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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Nokia XR21 5G
If you're looking for premium features, the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the way to go. It’s packed with a stunning 6.7" ProMotion OLED display and a versatile 48MP camera setup that can shoot 4K video. In my testing, the iPhone's 4323mAh battery lasts up to 29 hours of video playback, which is impressive. Each phone excels in its niche, so your choice will depend on what you value more in daily use.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4323 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.47 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4
(250)•Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
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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
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6 GB (LPDDR5)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
8.47 oz (240 g)
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)Winner
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm)
Nokia XR21 5G
6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm)
Software1 specs
Operating System
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
iOS
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
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: Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max vs Nokia XR21 5G
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
★4.4(250)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(250)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | iOS | Android |
Software Support | Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR5) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Super Retina XDR OLED | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 15x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage) | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s) | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.47 oz (240 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max
Rating:★4.4(250)Best Buy
Operating System:iOS
Software Support:Minimum 5 years from release date (guaranteed security updates); historically supports 6+ years of OS upgrades
Processor:Apple A16 Bionic chip (4nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A16 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR5)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.7" (6.69" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2796 x 1290 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Peak Brightness:1000 nits max (typical); 1600 nits peak (HDR); 2000 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:48MP Main (24 mm, f/1.78), second-generation sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° field of view), 100% Focus Pixels, Macro photography support
Telephoto Camera:12MP 3x Telephoto (77 mm, f/2.8), optical image stabilization, 6-element lens
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x, 2x, 3x optical zoom steps (6x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 15x
Video Recording:4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps; Cinematic mode up to 4K HDR at 30 fps; Action mode up to 2.8K at 60 fps; ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:4323 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback (25 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:Lightning; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 15W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) with 4x4 MIMO; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (First-generation); NFC with reader mode
USB:Lightning connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s)
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield front; Surgical-grade stainless steel; Textured matte glass back
Dimensions:6.33" x 3.06" x 0.31" (160.7 x 77.6 x 7.85 mm)
Weight:8.47 oz (240 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Dynamic Island; Always-On display; LiDAR Scanner; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Ring/Silent switch
✓ Pros:
- • First iPhone to introduce the Dynamic Island interface
- • Excellent battery life (4323 mAh), still competitive with newer models
- • Bright 120Hz ProMotion display with Always-On functionality
- • Premium stainless steel build feels more substantial than aluminum models
- • Versatile camera system with 3x optical zoom and macro mode
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the obsolete Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Significantly heavier (240 g) than the newer Titanium 'Pro Max' models
- • Wi-Fi 6 is slower than the Wi-Fi 6E/7 found in newer iPhones
- • No support for newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to 7.5W on generic Qi)
- • Repair costs for the back glass are higher compared to iPhone 15/16 series
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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 Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max is the better buy for most people - its 48MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 64MP in video quality.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max if: you want superior video recording with 4K capabilities, enjoy high-quality photography with a 48MP camera, or appreciate a premium build with a stunning display.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a durable phone for outdoor use, prefer a phone with a longer battery life for extended use, or value software updates with 3 years of OS upgrades.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max 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?
Apple iPhone 14 Pro Max excels if you value first iphone to introduce the dynamic island interface. 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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