Nothing Phone (2) vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Nothing Phone (2) is the premium option here, offering a sleek design and advanced performance. In real-world use, its Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 chip delivers seriously impressive speed compared to the Nokia XR21 5G's Snapdragon 695. You get a striking 6.7" LTPO OLED display with a peak brightness of 1,600 nits, making it a joy to use for everything from gaming to streaming videos. On the flip side, the Nokia XR21 5G shines with its rugged IP69K rating, ideal for those who need a tough phone for outdoor adventures. If you prioritize durability and updates over advanced specs, the XR21 is still a worthy contender. Key specs: Display: 6.7" vs 6.49" and Battery: 4700 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
Why compare these? The Nothing Phone (2) (high-end) and Nokia XR21 5G (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Nothing Phone | Nokia XR21 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (397 reviews) | 3.5★ (60 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting | Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets) |
| Main Drawback | IP54 rating is lower than IP68 found in competitors (Pixel 7/8, Galaxy S23 FE) | Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless) |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Nothing Phone (2)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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)
Nokia XR21 5G
| 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)
Android
3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of security updates (bimonthly)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 (4nm)
Adreno 730
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
128GB / 256GB / 512GB UFS 3.1
Pros
- Iconic transparent design with functional Glyph Interface lighting
- Excellent performance stability with Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1
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
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
6GB
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Pros
- Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets)
- Guaranteed 3 OS updates and 4 years of monthly security patches
Cons
- Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless)
- Removed microSD card slot (The older XR20 had expandable storage)
Which one is better?
The Nothing Phone (2) is the better buy for most people - its 6.7" display and Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1 performance crush the Nokia XR21 5G. That said, grab the Nokia if you need a rugged phone with an IP69K rating - it's built for extreme environments.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Nothing Phone (2) if: you want a vibrant 6.7" display for streaming, need top-notch performance for gaming, or love unique designs with the Glyph Interface.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough conditions, need a phone that can withstand extreme temperatures, or want guaranteed software updates for the next three years. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 3.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 397 reviews vs 60
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Nothing Phone
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Nokia XR21
Conclusion
With the key differences outlined, the decision should be clearer. Both options deliver quality—choose the one that fits your priorities.
Bottom line: The Nothing Phone (2) edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 3.5★. However, Nokia XR21 5G remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Nothing Phone (2) or Nokia XR21 5G?
Nothing Phone (2) is the better choice if you prioritize iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting. Nokia XR21 5G wins if you value certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 3.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Nothing Phone (2) and Nokia XR21 5G?
Key differences: Nothing Phone (2) offers iconic transparent design with functional glyph interface lighting, while Nokia XR21 5G stands out with certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Consider that Nothing Phone (2) ip54 rating is lower than ip68 found in competitors (pixel 7/8, galaxy s23 fe). Meanwhile, Nokia XR21 5G removed wireless charging (the older xr20 had 15w wireless). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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