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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMotorola Moto G Play (2024) vs Nokia XR21 5G
Looking for a budget-friendly phone? In my testing, the Moto G Play's 720p resolution is noticeable, especially when you compare it to the Nokia XR21's vibrant 2400 x 1080 screen.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 90 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5
(848)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
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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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.5"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GBWinner
Storage
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)Winner
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.53 oz (185 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 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
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Motorola Moto G Play (2024) vs Nokia XR21 5G
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
★4.5(848)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Motorola Moto G Play (2024) | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(848)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 610 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost) | 6GB |
Storage | 64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 1600 x 720 (HD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | No (Not supported) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 8x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.53 oz (185 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Motorola Moto G Play (2024)
Rating:★4.5(848)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 14) and 3 years of security updates (until Jan 2027)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 4G (6nm)
Graphics:Adreno 610
RAM:4GB (Plus up to 2GB Virtual RAM Boost)
Storage:64GB UFS 2.2 (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 90Hz, 500 nits (Peak)
Resolution:1600 x 720 (HD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz (Auto/60Hz/90Hz)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Quad Pixel Technology
Ultra-Wide Camera:No (Not supported)
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:15W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:4G LTE (No 5G), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.1, GPS
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent design); Corning Gorilla Glass 3 (Front)
Dimensions:6.45 x 2.95 x 0.33 in (163.8 x 75.0 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.53 oz (185 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Dolby Atmos), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos are excellent for this price tier
- • Qualcomm Snapdragon 680 provides reliable basic performance (better than Helio G37)
- • Clean, bloat-free My UX software experience
- • Gorilla Glass 3 protection on the front display
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Resolution is limited to 720p (HD+) while competitors offer 1080p
- • No 5G connectivity (4G LTE only)
- • No NFC for mobile payments (Google Pay)
- • Charging is slow (15W max) and no charger is included in the box
- • Single usable rear camera (no ultrawide or macro lens)
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?
Grab the Nokia XR21 if you need 5G connectivity and a superior camera - it packs a 64MP shooter for better photography.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Motorola Moto G Play (2024) if: you want a long-lasting battery for 2+ days, enjoy stereo sound for music, or need a budget-friendly option.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you require 5G for faster internet, want a high-resolution display for video streaming, or shoot a lot of photos with a 64MP camera.
Conclusion
Motorola Moto G Play (2024) 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?
Motorola Moto G Play (2024) excels if you value stereo speakers with dolby atmos are excellent for this price tier. 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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