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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 7a vs Nokia XR21 5G
Get the Google Pixel 7a unless you need extreme durability. In real-world use, the Pixel 7a's 90Hz OLED display looks sharper than the Nokia's 120Hz IPS LCD.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 90 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 4385 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Google Pixel 7a
★4.5
(1,343)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
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Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5
(60)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
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Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
Google Pixel 7a
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 7a
6.1"
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 7a
90Hz (Smooth Display)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 7a
Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 7a
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 7a
128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 7a
64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 7a
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 7a
4,385mAh (Typical)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 7a
7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 7a
6.83 oz (193.5 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 7a
6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Nokia XR21 5G
6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm)
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Google Pixel 7a
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
Nokia XR21 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5)
+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: Google Pixel 7a vs Nokia XR21 5G
Google Pixel 7a
★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 7a | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(1,343)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G710 MP7 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5 | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | OLED, 90Hz, HDR | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz (Smooth Display) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,385mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 7.5W Qi Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.83 oz (193.5 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Google Pixel 7a
Rating:★4.5(1,343)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (until May 2028)
Processor:Google Tensor G2 (5nm) + Titan M2 security coprocessor
Graphics:Mali-G710 MP7
RAM:8GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB UFS 3.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.1"
Screen Type:OLED, 90Hz, HDR
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 429 ppi
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Smooth Display)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP Quad PD Quad Bayer, f/1.89, 1/1.73", OIS, Super Res Zoom up to 8x
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Dual Pixel PDAF
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 30/60fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 95-degree Ultrawide FOV, 4K @ 30fps
Battery:4,385mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger NOT included)
Wireless Charging:7.5W Qi Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.00 x 2.87 x 0.35 in (152.0 x 72.9 x 9.0 mm)
Weight:6.83 oz (193.5 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, Now Playing, Call Screen, Magic Eraser, Photo Unblur, VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading still photography with 64MP sensor and Google computational magic
- • Tensor G2 chip brings flagship-level AI features (Voice Typing, Magic Eraser) to mid-range
- • 90Hz OLED display is a significant upgrade over previous A-series 60Hz panels
- • Includes wireless charging (7.5W), a rarity in this price segment
- • Compact, ergonomic size with IP67 water/dust resistance
✗ Cons:
- • Charging is slow (18W wired / 7.5W wireless) compared to competitors
- • Optical fingerprint sensor can be slower/less reliable than ultrasonic ones
- • Battery life is average; Tensor G2 can run warm under load
- • Large bezels relative to screen size compared to the Pixel 8a or Galaxy S23 FE
- • Only one storage option (128GB) with no microSD expansion
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Nokia XR21 5G
Rating:★3.5(60)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 619
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:6.49"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation)
Front Camera:16MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5)
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG)
Durability:IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Dimensions:6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm)
Weight:8.15 oz (231 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB)
✓ Pros:
- • Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets)
- • Guaranteed 3 OS updates and 4 years of monthly security patches
- • Screen works flawlessly with wet hands and gloves
- • Includes 3.5mm headphone jack and loud stereo speakers (96dB)
- • Programmable hardware buttons are excellent for push-to-talk or emergency use
✗ Cons:
- • Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless)
- • Removed microSD card slot (The older XR20 had expandable storage)
- • Video recording limited to 1080p (No 4K) due to Snapdragon 695
- • Display brightness (550 nits) is dim for outdoor use compared to Galaxy XCover6
- • Expensive for the specs (Snapdragon 695 is a budget chip found in $200 phones)
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Which one is better?
The Google Pixel 7a is the better buy for most people - its class-leading 64MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's photography capabilities.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 7a if: you want stunning photography, you value AI features like Magic Eraser, or you prefer a compact design. (6.1" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need rugged durability, you want a longer-lasting battery for heavy use, or you often use your phone in wet or extreme conditions. (6.49" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Google Pixel 7a and Nokia XR21 5G are both solid choices. Match the strengths above to your budget and workflow to make the best call.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 7a excels if you value class-leading still photography with 64mp sensor and google computational magic. Nokia XR21 5G is better if you prioritize certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Pick based on your budget and daily use.
+Is this an independent review?
Yes. We use affiliate links for monetization, but recommendations are research-driven and unbiased.
+Do newer models exist?
Check release timelines from the manufacturers and compare pricing before you buy. We refresh this page when major updates land.
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