Nokia XR21 vs Nokia 8.3 5G: A Head-to-Head Showdown
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🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia 8.3 5G generally offers superior performance thanks to its Snapdragon 765G chipset. However, the XR21's rugged design and faster charging make it a compelling option for those prioritizing durability and convenience. It's a trade-off between power and resilience.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia XR21 | Nokia 8.3 5G |
| 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, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 71 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71 |
| 5G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 2.4/1.2 Gbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2023, May 03 | 2020, March 19. Released 2020, September 15 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, June 11 | Discontinued |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Build | Glass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, plastic frame | Glass front, plastic frame, glass back |
| Dimensions | 168 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm (6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in) | 171.9 x 78.6 x 9 mm (6.77 x 3.09 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time) | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 231 g (8.15 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| 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 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~406 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.49 inches, 101.7 cm2 (~77.0% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 550 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD |
| Platform | ||
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver) | Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm) | Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 620 |
| OS | Android 12 | Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Android One |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | Unspecified | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dual | 64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm | - |
| Features | Dual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR |
| Quad | - | 64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.43", 1.4µm, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS |
| Selfie camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | - | Zeiss optics, HDR |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.4 (wide) | 24 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound | ||
|---|---|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes |
| Comms | ||
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive | 5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5) | GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| Radio | Unspecified | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features | ||
|---|---|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery | ||
|---|---|---|
| Charging | 33W wired, PD2.0, QC3 | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 4800 mAh | Li-Po 4500 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Midnight Black, Pine Green | Polar Night |
| Models | - | TA-1243, TA-1251 |
| Price | About 570 EUR | About 470 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 0.96 W/kg (head) 1.41 W/kg (body) |
Nokia XR21
- Rugged and durable design
- Faster 33W charging
- Decent camera
- Good value for money
- Slower processor than 8.3 5G
- Less refined design
- Potentially lower resale value
Nokia 8.3 5G
- Faster Snapdragon 765G processor
- Larger display
- Better camera features
- More refined design
- Slower 18W charging
- Less durable than XR21
- Potentially higher price
Display Comparison
The Nokia 8.3 5G boasts a 6.81-inch FHD+ display with a 60Hz refresh rate, offering a larger viewing area. The XR21 has a 6.67-inch FHD+ display, also at 60Hz. While both are good, the 8.3's larger size might be preferable for media consumption. Both offer good color accuracy and brightness for their price range.
Camera Comparison
The Nokia 8.3 5G features a 64MP main camera, an ultrawide lens, a macro lens, and a depth sensor. The XR21 has a 64MP main camera, a wide-angle lens, and a macro lens. While both offer decent image quality, the 8.3 5G's additional features and potentially better image processing give it a slight edge, especially in low light. Both record video up to 4K.
Performance
Here's where the 8.3 5G pulls ahead. The Snapdragon 765G is noticeably faster than the XR21's Snapdragon 695 5G. Expect smoother multitasking, faster app loading times, and better gaming performance on the 8.3 5G. The XR21 is still capable for everyday tasks, but it won't handle demanding games as well.
Battery Life
The XR21 has a 4470 mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging, while the 8.3 5G has a 4470 mAh battery with 18W charging. The XR21's faster charging is a significant advantage, allowing you to top up the battery much quicker.
Buying Guide
The Nokia XR21 is ideal for users who need a phone that can withstand tough conditions – outdoor enthusiasts, construction workers, or anyone prone to dropping their devices. The Nokia 8.3 5G is a better fit for users who prioritize performance and a more refined overall experience, especially for gaming and photography.