Motorola One 5G Ace vs. Nokia XR20: A Detailed 5G Smartphone Comparison

The Motorola One 5G Ace and Nokia XR20 both aim to deliver affordable 5G connectivity, but they take different approaches. The Motorola prioritizes processing power with a Snapdragon 750G, while the Nokia XR20 focuses on ruggedness and longevity. This comparison dissects their key differences to help you choose the right phone for your lifestyle.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Motorola One 5G Ace emerges as the better choice. Its Snapdragon 750G chipset provides a noticeable performance advantage over the XR20’s Snapdragon 480, making it more suitable for gaming and demanding applications. While the Nokia XR20 offers wireless charging and a more durable build, the performance gap justifies the trade-off for the average user.

PHONES
Phone Names Motorola One 5G Ace Nokia XR20
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71
5G bands2, 5, 25, 41, 66, 71 Sub62, 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
Announced2021, January 082021, July 27
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, January 14Available. Released 2021, August 04
Body
Dimensions166.1 x 76.1 x 9.9 mm (6.54 x 3.00 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
Weight212 g (7.48 oz)248 g (8.75 oz)
 Water-repellent coatingIP68 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
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~393 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.7 inches, 108.4 cm2 (~85.7% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, HDR10IPS LCD, 550 nits
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 570 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 570)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 10Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (dedicated slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 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
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
Triple48 MP, f/1.7, 26mm (wide), 1/2.0", 0.8µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1.12µm 2 MP (macro), AF-
Video4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps, gyro-EIS1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
FeaturesHDR-
Single16 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1.0µm8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes, with stereo speakers
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, GALILEOGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC
RadioUnspecifiedUnspecified
USBUSB Type-C 2.0USB Type-C 3.0
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (rear-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
Battery
Charging15W wired18W wired 15W wireless
TypeLi-Po 5000 mAhLi-Po 4630 mAh
Misc
ColorsVolcanic Gray, Frosted SilverUltra Blue, Granite Gray
ModelsXT2113-2, XT2113-5TA-1368, TA-1362
PriceAbout 50 EURAbout 270 EUR
SAR EU-1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)

Motorola One 5G Ace

  • Superior processing power with Snapdragon 750G
  • Better performance for gaming and multitasking
  • More responsive user experience

  • Limited to 15W wired charging
  • Lacks wireless charging
  • Less durable build quality

Nokia XR20

  • Rugged design for enhanced durability
  • 18W wired and 15W wireless charging
  • Potential for longer software support (Nokia's promise)

  • Slower performance with Snapdragon 480
  • Less capable GPU for gaming
  • May exhibit lag with demanding apps

Display Comparison

Neither phone boasts a standout display. Both likely utilize LCD panels, a common cost-saving measure in this price bracket. The focus here isn't on visual fidelity. While specific display specs are missing, the Motorola's performance advantage suggests it may be able to drive a slightly higher refresh rate, resulting in smoother scrolling. Bezels are likely comparable, reflecting the budget nature of both devices.

Camera Comparison

Camera performance is likely similar, with both phones aiming for acceptable results in good lighting conditions. Without specific sensor details, it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment. However, the Motorola’s stronger processing power could lead to slightly better image processing and noise reduction. The inclusion of Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) on either device is unlikely at this price point. The 2MP macro lenses found on many phones in this segment are generally of limited utility, and should not be a deciding factor.

Performance

The core difference lies in the chipsets. The Motorola One 5G Ace’s Qualcomm SM7225 Snapdragon 750G 5G (8nm) significantly outperforms the Nokia XR20’s Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm). The 750G’s Kryo 570 cores, clocked at up to 2.2 GHz, offer a substantial CPU performance boost compared to the XR20’s Kryo 460 cores at 2.0 GHz. This translates to faster app launches, smoother multitasking, and a more responsive overall experience. While both are 8nm chips, the architectural improvements in the 750G are key. Gamers will find the 750G’s Adreno 619 GPU a more capable partner for demanding titles. The XR20’s Adreno 610 will struggle with higher settings.

Battery Life

The Nokia XR20 gains an edge with its 18W wired charging and the addition of 15W wireless charging. The Motorola One 5G Ace is limited to 15W wired charging. While battery capacity isn’t specified, the XR20’s wireless charging capability offers convenience for users already invested in wireless charging ecosystems. The 18W charging will likely result in a faster 0-100% charge time compared to the Motorola, offsetting any potential capacity differences.

Buying Guide

Buy the Motorola One 5G Ace if you need a phone that can handle multitasking, streaming, and light gaming without slowdowns. It’s ideal for users who prioritize a smooth user experience and faster app loading times. Buy the Nokia XR20 if you prioritize durability and require wireless charging, especially if you work in challenging environments or are prone to dropping your phone. It’s a solid choice for those who value longevity and a rugged design over raw performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia XR20 struggle with graphically intensive games like Call of Duty: Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480’s Adreno 610 GPU is less powerful than the Adreno 619 in the Motorola One 5G Ace. While you can likely play Call of Duty: Mobile on the XR20, you’ll need to lower the graphics settings significantly to achieve a smooth frame rate. Expect more stuttering and lower visual fidelity compared to the Motorola.
❓ How much faster is the charging on the Nokia XR20 compared to the Motorola One 5G Ace?
The Nokia XR20’s 18W charging will likely charge the phone faster than the Motorola One 5G Ace’s 15W charging. While the exact time difference depends on battery capacity, you can expect a roughly 20-30% reduction in charging time with the XR20. The addition of 15W wireless charging on the XR20 is a significant convenience factor.
❓ Is the Nokia XR20 truly 'rugged'? What kind of protection does it offer?
The Nokia XR20 is designed to be more durable than typical smartphones. It boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, meaning it can withstand submersion in up to 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes. It also features a toughened glass display (likely Gorilla Glass Victus) and a reinforced chassis, offering increased protection against drops and impacts.