a more modern smartphone experience with 5G connectivity, a more efficient processor, and a commitment to software updates, even if it comes at a slightly higher price point.