Nokia XR21 vs Nokia G60: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Nokia's reputation for durable and reliable phones continues with the XR21 and G60. Both offer 5G connectivity and a focus on value, but cater to slightly different needs. This comprehensive comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses to help you choose the right one.
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🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia XR21 edges out the G60 thanks to its significantly faster charging and more rugged design. While the G60 boasts a slightly brighter display, the XR21's durability and charging speed make it the more compelling choice for most users seeking a dependable budget 5G phone.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia XR21 Nokia G60
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - International
4G bands1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 711, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - International
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 77, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - International
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 -1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - LATAM
Launch
Announced2023, May 032022, September 01
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 11Available. Released 2022, September 01
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, plastic frameGlass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back
Dimensions168 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm (6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in)166 x 75.9 x 8.6 mm (6.54 x 2.99 x 0.34 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM + eSIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight231 g (8.15 oz)190 g (6.70 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 compliantSplash resistant
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~406 ppi density)1080 x 2408 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~401 ppi density)
Size6.49 inches, 101.7 cm2 (~77.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.58 inches, 104.3 cm2 (~82.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 550 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12Android 12
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM
Main Camera
Dual64 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.0", PDAF 8 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm-
FeaturesDual-LED dual-tone flash, second LED flash, HDR, panoramaLED flash, HDR, panorama
Single-8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Triple-50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.5", 0.7µm, PDAF 5 MP, f/2.2, (ultrawide), 1/5.0" Auxiliary lens
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.4 (wide)8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes (market/region dependent)
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GALILEO, BDS
RadioUnspecifiedFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-bandWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD2.0, QC320W wired, PD3.0
TypeLi-Po 4800 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Pine GreenPure Black, Ice Gray
Models-TA-1490, TA-1481, TA-1479, TA-1475
PriceAbout 570 EURAbout 240 EUR
SAR-1.30 W/kg (head)     0.83 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-1.10 W/kg (head)     1.27 W/kg (body)

Nokia XR21

  • Rugged and durable design
  • Faster 33W charging
  • Potentially better sustained performance
  • 64MP Main Camera

  • Likely 60Hz display
  • Potentially less vibrant display than G60

Nokia G60

  • 120Hz Refresh Rate Display
  • Brighter Display (444 nits)
  • Clean Android experience

  • Slower 20W charging
  • Less durable design
  • Lower resolution main camera

Display Comparison

The Nokia G60 features a 6.57-inch FHD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate and a measured peak brightness of 444 nits, offering a vibrant and smooth viewing experience. The XR21 has a slightly smaller 6.43-inch FHD+ display, likely with a standard 60Hz refresh rate (spec not explicitly stated). While the XR21's display is perfectly adequate, the G60's higher refresh rate and brightness give it a slight edge.

Camera Comparison

The Nokia G60 features a triple-camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. The XR21 has a dual-camera setup with a 64MP main sensor and a 5MP depth sensor. While megapixels aren't everything, the XR21's higher resolution main sensor *could* translate to slightly more detailed photos in good lighting conditions. Low-light performance is likely comparable.

Performance

Both phones share the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset and CPU configuration, meaning performance will be largely similar in everyday tasks and moderate gaming. However, the XR21's potentially better thermal management (due to its rugged design) might allow it to sustain performance slightly longer under heavy load. Software optimization could also play a role, but both are expected to run Android with Nokia's clean software experience.

Battery Life

The Nokia XR21 packs a 4470mAh battery and supports 33W fast charging, a significant advantage over the G60's 4400mAh battery and 20W charging. This means the XR21 will charge much faster and potentially offer slightly better battery life, especially with demanding usage.

Buying Guide

The Nokia XR21 is ideal for users who prioritize durability, fast charging, and a phone that can withstand some abuse. The Nokia G60 is a good option for those who value a slightly better display and are less concerned about ruggedness or charging speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nokia XR21 waterproof?
The Nokia XR21 is IP68 rated, meaning it's dustproof and waterproof up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.
❓ What Android version do these phones ship with?
Both the Nokia XR21 and G60 launched with Android 11 and are eligible for future updates. Nokia promises a commitment to software updates for a certain period.