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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerApple iPhone 17 Air vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Apple iPhone 17 Air is the premium option here, featuring a stunning 6.6" display and an ultra-thin design. Meanwhile, the Nokia XR21 5G stands out for its rugged build and impressive IP69K rating. What's crucial here is the balance between performance and durability.
📱 Display: 6.6" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 3150 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.82 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9
(13)•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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
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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 17 Air
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Up to 120 Hz (ProMotion adaptive 1-120Hz); Always-On display
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
Apple A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
12 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Apple iPhone 17 Air
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Apple iPhone 17 Air
No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Apple iPhone 17 Air
3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Apple iPhone 17 Air
MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5.82 oz (165 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Apple iPhone 17 Air
6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 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 17 Air
iOS
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
Connectivity1 specs
Connectivity
Apple iPhone 17 Air
5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; 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 17 Air vs Nokia XR21 5G
Apple iPhone 17 Air
★4.9(13)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Apple iPhone 17 Air | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.9(13)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.6" (6.55" 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 | 2736 x 1260 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); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP) | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | 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 | 24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; 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 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.82 oz (165 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Face ID | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Apple iPhone 17 Air
Rating:★4.9(13)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 A19 Pro chip (3nm; 6-core CPU: 2 performance + 4 efficiency; 16-core Neural Engine)
Graphics:Apple 5-core GPU with Neural Accelerators (A19 Pro)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (NVMe)
Display Size:6.6" (6.55" measured diagonally as a standard rectangle; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Super Retina XDR OLED
Resolution:2736 x 1260 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); 3000 nits peak (outdoor); 1 nit minimum
Main Camera:48MP Fusion (26 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift optical image stabilization, 100% Focus Pixels, support for super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:No dedicated Ultra Wide camera (functionality limited to panoramic stitching via software)
Telephoto Camera:No dedicated telephoto lens; 12MP 2x Telephoto enabled by 48MP Fusion sensor (52 mm, f/1.6), sensor-shift OIS
Optical Zoom:1x, 2x optical-quality zoom steps (2x optical zoom range)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
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:24MP Center Stage (f/1.9), autofocus with Focus Pixels, 4K Dolby Vision at 24/25/30/60 fps
Battery:3150 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 26 hours video playback (20 hours streamed)
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% charge in ~30 minutes with 20W adapter or higher
Wireless Charging:MagSafe up to 25W (with 30W+ adapter); Qi2 up to 25W; Qi up to 7.5W
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz only, no mmWave) using Apple-designed modem; Gigabit LTE; Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) with 2x2 MIMO; Bluetooth 6.0; Ultra Wideband (Second-generation); Thread networking technology; NFC with reader mode
USB:USB-C connector with USB 2 speeds (up to 480 Mb/s); Native DisplayPort output
Durability:IP68 (maximum depth of 6 meters up to 30 minutes); Ceramic Shield 2 front; Grade 5 Titanium alloy frame (internal aluminum structure); Ceramic Shield back
Dimensions:6.15" x 2.94" x 0.22" (156.2 x 74.7 x 5.6 mm)
Weight:5.82 oz (165 g)
Biometrics:Face ID
Extras:Apple Intelligence support; Camera Control button; Action button; Dynamic Island; Dual eSIM (US models); Emergency SOS via satellite; Crash Detection; Roadside Assistance via satellite
✓ Pros:
- • Thinnest iPhone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium Titanium chassis
- • 120Hz ProMotion display finally arrives on non-Pro tier
- • Powered by the A19 Pro chip with 12GB RAM for full Apple Intelligence support
- • Upgraded 24MP front camera for superior selfies and video calls
- • Excellent main camera performance with 2x lossless crop
✗ Cons:
- • High price for a single-camera system (no Ultra Wide or Telephoto lenses)
- • Battery life is shorter than the 'Plus' model it replaces due to thinness
- • USB-C port is limited to USB 2.0 speeds (480 Mb/s)
- • No mmWave 5G support (Sub-6 GHz only due to Apple modem restrictions)
- • No physical SIM tray (eSIM only in US)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
Key specs: Display: 6.6" vs 6.49" and Battery: 3150 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Apple iPhone 17 Air if: you crave a premium design with a 6.6" OLED display, want top-notch performance for gaming, or need advanced photography capabilities with a 48MP camera.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a durable phone that can withstand harsh conditions, want a long-lasting battery that can keep going for over a day, or prefer a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing essential features. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Apple iPhone 17 Air 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 17 Air excels if you value thinnest iphone ever (5.6mm) featuring a premium titanium chassis. 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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