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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerOnePlus 12 vs Nokia XR21 5G
In contrast, the Nokia XR21 5G is a mid-range contender with solid features but sacrifices some premium specs like wireless charging. The key difference lies in performance: the OnePlus 12's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the Nokia's Snapdragon 695, making it a better choice for gaming and multitasking. Meanwhile, the Nokia XR21 5G shines with its IP69K rating, perfect for those needing a rugged phone for outdoor adventures.
📱 Display: 6.82" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5400 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.76 oz vs 8.15 oz
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OnePlus 12
★4.6
(78)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750
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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
OnePlus 12
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
OnePlus 12
6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
OnePlus 12
1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
OnePlus 12
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
OnePlus 12
12GB / 16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
OnePlus 12
256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
OnePlus 12
50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
OnePlus 12
48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
OnePlus 12
5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
OnePlus 12
50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
OnePlus 12
7.76 oz (220 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
OnePlus 12
6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 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
OnePlus 12
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster
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: OnePlus 12 vs Nokia XR21 5G
OnePlus 12
★4.6(78)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | OnePlus 12 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(78)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 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 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 750 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | LTPO AMOLED ProXDR Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 3168 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 510 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Dynamic) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 64MP Periscope Telephoto (OmniVision OV64B, 3x optical, f/2.6); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom; 6x In-Sensor Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 120x Ultra Res Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 32MP Front (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, 21mm equiv) | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); 100W in 220V regions; Charger included | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | 50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP65 (Dust tight; Water jet resistant - not submersion proof); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.76 oz (220 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Hasselblad Camera for Mobile; Alert Slider; Aqua Touch; Trinity Engine | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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OnePlus 12
Rating:★4.6(78)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of Android OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750
RAM:12GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.82" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)
Screen Type:LTPO AMOLED ProXDR Display
Resolution:3168 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 510 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Peak Brightness:4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony LYT-808, f/1.6, 23mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:48MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX581, f/2.2, 114° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:64MP Periscope Telephoto (OmniVision OV64B, 3x optical, f/2.6); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom; 6x In-Sensor Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 120x Ultra Res Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60/240fps
Front Camera:32MP Front (Sony IMX615, f/2.4, 21mm equiv)
Battery:5,400 mAh (Dual-cell 2,700 mAh, non-removable)
Wired Charging:80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); 100W in 220V regions; Charger included
Wireless Charging:50W AIRVOOC; 10W Reverse Wireless Charging
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.4; NFC; IR Blaster
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP65 (Dust tight; Water jet resistant - not submersion proof); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front)
Dimensions:6.47" x 2.98" x 0.36" (164.3 x 75.8 x 9.15 mm)
Weight:7.76 oz (220 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:Hasselblad Camera for Mobile; Alert Slider; Aqua Touch; Trinity Engine
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent value proposition with top-tier specs at a competitive price
- • Massive 5,400mAh battery paired with very fast 80W wired and 50W wireless charging
- • High-quality Hasselblad camera system with a versatile 3x periscope zoom
- • Extremely bright QHD+ LTPO display (4,500 nits peak)
- • Includes useful enthusiast features like an IR blaster and the Alert Slider
✗ Cons:
- • IP65 rating is inferior to the industry-standard IP68 (not rated for submersion)
- • Curved screen edges can be prone to accidental touches despite rejection algorithms
- • US wired charging is capped at 80W (vs 100W global) due to voltage differences
- • OxygenOS has moved visually closer to ColorOS, which may deter purists
- • Large and heavy device (220g) can be cumbersome
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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 XR21 5G if you need a tough phone for rugged use - its IP69K rating is unbeatable for durability.
Who should buy each?
Choose the OnePlus 12 if: you need powerful performance for gaming, want a high-quality camera with 64MP, or require fast charging at 80W.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work outdoors in tough environments, prefer a phone with guaranteed software updates, or need a more affordable option. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
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?
OnePlus 12 excels if you value excellent value proposition with top-tier specs at a competitive price. 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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