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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
Get the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G unless you need rugged durability. While the Nokia XR21 5G offers great features like an IP69K rating for extreme conditions, it sacrifices some convenience, including expandable storage and wireless charging. The Samsung's unmatched software support with 4 years of OS updates is a game-changer for budget phones, making it a smart long-term investment in 2026.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.49"⚡ Refresh: 90 Hz vs 120 Hz🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4
(950)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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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
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.5"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
90Hz
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)Winner
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
4GB (Common US config)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GBWinner
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
50MP, f/1.8, AF
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5MP, f/2.2
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
7.05 oz (200 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 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
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 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: Samsung Galaxy A15 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
★4.4(950)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A15 5G | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.4(950)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 4GB (Common US config) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.5" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 90Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 800 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, AF | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2 | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4 | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.0 | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 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 | No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.05 oz (200 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy A15 5G
Rating:★4.4(950)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:4GB (Common US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 90Hz, 800 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:90Hz
Peak Brightness:800 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.0
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating (Plastic frame/back)
Dimensions:6.30 x 3.02 x 0.33 in (160.1 x 76.8 x 8.4 mm)
Weight:7.05 oz (200 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:3.5mm Headphone Jack, Samsung Knox Vault, microSD slot
✓ Pros:
- • Unmatched software support in budget class (4 OS updates)
- • Vibrant Super AMOLED display (rare at this price point)
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
- • Includes 3.5mm headphone jack and expandable storage
- • Solid 50MP main camera performance for the price
✗ Cons:
- • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- • Charging adapter not included in the box
- • Performance can be sluggish with only 4GB RAM (base US model)
- • Thick bezels and outdated U-shaped notch design
- • Video recording limited to 1080p (No 4K support)
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)
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Which one is better?
Grab the Nokia if you need a tough phone that can handle harsh environments - it’s built to withstand high-pressure steam jets.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A15 5G if: you want the best display for streaming, need long battery life for travel, or desire extensive software updates. (6.5" display, 90 Hz refresh)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in extreme conditions, need a more robust build, or prefer a faster refresh rate for gaming. (6.49" display, 120 Hz refresh)
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G 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?
Samsung Galaxy A15 5G excels if you value unmatched software support in budget class (4 os updates). 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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