Kyocera DuraSport UW vs. Nokia XR20: A Deep Dive into Rugged 5G Smartphones

The rugged smartphone market caters to a specific user base demanding durability and reliability. Both the Kyocera DuraSport UW and the Nokia XR20 aim to deliver on this promise, powered by the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset. However, key differences in charging capabilities and potential pricing strategies separate these two contenders, making a direct comparison crucial for informed buyers.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For the average user prioritizing faster charging and potentially a lower price point, the Kyocera DuraSport UW is the better choice. While both phones offer similar performance thanks to the Snapdragon 480 5G, the DuraSport UW’s 27W charging with Power Delivery and Quick Charge 4.0 significantly outperforms the Nokia XR20’s 18W charging.

PHONES
Phone Names Kyocera DuraSport UW Nokia XR20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 12, 13, 48, 66, 71 - unlocked1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 48, 66, 71, 77, 260, 261 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - unlocked2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G
 -CDMA2000 1xEV-DO
Launch
Announced2023, November2021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, DecemberAvailable. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions154.7 x 70.7 x 9.9 mm (6.09 x 2.78 x 0.39 in)171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)
SIMNano SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight185 g (6.53 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
ProtectionShatter-Resistant GlassCorning Gorilla Glass Victus
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~431 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.1 inches, 89.8 cm2 (~82.1% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCDIPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 13 (unlocked), Android 12 (Verizon)Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, 25mm (wide), 0.8µm, PDAF 16 MP, f/2.0, 16mm, 117˚ (ultrawide), 1.0µm48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesLED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single8 MP, f/2.0, 23mm (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack -Yes
35mm jackUnspecifiedYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5)GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioNoUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 3.1USB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/e/i/k/r/v, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted); unspecified sensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging27W wired, PD, QC4.0 8W wireless (Qi)18W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 4500 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsBlackUltra Blue, Granite Gray
Models-TA-1368, TA-1362
PriceAbout 550 EURAbout 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Kyocera DuraSport UW

  • Faster 27W charging with PD and QC4.0
  • Wireless charging support (8W Qi)
  • Potentially better value for money

  • Brand recognition may be lower than Nokia
  • Software update commitment is unknown

Nokia XR20

  • Strong brand reputation for reliability
  • Guaranteed software updates (Nokia's strength)
  • Clean Android experience

  • Slower 18W charging
  • No wireless charging support
  • Potentially higher price

Display Comparison

Both devices are likely to feature LCD panels, typical for rugged phones prioritizing durability over advanced display tech. Specifics like resolution and peak brightness are not provided, but given the chipset and target market, expect 1080p+ resolution. The lack of LTPO or high refresh rate technology suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than visual fidelity. Bezels are likely to be substantial on both to provide impact protection.

Camera Comparison

Camera details are sparse, but the focus is unlikely to be on photographic excellence. Both phones will likely feature a multi-camera setup, but image quality will be dictated more by software processing than by high-end sensors. The absence of sensor size or aperture information suggests a similar level of camera capability on both devices. Expect a primary sensor for general photography and potentially an ultrawide or depth sensor. Any 2MP macro sensors are likely to offer limited practical benefit.

Performance

Both the Kyocera DuraSport UW and Nokia XR20 utilize the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) chipset, featuring an octa-core CPU configuration with 2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 cores and 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460 cores. This means performance will be virtually identical for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. RAM configurations are not specified, but the Snapdragon 480 5G typically pairs with 4GB or 6GB of RAM. Thermal management will be crucial; the 8nm process node is reasonably efficient, but rugged designs can sometimes limit heat dissipation. Neither phone is positioned as a performance leader, focusing instead on reliable operation.

Battery Life

Battery capacity is not specified for either device. However, the charging capabilities are a significant differentiator. The Kyocera DuraSport UW supports 27W wired charging with Power Delivery (PD) and Quick Charge 4.0 (QC4.0), enabling significantly faster charging times compared to the Nokia XR20’s 18W wired charging. The DuraSport UW also offers 8W wireless charging (Qi), a feature absent on the XR20. This means the DuraSport UW will likely achieve a 0-100% charge in considerably less time, a crucial advantage for users who need to quickly replenish their battery during work or outdoor activities.

Buying Guide

Buy the Kyocera DuraSport UW if you need a rugged phone for demanding work environments where quick power-ups are essential, and value fast charging standards like PD and QC4.0. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize software update guarantees and a more mainstream brand reputation, and are less concerned with maximizing charging speed. The XR20's focus on longevity through software support may appeal to users who plan to keep their device for several years.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Does the Kyocera DuraSport UW support VoLTE and 5G on all carriers?
While the Snapdragon 480 5G supports a wide range of 5G and 4G LTE bands, carrier compatibility can vary. It's crucial to check with your specific carrier to ensure the DuraSport UW is certified and fully compatible with their network before purchasing.
❓ How does the Nokia XR20's software update policy compare to Kyocera's?
Nokia is known for its commitment to software updates, typically offering several years of security patches and OS upgrades. Kyocera's update policy is less transparent; users should research the specific update track record for the DuraSport UW before making a decision if long-term software support is a priority.
❓ Is the ruggedness of the DuraSport UW and XR20 sufficient for construction sites?
Both phones are built to withstand drops, dust, and water, meeting MIL-STD-810H standards. However, the level of protection can vary. Consider the specific hazards of your work environment – extreme temperatures, corrosive materials – and research detailed drop test results if available.