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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerGoogle Pixel 9 Pro XL vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Google Pixel 9 Pro XL is the flagship option here, delivering a stunning 6.8" Super Actua display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.49" and Battery: 5060 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5060 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.80 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4
(986)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
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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 9 Pro XL
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google Tensor G4
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
5,060 mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
7.80 oz (221 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 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 9 Pro XL
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
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 9 Pro XL vs Nokia XR21 5G
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL
★4.4(986)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Google Pixel 9 Pro XL | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(986)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Google Tensor G4 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Arm Mali-G715 MC7 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Super Actua LTPO OLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Super Res Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,060 mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS | 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 and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.80 oz (221 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; 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 9 Pro XL
Rating:★4.4(986)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 years of OS, security, and Pixel Drop updates
Processor:Google Tensor G4
Graphics:Arm Mali-G715 MC7
RAM:16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Actua LTPO OLED
Resolution:1344 x 2992 pixels (QHD+), 486 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:2,000 nits (HDR) / 3,000 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.68, 82° FOV), Octa PD AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (f/1.7, 123° FOV) with Macro Focus
Telephoto Camera:48MP Telephoto (5x optical, f/2.8), Quad PD AF, OIS
Optical Zoom:5x Optical Zoom (Optical quality at 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10x)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Super Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps (via Video Boost); 4K@24/30/60fps
Front Camera:42MP Front (f/2.2, 103° FOV), Dual PD AF
Battery:5,060 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 37W (charges up to 70% in ~30 min with Google 45W USB-C Charger)
Wireless Charging:Up to 23W (Pixel Stand 2nd Gen); up to 12W (Qi certified); Battery Share
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB; Dual Band GNSS
USB:USB Type-C 3.2
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front/back)
Dimensions:6.4" x 3.0" x 0.3" (162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm)
Weight:7.80 oz (221 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Unlock; Face Unlock
Extras:Satellite SOS; Gemini AI integrated; Temperature sensor; VPN by Google One
✓ Pros:
- • Industry-leading 7-year software support commitment
- • Super Actua display is exceptionally bright (3,000 nits peak)
- • Versatile camera system with 5x optical zoom and high-res 42MP selfie camera
- • Deep AI integration with Gemini and exclusive features like Video Boost
- • Premium build with uniform bezels and Gorilla Glass Victus 2
✗ Cons:
- • 8K video recording is not native on-device (requires cloud-based Video Boost processing)
- • UFS 3.1 storage is slower than the UFS 4.0 standard found in competitors
- • Heavy gaming performance lags behind Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 rivals
- • Charging speed (37W max) is slower than many flagship peers
- • Optical fingerprint sensor replaced by ultrasonic, but still requires good placement
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?
Grab the Nokia if you need a tough phone and want to save money - it's lighter at 8.15oz.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL if: you want top-tier performance for gaming, need a versatile camera for photography, or plan to keep your phone for years with 7 years of software support.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a rugged phone for outdoor activities, want a device that works well with wet hands, or prefer a lower price point while still getting essential features. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL excels if you value industry-leading 7-year software support commitment. 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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