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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A25 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
Get the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G unless you need rugged durability. The Nokia XR21 5G offers a tough IP69K rating, but sacrifices features like expandable storage, which might make it less appealing for everyday users.
📱 Display: 6.5" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.95 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
★4.6
(176)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
Graphics:Mali-G68
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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 A25 5G
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.5"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
120Hz
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6GB (Standard US config)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.95 oz (197 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 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 A25 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy A25 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
★4.6(176)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A25 5G | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(176)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations 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 | Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G68 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6GB (Standard 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, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV | 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 | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps (Gyro-EIS) | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 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 | 6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.95 oz (197 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, Samsung Wallet | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy A25 5G
Rating:★4.6(176)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1280 (5nm)
Graphics:Mali-G68
RAM:6GB (Standard US config)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.5"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 120-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps (Gyro-EIS)
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
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:6.34 x 3.01 x 0.33 in (161.0 x 76.5 x 8.3 mm)
Weight:6.95 oz (197 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Class-leading 120Hz Super AMOLED display (1,000 nits)
- • Guaranteed 4 major OS updates (matches flagship standard)
- • Main camera features OIS (rare for this price point)
- • Includes stereo speakers and 3.5mm headphone jack
- • Excellent battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Exynos 1280 performance is average compared to competitors
- • No official IP rating for water/dust resistance
- • Dated water-drop notch design and thick bezels
- • No charger included in the box
- • Video stabilization (EIS) crops heavily into the frame
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 XR21 5G if you need a phone that can withstand extreme conditions - it's built to resist high-pressure water and dust.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A25 5G if: you want a stunning display, need long battery life for travel, or prefer guaranteed software updates for years. (6.5" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough environments, want a durable design that can handle water and dust, or need a reliable phone for outdoor adventures. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Conclusion
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
Samsung Galaxy A25 5G excels if you value class-leading 120hz super amoled display (1,000 nits). 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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