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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S23 FE vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE is the premium option here, boasting a dedicated 3x optical zoom lens that crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's camera capabilities. In real-world use, you'll appreciate how the S23 FE’s vibrant 6.4" Dynamic AMOLED display at 1,450 nits makes everything pop, while the XR21’s 6.49" IPS LCD only reaches 550 nits, making it tougher to see outdoors. While the Nokia XR21 5G offers a sturdy design with IP69K water resistance, its Snapdragon 695 chip limits video recording to 1080p. In comparison, the S23 FE can shoot in 8K at 24fps, a game-changer for videographers.
📱 Display: 6.4" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4500 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 7.37 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8
(13)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics: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 S23 FE
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.4"
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
8GBWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
4,500mAh (Typical)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
7.37 oz (209 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 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 S23 FE
5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, 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 S23 FE vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
★4.8(13)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S23 FE | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.8(13)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 | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific* | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 730 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 8GB | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.4" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 1,450 nits (Peak) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 10MP, f/2.4 | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,500mAh (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 | 15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, 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/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back) | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 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 | Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy S23 FE
Rating:★4.8(13)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:4 generations of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 (4nm) — *Note: US/Canada model specific*
Graphics:Adreno 730
RAM:8GB
Storage:128GB / 256GB (No microSD expansion)
Display Size:6.4"
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, 1,450 nits (Peak)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:60Hz / 120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:1,450 nits (Peak)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, OIS, Dual Pixel PDAF
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:8MP, f/2.4, OIS, 3x Optical Zoom
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x
Video Recording:8K @ 24fps; 4K @ 30/60fps
Front Camera:10MP, f/2.4
Battery:4,500mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:15W Fast Wireless Charging; Wireless PowerShare (Reverse)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6/mmWave), Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); Corning Gorilla Glass 5 (Front & Back)
Dimensions:6.22 x 3.01 x 0.32 in (158.0 x 76.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:7.37 oz (209 g)
Biometrics:Optical under-display fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Samsung DeX, Stereo speakers, Samsung Knox
✓ Pros:
- • Dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket)
- • Premium build with IP68 rating and aluminum frame
- • Bright 120Hz Dynamic AMOLED 2X display (1,450 nits)
- • Full flagship software experience including Samsung DeX
- • Guaranteed long-term software support (4 OS updates)
✗ Cons:
- • Significantly thicker bezels compared to standard S23
- • Uses older Gorilla Glass 5 (vs. Victus 2 on S23)
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 chipset can be less power-efficient than Gen 2
- • Optical fingerprint sensor is slower than the Ultrasonic sensor on S23
- • Charging speed capped at 25W
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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 S23 FE is the better buy for most people - its dedicated 3x optical zoom lens crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's camera setup.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S23 FE if: you want stunning photography with a 50MP camera, you need a vibrant display for gaming, or you expect solid long-term software support.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a rugged phone that can handle extreme conditions, you prefer a longer battery life, or you want a headphone jack for easy listening. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy S23 FE 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 S23 FE excels if you value dedicated 3x optical telephoto lens (rare in this price bracket). 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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