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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerNothing Phone (2) vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Nothing Phone (2) is the premium option here, boasting a stunning 6.7" LTPO OLED display and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance. In my testing, its unique Glyph Interface lighting adds flair, but the Nokia XR21 5G's IP69K rating for durability steals the show. Key specs: Display: 6.7" vs 6.49" and Battery: 4700 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
📱 Display: 6.7" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4700 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.09 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6
(397)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
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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
Nothing Phone (2)
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Nothing Phone (2)
6.7"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Nothing Phone (2)
1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Nothing Phone (2)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Nothing Phone (2)
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Nothing Phone (2)
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Nothing Phone (2)
50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Nothing Phone (2)
4,700mAh
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Nothing Phone (2)
15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Nothing Phone (2)
7.09 oz (201.2 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Nothing Phone (2)
6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 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
Nothing Phone (2)
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Nothing Phone (2) vs Nokia XR21 5G
Nothing Phone (2)
★4.6(397)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Nothing Phone (2) | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(397)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1 | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.7" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode | 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 10x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,700mAh | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 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 | IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.09 oz (201.2 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Nothing Phone (2)
Rating:★4.6(397)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Display Size:6.7"
Screen Type:LTPO OLED, 1-120Hz Adaptive, 1,600 nits (Peak Pixel Brightness)
Resolution:2412 x 1080 (FHD+) at 394 ppi
Refresh Rate:1Hz - 120Hz (LTPO Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,600 nits (HDR Peak); 1,000 nits (Outdoor Full Screen)
Main Camera:50MP Sony IMX890, f/1.88, OIS, EIS, 24mm equivalent
Ultra-Wide Camera:50MP Samsung JN1, f/2.2, 114-degree FOV, 4cm Macro Mode
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported)
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K @ 60fps (Main & Ultrawide); Live HDR at 4K/30fps
Front Camera:32MP Sony IMX615, f/2.45, 1080p @ 60fps
Battery:4,700mAh
Wired Charging:45W PPS (Full charge in 55 mins)
Wireless Charging:15W Qi Dual-coil (Full charge in 130 mins); 5W Reverse Wireless
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP54 (Splash, Water, and Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.38 x 3.01 x 0.34 in (162.1 x 76.4 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:7.09 oz (201.2 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Glyph Interface (33 addressable LED zones), Glyph Composer, Essential Notifications, Stereo Speakers
✓ Pros:
- • Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- • Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
- • Power-efficient LTPO OLED display (1-120Hz)
- • Clean, bloatware-free software experience (Nothing OS)
- • Supports both wireless charging and reverse wireless charging
✗ Cons:
- • IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE)
- • Camera system lacks a dedicated telephoto/optical zoom lens
- • Digital zoom performance (max 10x) is weak compared to class leaders
- • Ultrawide sensor (Samsung JN1) struggles in low light compared to main sensor
- • No charger included in the box
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?
The Nothing Phone (2) is the better buy for most people - its stunning 6.7" display crushes the Nokia XR21 5G. That said, grab the Nokia if you need a super durable phone with an IP69K rating - it’s built to last in tough conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you love vibrant displays with 1,600 nits brightness, you want flagship performance for gaming, or you appreciate unique design features like the Glyph Interface.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in rugged environments needing IP69K durability, you require long battery life for extended outdoor activities, or you prioritize software support with 3 years of OS upgrades.
Conclusion
Nothing Phone (2) 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?
Nothing Phone (2) excels if you value iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. 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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