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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 14 vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Apple iPhone 14 is the premium option here, boasting a powerful A15 Bionic chip that still holds its own in 2026. However, the Nokia XR21 5G challenges with its rugged design and impressive IP69K rating, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Battery life: Apple iPhone 14 is rated for up to 20 hours.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 60 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 3279 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Apple iPhone 14
★4.8
(1,511)•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 A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 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
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 14
6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 14
60 Hz
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 14
Apple A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 14
6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 14
128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 14
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 14
3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 hours streamed)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 14
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
6.07 oz (172 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 14
5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 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
iOS
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 14
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 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Apple iPhone 14
★4.8(1,511)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 14 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(1,511)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 A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6 GB (LPDDR4X) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (6.06" 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 | 2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 5x | 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 | 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 | 3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 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; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.07 oz (172 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); 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
Rating:★4.8(1,511)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 A15 Bionic chip (5nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU (A15 Bionic)
RAM:6 GB (LPDDR4X)
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.1" (6.06" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2532 x 1170 pixels (460 ppi)
Refresh Rate:60 Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits max (typical); 1200 nits peak (HDR)
Main Camera:12MP Main (26 mm, f/1.5), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, Photonic Engine for better low-light performance
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.4, 120° field of view)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; Digital zoom only beyond 1x
Optical Zoom:0.5x, 1x (2x optical zoom out range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 5x
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
Front Camera:12MP TrueDepth (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3279 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 20 hours video playback (16 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; Aerospace-grade aluminum; Glass back
Dimensions:5.78" x 2.82" x 0.31" (146.7 x 71.5 x 7.80 mm)
Weight:6.07 oz (172 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Dual eSIM (US models); Ring/Silent switch
✓ Pros:
- • Affordable entry point into the modern mainline iPhone ecosystem
- • Reliable A15 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU still performs well
- • Lightweight and compact 6.1-inch design
- • Excellent build quality with Ceramic Shield and IP68 rating
- • Autofocus on the front-facing TrueDepth camera
✗ Cons:
- • Uses the older Lightning port instead of USB-C
- • Display limited to 60 Hz (no ProMotion)
- • No optical zoom for telephoto (only digital)
- • Not compatible with newer Qi2 wireless charging standard (limited to MagSafe/Qi)
- • Dynamic Island not available (uses the older notch design)
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 Apple iPhone 14 is the better buy for most people - its A15 chip and build quality crush the Nokia XR21 5G.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 14 if: you want a smooth iOS experience, need a lightweight device at 6.07oz, or value excellent camera performance.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough environments, need a battery that lasts over 30 hours, or prefer a display that refreshes at 120Hz.
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 14 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 excels if you value affordable entry point into the modern mainline iphone ecosystem. 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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