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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the premium option here, dominating with a 108MP camera and a stunning 6.8" QHD+ display. Meanwhile, Nokia XR21 5G offers rugged durability but lacks features like wireless charging and expandable storage. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.49" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.08 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
★4.7
(1,325)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
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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 S22 Ultra
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
8GB / 12GB LPDDR5Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OISWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
5,000 mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
8.08 oz (229 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 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 S22 Ultra
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB
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 S22 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
★4.7(1,325)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.7(1,325)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 generations of 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 1 Mobile Platform | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB / 12GB LPDDR5 | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,750 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 10x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x Space Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,000 mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB | 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 | IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.08 oz (229 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Rating:★4.7(1,325)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades; 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 730
RAM:8GB / 12GB LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.8" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:3088 x 1440 pixels (QHD+), 500 ppi
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,750 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:108MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4) + 10MP Periscope (10x optical, f/4.9); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x, 10x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:40MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), PDAF
Battery:5,000 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 45W Super Fast Charging 2.0 (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 min); Armor Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus+
Dimensions:6.43" x 3.07" x 0.35" (163.3 x 77.9 x 8.9 mm)
Weight:8.08 oz (229 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (2.8ms latency); Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Integrated S Pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms)
- • Versatile camera system with dual telephoto lenses (3x and 10x optical)
- • Bright, sharp QHD+ display with adaptive 120Hz refresh rate
- • Excellent build quality with Armor Aluminum and Gorilla Glass Victus+
- • Long software support commitment (4 OS upgrades)
✗ Cons:
- • Large, heavy, and boxy design can be unwieldy
- • Battery life is average despite 5,000mAh capacity
- • 45W charging speed does not significantly outperform 25W in real-world tests
- • No microSD card slot or headphone jack
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can throttle performance under heavy sustained load
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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?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 108MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 64MP. That said, grab the Nokia XR21 if you need a rugged phone for outdoor use - it's more affordable and offers a certified IP69K rating.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra if: you love photography and want a 108MP camera, you need a stunning display for gaming, or you value long software support.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you want a tough phone that can withstand extreme conditions, you prefer a more budget-friendly option, or you need a device with a reliable battery for everyday use. (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?
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra excels if you value integrated s pen with ultra-low latency (2.8ms). 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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