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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerMotorola razr (2023) vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Motorola razr (2023) is the smarter buy for most people - its 144Hz display crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 120Hz. If you love smooth scrolling and gaming, the razr's display is a game changer. Meanwhile, the Nokia XR21 5G's IP69K rating means it's built to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for rugged use. This means you can binge-watch shows or game for hours without worrying about running out of juice.
📱 Display: 6.9" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 144 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 4200 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Motorola razr (2023)
★4.3
(513)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 644
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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 razr (2023)
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Motorola razr (2023)
Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Motorola razr (2023)
Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60HzWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Motorola razr (2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Motorola razr (2023)
8GB LPDDR4XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Motorola razr (2023)
128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Motorola razr (2023)
64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP)
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Motorola razr (2023)
13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Motorola razr (2023)
4,200mAh (Non-removable)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Motorola razr (2023)
5W Wireless Charging
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Motorola razr (2023)
6.65 oz (188.6 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Motorola razr (2023)
Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in
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 razr (2023)
5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Motorola razr (2023) vs Nokia XR21 5G
Motorola razr (2023)
★4.3(513)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Motorola razr (2023) | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(513)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 644 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB LPDDR4X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP) | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision | 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 | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP) | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,200mAh (Non-removable) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 5W Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 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 coating - Splash Resistant only) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.65 oz (188.6 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only) | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Motorola razr (2023)
Rating:★4.3(513)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 Android OS upgrades and 4 years of bi-monthly security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 644
RAM:8GB LPDDR4X
Storage:128GB UFS 2.2 (Non-expandable)
Display Size:Main: 6.9" / External: 1.5"
Screen Type:Main: FHD+ pOLED, LTPO, 144Hz / External: OLED, 60Hz
Resolution:Main: 2640 x 1080 (413 ppi) / External: 194 x 368 (282 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Main: Up to 144Hz / External: 60Hz
Peak Brightness:1,400 nits (Main Peak) / 1,000 nits (External Peak)
Main Camera:64MP, f/1.7, 0.7µm, OIS, Laser AF (Quad Pixel to 16MP)
Ultra-Wide Camera:13MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV, Macro Vision
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 8x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:32MP, f/2.4, 0.7µm (Quad Pixel to 8MP)
Battery:4,200mAh (Non-removable)
Wired Charging:30W TurboPower (Charger NOT included in US retail box)
Wireless Charging:5W Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave - Carrier Dependent), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP52 (Water-repellent coating - Splash Resistant only)
Dimensions:Open: 6.73 x 2.91 x 0.29 in (170.8 x 74.0 x 7.35 mm) / Closed: 3.47 x 2.91 x 0.62 in
Weight:6.65 oz (188.6 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint reader, Face Unlock
Extras:Vegan Leather finish, Stereo Speakers (Dolby Atmos), Ready For (Wireless only)
✓ Pros:
- • Most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the US
- • Battery life (4,200mAh) exceeds that of the premium Razr+ and Galaxy Z Flip5
- • Premium vegan leather design feels grippy and durable
- • Main screen is excellent: 144Hz LTPO with invisible crease mechanics
- • Includes wireless charging (albeit slow 5W)
✗ Cons:
- • External display (1.5") is tiny and only useful for basic notifications (unlike Razr+)
- • Charger is NOT included in the box (unlike previous Moto G phones)
- • Performance (Snapdragon 7 Gen 1) is mid-range, not flagship level
- • IP52 rating is weak compared to Samsung's IPX8 (submersion protection)
- • USB 2.0 port means slow data transfer and no wired video output
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Motorola razr (2023) is the better buy for most people - its 144Hz display crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 120Hz. That said, grab the Nokia XR21 5G if you need a durable phone for extreme conditions - it's built to take a beating.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Motorola razr (2023) if: you want a stunning 144Hz display for gaming, enjoy a sleek foldable design, or value a lightweight phone at 6.65oz.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a phone that can handle extreme environments, want the longest battery life with 4,800mAh, or prefer a device with guaranteed software updates for years.
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 razr (2023) excels if you value most accessible price point for a new foldable phone in the us. 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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