Nokia XR20 vs Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro: The Ultimate Rugged Phone Comparison

Looking for a phone that can withstand drops, dust, and water? The Nokia XR20 and Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro are both built tough, but which one offers the best overall package? We'll break down their features, performance, and value to help you decide.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro takes the crown thanks to its significantly faster processor, brighter display, and more versatile camera system. While the XR20 boasts exceptional durability, the XCover6 Pro offers a better balance of ruggedness and modern smartphone features.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia XR20 Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
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, 20, 25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 40, 41, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 17, 20, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66 - International
5G bands2, 5, 25, 38, 41, 48, 66, 77, 78 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / CDMA / HSPA / EVDO / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 CDMA2000 1xEV-DO -
Launch
Announced2021, July 272022, June 29
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, August 04Available. Released 2022, July 13
Body
Dimensions171.6 x 81.5 x 10.6 mm (6.76 x 3.21 x 0.42 in)168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm (6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight248 g (8.75 oz)235 g (8.29 oz)
 IP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 60 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.8m MIL-STD-810H compliantIP68 dust/water resistant (up to 1.5m for 35 min) Drop-to-concrete resistance from up to 1.5m MIL-STD-810H compliant* *does not guarantee ruggedness or use in extreme conditions
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass Victus+
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~400 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~76.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.6 inches, 104.9 cm2 (~77.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 550 nitsPLS LCD, 120Hz
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Cortex-A78 & 3x2.2 GHz Cortex-A78 & 4x1.9 GHz Cortex-A55)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7325 Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 642L
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 13Android 12, upgradable to Android 15, One UI 7
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (dedicated slot)
Internal64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.25", 0.8µm, PDAF 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.0", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
FeaturesZeiss optics, Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panoramaDual-LED flash, HDR, panorama
Single8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps4K@30fps, 1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Features-HDR
Single8 MP, f/2.0 (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm13 MP, f/2.2, (wide), 1/3.1", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.2, A2DP, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS, NavICGPS, GLONASS, BDS, GALILEO, QZSS
RadioUnspecifiedNo
USBUSB Type-C 3.0USB Type-C 3.2, charging connector pins
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/mc/6e, tri-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer
 -Samsung DeX support
Battery
Charging18W wired 15W wireless25W wired (USA) 15W wired (International)
TypeLi-Po 4630 mAhLi-Po 4050 mAh, removable
Misc
ColorsUltra Blue, Granite GrayBlack
ModelsTA-1368, TA-1362SM-G736U, SM-G736U1, SM-G736B, SM-G736B/DS
PriceAbout 270 EUR$ 155.92 / C$ 329.97 / £ 249.00 / € 199.99
SAR-1.03 W/kg (head)     1.08 W/kg (body)
SAR EU1.13 W/kg (head)     1.43 W/kg (body)1.48 W/kg (head)     1.23 W/kg (body)

Nokia XR20

  • Exceptional durability (MIL-STD-810H certified)
  • 5G connectivity
  • Wireless charging
  • Clean Android experience

  • Slower processor
  • Less impressive camera
  • Lower screen brightness
  • Slower wired charging

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

  • Faster processor (Snapdragon 778G 5G)
  • Brighter display (120Hz refresh rate)
  • More versatile camera system
  • Customizable physical buttons
  • 25W wired charging (in some regions)

  • Samsung's One UI can be bloated
  • Durability, while good, isn't quite as extreme as the XR20
  • Price is generally higher

Display Comparison

The XCover6 Pro features a brighter 6.6-inch FHD+ display, offering better visibility in sunlight. The XR20 has a slightly smaller 6.6-inch display, but both utilize Gorilla Glass Victus for scratch resistance. The XCover6 Pro's display also supports a 120Hz refresh rate, providing smoother scrolling and animations.

Camera Comparison

The XCover6 Pro's camera system is more versatile, featuring a 50MP main sensor and a 12MP ultrawide lens. The XR20 has a 64MP main camera and a 5MP depth sensor. While both phones can capture decent photos, the XCover6 Pro generally produces better image quality, especially in low light. The XCover6 Pro also offers more advanced camera features.

Performance

The Snapdragon 778G 5G in the XCover6 Pro is a clear winner here. It offers significantly faster processing speeds and better graphics performance compared to the XR20's Snapdragon 480 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and a more responsive user experience on the XCover6 Pro.

Battery Life

Both phones offer a 4,400mAh battery. However, the XCover6 Pro's more efficient processor and optimized software contribute to slightly better battery life in real-world usage. Both support 15W wireless charging, but the XCover6 Pro supports 25W wired charging (in some regions).

Buying Guide

The Nokia XR20 is ideal for those prioritizing extreme durability above all else, particularly those working in harsh environments. The Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is a better choice for users who want a rugged phone with a more premium feel, better performance, and a more capable camera, without sacrificing too much toughness.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What does MIL-STD-810H certification mean?
It means the Nokia XR20 has passed a series of rigorous military-standard tests for durability, including drop tests, temperature extremes, humidity, and more.
❓ Can I use the XCover6 Pro with gloves?
Yes, the XCover6 Pro supports glove mode, allowing you to use the touchscreen with gloves on.