Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the premium option here, and it really shines with its 200MP camera and stunning 6.8" display. In real-world use, that 5000mAh battery gives you up to 30 hours of video playback, making it ideal for binge-watching on the go. On the flip side, the Nokia XR21 5G is more affordable and rugged, boasting an IP69K rating for durability. If you need a tough phone that can handle the elements, it might be worth considering, but you'll miss out on flagship features like 8K video recording. Key specs: Display: 6.8" vs 6.49" and Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (premium flagship) and Nokia XR21 5G (mid-range) represent different approaches to smartphones. While they may appeal to different budgets, many buyers consider both options. This 2026 comparison helps you decide if the differences justify the price gap.
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Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Samsung Galaxy | Nokia XR21 |
|---|---|---|
| User Rating | ✓4.6★ (3,377 reviews) | 3.5★ (60 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections | Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets) |
| Main Drawback | Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms | Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless) |
| Market Position | ✓Flagship | Mid-range |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
Only the specs that differ are shown here. Winners are highlighted when the data is clear.
+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 S24 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Nokia XR21 5G
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(3,377)Best Buy | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 12 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.8" (6.8" full rectangle; 6.8" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+, 505 ppi) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | Adaptive 1–120 Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2600 nits peak (outdoor) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 200MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.7), 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 50MP Telephoto (111 mm, f/3.4), periscope lens, PDAF, OIS, 5x optical zoom; 10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x, 5x optical zoom; 2x, 10x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 100x (Space Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60/120 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240 fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 30 hours video playback | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 65% in ~30 minutes with 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable (adapter sold separately) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (UWB); NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s); DisplayPort 1.2 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Titanium frame (Grade 2); Gorilla Glass Armor front; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.39" x 3.11" x 0.34" (162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.18 oz (232 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Integrated S Pen (Bluetooth enabled); Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Android
7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
12 GB (LPDDR5X)
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections
- Versatile quad-camera system with high-resolution 50MP 5x zoom
Cons
- Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms
- 45W charging speed has plateaued compared to competitors
Nokia XR21 5G
Android
3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023)
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
Adreno 619
6GB
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Pros
- Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets)
- Guaranteed 3 OS updates and 4 years of monthly security patches
Cons
- Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless)
- Removed microSD card slot (The older XR20 had expandable storage)
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its 200MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 64MP.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if: you shoot high-resolution photos, watch a lot of videos, or need top-tier performance. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough environments, prefer a lighter device, or want to save money. (6.49" display, 4800 mAh battery)
Quality Seekers
Higher user rating (4.6★ vs 3.5★) indicates better overall satisfaction
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Safe Choice Buyers
More widely tested with 3,377 reviews vs 60
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Premium Buyers
Higher-tier option with more premium features and build quality
→ Choose Samsung Galaxy
Value Seekers
Better value proposition for buyers who don't need top-tier features
→ Choose Nokia XR21
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra edges ahead with a 4.6★ rating compared to 3.5★. However, Nokia XR21 5G remains a strong contender if its strengths align better with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which is better: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or Nokia XR21 5G?
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better choice if you prioritize exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections. Nokia XR21 5G wins if you value certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Both are rated highly (4.6★ vs 3.5★), so consider your specific needs and budget.
+What are the main differences between Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and Nokia XR21 5G?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra offers exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections, while Nokia XR21 5G stands out with certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Consider that Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms. Meanwhile, Nokia XR21 5G removed wireless charging (the older xr20 had 15w wireless). Check the detailed specs table above for a complete comparison.
+Where can US buyers get the best price?
For US buyers, Amazon typically offers competitive pricing with Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. We recommend comparing prices on both products using our affiliate links above—prices fluctuate regularly, and you may find sales or deals.
+Is this comparison up to date?
Yes, this comparison is current for 2026. We regularly verify specs, ratings, and availability. Last verified: January 27, 2026. PageBen uses affiliate links for monetization, but our recommendations are research-driven and independent.
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