← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerOnePlus 12R vs Nokia XR21 5G
If you're considering durability, the Nokia XR21 5G’s IP69K rating can withstand high-pressure jets and extreme temperatures, setting it apart in ruggedness. You'll notice the difference in scrolling and overall visual experience, especially in bright sunlight, where the OnePlus shines brighter than the Nokia's 550 nits.
📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5500 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.30 oz vs 8.15 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
OnePlus 12R
★4.3
(23)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
Check Amazon Price→
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
Check Amazon Price→
Key spec differences
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
Winner= clear advantage
Spec
OnePlus 12R
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
OnePlus 12R
6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
OnePlus 12R
1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
OnePlus 12R
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
OnePlus 12R
8GB / 16GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
OnePlus 12R
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
OnePlus 12R
50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
OnePlus 12R
8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
OnePlus 12R
5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
OnePlus 12R
N/A (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
OnePlus 12R
7.30 oz (207 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
OnePlus 12R
6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 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 12R
5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; 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 12R vs Nokia XR21 5G
OnePlus 12R
★4.3(23)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | OnePlus 12R | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(23)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 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 2 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 740 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | AMOLED ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.0 | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K), 450 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 IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | N/A (Digital zoom only) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 20x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 16MP Front (f/2.4, 24mm equiv), Fixed Focus | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); supports 100W in 220V regions | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | N/A (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster | 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 | IP64 (Dust tight; Water splash resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.30 oz (207 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Alert Slider; Dual Stereo Speakers; Dolby Atmos; HyperTouch; Aqua Touch | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
OnePlus 12R
Rating:★4.3(23)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:3 major Android OS upgrades; 4 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 740
RAM:8GB / 16GB LPDDR5X
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.78" (measured diagonally from corner to corner)
Screen Type:AMOLED ProXDR Display with LTPO 4.0
Resolution:2780 x 1264 pixels (1.5K), 450 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Dynamic)
Peak Brightness:4,500 nits (Peak) / 1,600 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (Sony IMX890, f/1.8, 24mm equiv), PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP Ultra-Wide (Sony IMX355, f/2.2, 112° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:N/A (No dedicated telephoto lens)
Optical Zoom:N/A (Digital zoom only)
Digital Zoom:Up to 20x
Video Recording:4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/60fps
Front Camera:16MP Front (f/2.4, 24mm equiv), Fixed Focus
Battery:5,500 mAh (Dual-cell 2,750 mAh, non-removable)
Wired Charging:80W SUPERVOOC (US 110V limitation); supports 100W in 220V regions
Wireless Charging:N/A (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; IR Blaster
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:IP64 (Dust tight; Water splash resistant); Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (front)
Dimensions:6.43" x 2.96" x 0.35" (163.3 x 75.3 x 8.8 mm)
Weight:7.30 oz (207 g)
Biometrics:Optical In-display Fingerprint Sensor; Face Unlock
Extras:Alert Slider; Dual Stereo Speakers; Dolby Atmos; HyperTouch; Aqua Touch
✓ Pros:
- • Exceptional battery life (5,500mAh) with very fast 80W charging (US)
- • Flagship-grade 120Hz LTPO 4.0 display with extreme peak brightness
- • Strong performance from Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset at a lower price point
- • Includes IR Blaster and the signature OnePlus Alert Slider
- • Comes with a fast charger in the box
✗ Cons:
- • No wireless charging capabilities
- • Rated IP64 is lower than the standard IP68 found in most flagships
- • USB-C port is limited to slow USB 2.0 transfer speeds
- • No telephoto lens; relies on digital crop for zoom
- • Software support period (3 years OS) is shorter than top-tier competitors
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?
Grab the Nokia XR21 5G if you need a rugged phone for outdoor adventures with its IP69K rating - it's built to endure extreme conditions.
Who should buy each?
Choose the OnePlus 12R if: you want the best battery life, enjoy gaming on a vibrant display, or need fast charging. (6.78" display, 5500 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you frequently work in tough environments, need a phone that handles wet conditions, or want guaranteed software support for years. (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 12R excels if you value exceptional battery life (5,500mah) with very fast 80w charging (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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.