ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Nokia XR21 5G
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the flagship option here, boasting a killer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and a stunning 6.78" display with a 165Hz refresh rate. Meanwhile, the Nokia XR21 5G is a tough mid-range contender with an impressive IP69K rating and a solid 120Hz display. However, the XR21 offers better software support with 3 years of OS updates, making it appealing for budget-conscious buyers looking to save money without sacrificing durability. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.49" and Refresh: 165 Hz vs 120 Hz.
Why compare these? The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro (premium flagship) and Nokia XR21 5G (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | ASUS ROG | Nokia XR21 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.7★ (63 reviews) | 3.5★ (60 reviews) |
| Top Strength | First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens | Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets) |
| Main Drawback | Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships | Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro vs Nokia XR21 5G
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Nokia XR21 5G
| Criterion | ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(63)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB) | 6GB |
Storage | 512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Samsung E6 Flexible AMOLED, LTPO, 1,600 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz–120Hz (Adaptive); 165Hz (Gaming mode) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,500 nits | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.9, 6-axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Free-form lens | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom (Not periscope) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Hyper Clarity AI up to 10x) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K UHD @ 24fps; 4K UHD @ 30/60fps; HDR10+ | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 32MP RGBW, f/2.5, 90-degree FOV (Bins to 8MP) | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,500mAh (Dual-cell) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 65W HyperCharge (Adapter included) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi 1.3 Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.4, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | Side: USB-C 3.2 Gen 2 (DisplayPort 1.4); Bottom: USB-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 3.02 x 0.35 in (163.8 x 76.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.94 oz (225 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | AniMe Vision (341 Mini-LEDs on back), AirTrigger buttons, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual USB-C ports | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro
Android
2 major OS updates and 4 years of security updates
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 (SM8650)
Adreno 750
16GB LPDDR5X (Pro Edition: 24GB)
512GB UFS 4.0 (Pro Edition: 1TB)
Pros
- First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
- Incredible performance with advanced thermal management features
Cons
- Software support (2 OS updates) lags behind Samsung/Google flagships
- Battery capacity reduced (5,500mAh) compared to previous generation (6,000mAh)
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
6GB
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Pros
- Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets)
- Guaranteed 3 OS updates and 4 years of monthly security patches
Cons
- Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless)
- Removed microSD card slot (The older XR20 had expandable storage)
Which one is better?
The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better buy for most people - its 6.78" display and 16GB RAM crush the Nokia XR21 5G.
Who should buy each?
Choose the ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro if: you want the best gaming experience, need top-notch performance for demanding apps, or love high-resolution photography. (6.78" display, 165 Hz refresh)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you require a durable phone for outdoor activities, want guaranteed software updates for years, or prefer a device. (6.49" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.7★ vs 3.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Nokia XR21
First ROG phone Priority
First ROG phone with IP68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens
→ Choose ASUS ROG
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro edges ahead with a 4.7★ rating compared to 3.5★. However, Nokia XR21 5G remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro or Nokia XR21 5G?
ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro is the better choice if you prioritize first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens. Nokia XR21 5G wins if you value certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Both are rated highly (4.7★ vs 3.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro and Nokia XR21 5G?
Key differences: ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro offers first rog phone with ip68 water/dust resistance and telephoto lens, while Nokia XR21 5G stands out with certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Consider that ASUS ROG Phone 8 Pro software support (2 os updates) lags behind samsung/google flagships. Meanwhile, Nokia XR21 5G removed wireless charging (the older xr20 had 15w wireless). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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