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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S22 vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the premium option here, offering a compact design and a powerful camera system. In my testing, the S22's 50MP triple camera crushes the XR21's 64MP setup in versatility, especially for photography,. However, the S22's lightweight 5.89oz build makes it feel like a feather in your pocket, perfect for one-handed use, compared to the XR21's heftier 8.15oz design.
📱 Display: 6.1" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 3700 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.89 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5
(466)•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
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S22
48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 Mobile Platform
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
8GB LPDDR5Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S22
128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S22
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S22
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
3,700 mAh (Typical)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S22
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
5.89 oz (167 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S22
5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 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
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; 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 S22 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S22
★4.5(466)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S22 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.5(466)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 LPDDR5 | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.1" (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 | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 48–120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,300 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel 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); OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 3,700 mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (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 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC | 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 | 5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 5.89 oz (167 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM) | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy S22
Rating:★4.5(466)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 LPDDR5
Storage:128GB / 256GB (UFS 3.1)
Display Size:6.1" (measured diagonally; actual viewable area is less)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+), 425 ppi
Refresh Rate:48–120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,300 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 120° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@24fps, 4K@30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP Front (f/2.2, 80° FOV), Dual Pixel AF
Battery:3,700 mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.2; NFC
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:5.75" x 2.78" x 0.30" (146.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.89 oz (167 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Samsung DeX; Samsung Knox; Dual SIM (Nano-SIM + eSIM)
✓ Pros:
- • Compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use
- • Versatile triple camera system with a dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens
- • Premium build quality with Gorilla Glass Victus+ and IP68 rating
- • Bright 120Hz OLED display (1,300 nits) remains visible outdoors
- • Long-term software support (4 OS upgrades)
✗ Cons:
- • Small 3,700mAh battery often struggles to last a full heavy day
- • Wired charging limited to 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
- • Lacks Wi-Fi 6E support found in S22+ and Ultra
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 can run warm under sustained heavy load
- • No microSD card slot
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)
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Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the better buy for most people - its versatile 50MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's offerings.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S22 if: you take a lot of photos, you prefer a lightweight phone, or you want a premium feel. (6.1" display, 3700 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a durable phone, you want a battery that lasts multiple days, or you work in tough environments. (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 S22 excels if you value compact and lightweight design is excellent for one-handed use. 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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