Nokia XR20 vs Nokia XR21: The Ultimate Rugged Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia XR21 emerges as the clear winner thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, faster charging, and improved overall performance. While the XR20 remains a robust option, the XR21 offers a noticeable upgrade for a relatively small price increase.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia XR20 | Nokia XR21 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| CDMA2000 1xEV-DO | - | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, July 27 | 2023, May 03 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, August 04 | Available. Released 2023, June 11 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | - | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, plastic frame |
| Dimensions | 171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in) | 168 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm (6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) |
| Weight | 248 g (8.75 oz) | 231 g (8.15 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 | IP68/IP69K 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 | Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~406 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.49 inches, 101.7 cm2 (~77.0% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 550 nits | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 550 nits (HBM) |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 12 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | Unspecified |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB 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 | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm |
| Features | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Single | 8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | 16 MP, f/2.4 (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavIC | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) |
| Radio | Unspecified | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 3.0 | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 18W wired 15W wireless | 33W wired, PD2.0, QC3 |
| Type | Li-Po 4630 mAh | Li-Po 4800 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Ultra Blue, Granite Gray | Midnight Black, Pine Green |
| Models | TA-1368, TA-1362 | - |
| Price | About 270 EUR | About 570 EUR |
| SAR EU | 1.13 W/kg (head) 1.43 W/kg (body) | - |
Nokia XR20
- Extremely durable build
- 120Hz display
- 5G connectivity
- Decent camera
- Slower processor
- Slower charging
- Can feel sluggish at times
Nokia XR21
- Faster processor (Snapdragon 695 5G)
- Faster charging (33W)
- Better battery life
- Improved performance
- Slightly more expensive
- Durability, while excellent, may not be *quite* as robust as the XR20 (subjective)
Display Comparison
Both phones feature 6.67-inch displays with a 120Hz refresh rate and a FHD+ resolution. While the panels are similar in quality, the XR21's slightly newer chipset might allow for marginally better color accuracy and brightness, though this is subtle.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 64MP main camera and a 13MP ultrawide. The XR21's newer chipset and potentially improved image processing algorithms could result in slightly better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Video recording capabilities are similar on both.
Performance
The XR21's Snapdragon 695 5G offers a substantial performance boost over the XR20's Snapdragon 480 5G. Expect faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the XR21. The XR20 is adequate for everyday tasks but can feel sluggish under heavier loads.
Battery Life
The XR21 boasts a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the XR20's 4470mAh. Coupled with the more efficient 6nm Snapdragon 695, the XR21 offers noticeably better battery life. The XR21's 33W fast charging is also a significant advantage over the XR20's 18W charging.
Buying Guide
The Nokia XR20 is ideal for users prioritizing extreme durability and a slightly lower price point. It's a great choice for those working in harsh environments or needing a phone that can withstand drops and spills. The Nokia XR21 is better suited for users who want a more modern processor, faster charging, and a smoother overall experience without sacrificing ruggedness.