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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy A35 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Nokia XR21 5G offers rugged features with an IP69K rating and a 64MP camera, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. After testing both phones, the Samsung shines with its vibrant 6.6" Super AMOLED display at 120Hz, perfect for gaming and media consumption. If durability is your priority, the XR21's military-grade toughness is impressive but comes with trade-offs like a less capable camera for video recording.
📱 Display: 6.6" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.37 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6
(389)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
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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 A35 5G
Nokia XR21 5G
Display1 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.6"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Performance2 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Storage
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
5,000mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
7.37 oz (209 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 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 A35 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), 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 A35 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
★4.6(389)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy A35 5G | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(389)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 | Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G68 MP5 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.6" | 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 (Adaptive) | 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, AF | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP 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 (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps | 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 | 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 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 (OTG) | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 7.37 oz (209 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy A35 5G
Rating:★4.6(389)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Samsung Exynos 1380 (5nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G68 MP5
RAM:6GB
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB)
Display Size:6.6"
Screen Type:Super AMOLED, 120Hz, 1,000 nits (HBM)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,000 nits (High Brightness Mode)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, AF
Ultra-Wide Camera:8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 5MP Macro f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:4K UHD (3840 x 2160) @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:13MP, f/2.2
Battery:5,000mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG)
Durability:IP67 (Dust/Water Resistant up to 1m for 30 min); Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ (Front)
Dimensions:6.37 x 3.07 x 0.32 in (161.7 x 78.0 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (Hybrid slot), Samsung Knox Vault, Samsung Wallet
✓ Pros:
- • Excellent software support (4 OS updates, 5 years security)
- • Bright 120Hz Super AMOLED display with Vision Booster
- • IP67 dust and water resistance rating
- • Premium glass back design (Gorilla Glass Victus+ front)
- • Reliable battery life with 5,000mAh capacity
✗ Cons:
- • Charging speed limited to 25W (Charger sold separately)
- • Virtual proximity sensor rather than hardware
- • No wireless charging support
- • Slightly thick bezels compared to premium models
- • No 3.5mm headphone jack
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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 ruggedness for outdoor adventures - it's built to withstand high-pressure environments.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy A35 5G if: you need long battery life for day-long use, you prioritize a vibrant display for media consumption, or you want excellent software support for years. (6.6" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you're often in rugged environments, you value a high-resolution camera for photography, or you need a phone that works well with wet hands or gloves. (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 A35 5G excels if you value excellent software support (4 os updates, 5 years security). 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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