Nokia XR21 vs Nokia X20: A Detailed Comparison

Nokia's reputation for durable and reliable phones continues with the XR21 and X20. But which one is the better choice? We're diving deep into their specs, features, and performance to help you decide which Nokia phone deserves your money.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia XR21 clearly wins thanks to its significantly faster Snapdragon 695 chipset, faster charging, and rugged design. While the X20 offers a clean Android experience, the XR21's performance and durability make it the superior option for most users.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia XR21 Nokia X20
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, 17, 20, 25, 26, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 48, 66, 711, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 20, 28, 66, 38, 39, 40, 41
5G bands1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 20, 25, 28, 40, 41, 66, 71, 77, 78, 79 SA/NSA1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 41, 66, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA, LTE, 5G
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
Launch
Announced2023, May 032021, April 08
StatusAvailable. Released 2023, June 11Available. Released 2021, May 12
Body
BuildGlass front (Gorilla Glass Victus), plastic back, plastic frame-
Dimensions168 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm (6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in)168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)
SIMNano-SIM + Nano-SIM + eSIM (max 2 at a time)· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight231 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
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass VictusCorning Gorilla Glass 5
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~406 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)
Size6.49 inches, 101.7 cm2 (~77.0% screen-to-body ratio)6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 120Hz, 450 nits (typ), 550 nits (HBM)IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6x1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)
ChipsetQualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 619
OSAndroid 12Android 11, upgradable to Android 14
Memory
Card slotUnspecifiedmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal128GB 6GB RAM128GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 8GB 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, panoramaZeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama
Quad-64 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single-32 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30/60fps
Selfie camera
Single16 MP, f/2.4 (wide)32 MP, (wide)
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakersYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX Adaptive5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD
NFCYes (market/region dependent)Yes
PositioningGPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), NavIC (L5)GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO
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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometerFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity
Battery
Charging33W wired, PD2.0, QC318W wired
TypeLi-Po 4800 mAhLi-Po 4470 mAh
Misc
ColorsMidnight Black, Pine GreenMidnight Sun, Nordic Blue
Models-TA-1341, TA-1344
PriceAbout 570 EURAbout 130 EUR
SAR-1.04 W/kg (head)     0.62 W/kg (body)
SAR EU-0.51 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)

Nokia XR21

  • Significantly faster performance
  • Faster 33W charging
  • Rugged design (MIL-STD 810H)
  • 5G Connectivity
  • Clean Android experience

  • Potentially higher price
  • Design may be less appealing to some

Nokia X20

  • Clean Android experience
  • More affordable price
  • Decent camera performance
  • 5G Connectivity

  • Slower performance
  • Slower 18W charging
  • Less durable design

Display Comparison

Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, but the XR21 likely has slightly better color accuracy and brightness due to its newer chipset. The X20's display is perfectly adequate, but the XR21 offers a more premium viewing experience.

Camera Comparison

The X20 boasts a 64MP main camera, while the XR21 has a 64MP main camera as well. However, the XR21's newer chipset and image processing capabilities likely result in better image quality, especially in low-light conditions. Both phones offer decent camera performance overall.

Performance

The XR21's Snapdragon 695 is a substantial upgrade over the X20's Snapdragon 480. Expect noticeably faster app loading times, smoother multitasking, and better gaming performance on the XR21. The X20 can handle everyday tasks, but it will struggle with more demanding applications.

Battery Life

Both phones have a 4470mAh battery. However, the XR21's 33W fast charging significantly outperforms the X20's 18W charging, allowing for much quicker top-ups.

Buying Guide

The Nokia XR21 is ideal for users who prioritize performance, durability, and faster charging. It's a great choice for those who work in demanding environments or simply want a phone that can withstand everyday wear and tear. The Nokia X20 is better suited for users who value a clean Android experience and a slightly more affordable price point, but are less concerned about raw power and ruggedness.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is the Nokia XR21 worth the extra cost?
Yes, if you value performance and durability. The XR21's faster chipset and rugged design justify the higher price for many users.
❓ Does the Nokia X20 receive timely software updates?
Nokia is generally known for providing timely Android updates, and the X20 is no exception. Expect regular security patches and feature updates.
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Nokia XR21 is significantly better for gaming due to its more powerful Snapdragon 695 chipset.