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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMotorola edge (2024) vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Nokia XR21 5G boasts an impressive IP69K rating that withstands high-pressure steam jets, making it a tough contender for outdoor enthusiasts. After testing both devices, you'll find that the Motorola edge (2024) offers a smoother 144Hz display perfect for gaming, while the Nokia XR21 5G’s rugged design is great for those who need extra durability. The numbers tell the story: 8GB of RAM in the edge means better multitasking compared to the XR21's 6GB. So, what does this mean for you? Read on to find out which phone is worth your hard-earned cash in 2024.
📱 Display: 6.6" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 144 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Motorola edge (2024)
★4.5
(339)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
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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 edge (2024)
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Motorola edge (2024)
6.6" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Motorola edge (2024)
144Hz (Gaming mode)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Motorola edge (2024)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Motorola edge (2024)
8GB LPDDR4XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Motorola edge (2024)
256GB (UFS 2.2)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Motorola edge (2024)
50MP Wide (Sony LYTIA 700C, f/1.8, 1.0µm), PDAF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Motorola edge (2024)
13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Motorola edge (2024)
5,000 mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Motorola edge (2024)
15W Wireless Charging
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Motorola edge (2024)
6.14 oz (174 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Motorola edge (2024)
6.29" x 2.83" x 0.32" (159.6 x 72.0 x 8.1 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 edge (2024)
5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by carrier); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
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: Motorola edge (2024) vs Nokia XR21 5G
Motorola edge (2024)
★4.5(339)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Motorola edge (2024) | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(339)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 710 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB (UFS 2.2) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.6" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | pOLED Endless Edge Display (10-bit) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 402 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 144Hz (Gaming mode) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (Sony LYTIA 700C, f/1.8, 1.0µm), PDAF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Optical quality at 2x via sensor crop) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Non-removable) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 68W TurboPower (Charger usually sold separately in US) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by carrier); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.1 (Supports DisplayPort 1.4) | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (Dust and water resistant up to 1.5m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Vegan leather back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.29" x 2.83" x 0.32" (159.6 x 72.0 x 8.1 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.14 oz (174 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos; Smart Connect (Ready For); Moto Gestures; ThinkShield | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Motorola edge (2024)
Rating:★4.5(339)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:2 major Android OS upgrades; 3 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 710
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X
Storage:256GB (UFS 2.2)
Display Size:6.6" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:pOLED Endless Edge Display (10-bit)
Resolution:2400 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 402 ppi
Refresh Rate:144Hz (Gaming mode)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony LYTIA 700C, f/1.8, 1.0µm), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV), Macro Vision
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Optical quality at 2x via sensor crop)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:32MP Front (f/2.4, 0.7µm), Quad Pixel technology
Battery:5,000 mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:Up to 68W TurboPower (Charger usually sold separately in US)
Wireless Charging:15W Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave varies by carrier); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.1 (Supports DisplayPort 1.4)
Durability:IP68 (Dust and water resistant up to 1.5m); Gorilla Glass 3 (front); Vegan leather back
Dimensions:6.29" x 2.83" x 0.32" (159.6 x 72.0 x 8.1 mm)
Weight:6.14 oz (174 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Reader; Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo Speakers with Dolby Atmos; Smart Connect (Ready For); Moto Gestures; ThinkShield
✓ Pros:
- • Premium IP68 water and dust resistance rating (rare in mid-range)
- • Very smooth 144Hz pOLED display with curved edges
- • Fast 68W wired charging and convenient 15W wireless charging support
- • Lightweight and comfortable design with a grippy vegan leather back
- • Clean software experience with useful Moto gestures and Smart Connect features
✗ Cons:
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 3 for front protection
- • Storage speed (UFS 2.2) and RAM (LPDDR4X) are slower than flagship standards
- • No dedicated telephoto lens; zoom performance is limited
- • Video recording capped at 4K@30fps (no 60fps at 4K)
- • Short software support window compared to competitors like Pixel and Samsung
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 rugged phone with IP69K protection - it's built to handle extreme conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Motorola edge (2024) if: you want a long-lasting battery for all-day use, you value a high refresh rate for gaming, or you enjoy high-quality photography with a 50MP camera.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough environments and need a durable design, you prefer a device with guaranteed software updates for years, or you want a phone that performs well with wet hands and gloves. (6.49" display, 120 Hz refresh)
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?
Motorola edge (2024) excels if you value premium ip68 water and dust resistance rating (rare in mid-range). 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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