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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 8 vs Nokia XR21 5G
If you want the best, the Google Pixel 8 is the flagship option here, boasting an incredible 7 years of OS updates. In my testing, the Pixel 8's 6.2" Actua display shines at 2,000 nits, while the Nokia XR21 5G's 6.49" IPS LCD peaks at just 550 nits. The Pixel 8 excels in software features and camera quality, offering a 50MP sensor that crushes the Nokia's 64MP in processing.
📱 Display: 6.2" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4575 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.60 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Google Pixel 8
★4.6
(1,129)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
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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 8
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 8
6.2"
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 8
60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 8
Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 8
8GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 8
128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 8
50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 8
12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 8
4,575mAh (Typical)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 8
18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 8
6.60 oz (187 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 8
5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 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 8
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 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 8 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Google Pixel 8
★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 8 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,129)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Google Tensor G3 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Immortalis-G715s MC10 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.2" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,575mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), 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 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.60 oz (187 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible) | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8) | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Google Pixel 8
Rating:★4.6(1,129)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS upgrades, security updates, and Feature Drops (until Oct 2030)
Processor:Google Tensor G3 (4nm)
Graphics:Immortalis-G715s MC10
RAM:8GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.2"
Screen Type:Actua OLED, 120Hz, 2,000 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 (FHD+) at 428 ppi
Refresh Rate:60Hz - 120Hz (Adaptive LTPS)
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (HDR) / 2,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Octa PD, f/1.68, 1/1.31", OIS, EIS, 2x Optical Quality Crop
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 126-degree FOV, Autofocus (Macro Focus)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Relies on Super Res Zoom
Optical Zoom:2x Optical Quality (via Main Sensor cropping)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x (Super Res Zoom)
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (10-bit HDR); Audio Magic Eraser
Front Camera:10.5MP Dual PD, f/2.2, Fixed Focus, 4K @ 60fps
Battery:4,575mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:27W Fast Charging (50% in ~30 min with 30W adapter - sold separately)
Wireless Charging:18W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen) / 12W (Qi-certified)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust/Water Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus (Front & Back)
Dimensions:5.93 x 2.79 x 0.35 in (150.5 x 70.8 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:6.60 oz (187 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock (Class 3 - Banking app compatible)
Extras:VPN by Google One, Clear Calling, Call Screen, Crash Detection, Temperature Sensor (Pro only - NOT on Pixel 8)
✓ Pros:
- • Unprecedented 7 years of full OS and security updates
- • Actua display is exceptionally bright (2,000 nits) and sharp
- • Face Unlock is now secure enough for banking/payments (Class 3)
- • Compact form factor with premium satin metal and glass finish
- • Smartest software features in class (Call Screen, Magic Editor)
✗ Cons:
- • Storage uses older UFS 3.1 standard (competitors use faster UFS 4.0)
- • Tensor G3 chip trails Snapdragon 8 Gen 2/3 in raw power and efficiency
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower/less reliable than ultrasonic rivals
- • Charging speed (27W) is relatively slow
- • Ultrawide camera lacks the higher resolution (48MP) found on the Pro model
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 8 is the better buy for most people - its stunning 2,000 nits display crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 550 nits. That said, grab the Nokia if you need a rugged phone with IP69K resistance - it's built to withstand extreme conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 8 if: you want the brightest display at 2,000 nits, need long-term software support with 7 years of updates, or value camera quality for photography.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you require a phone that can handle high-pressure environments, need longer battery life for outdoor activities, or prefer a more rugged design that can survive tough conditions. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 8 excels if you value unprecedented 7 years of full os and security updates. 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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