← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the premium option here, delivering top-tier performance that crushes the Nokia XR21 5G, especially for photography and gaming needs. After using both, the S24 Ultra's 30 hours of video playback means you'll easily get through a long day without scrambling for a charger. On the flip side,.
📱 Display: 6.8" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5000 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.18 oz vs 8.15 oz
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
★4.6
(3,377)•Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
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)
Graphics:Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Check Amazon Price→
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
Check Amazon Price→
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 S24 Ultra
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
6.8" (6.8" full rectangle; 6.8" accounting for rounded corners)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Adaptive 1–120 Hz
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (4nm; 8-core CPU: 1x3.39GHz Cortex-X4, 3x3.1GHz A720, 2x2.9GHz A720, 2x2.2GHz A520)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
12 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
200MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.7), 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OISWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
5000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 30 hours video playbackWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
8.18 oz (232 g)
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
6.39" x 3.11" x 0.34" (162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 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 S24 Ultra
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (UWB); 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 S24 Ultra vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
★4.6(3,377)Best Buy
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| 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) |
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. | Check Price on Amazon→ | Check Price on Amazon→ |
Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra
Rating:★4.6(3,377)Best Buy
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates (guaranteed until 2031)
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)
Graphics:Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
RAM:12 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.8" (6.8" full rectangle; 6.8" accounting for rounded corners)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO)
Resolution:3120 x 1440 pixels (QHD+, 505 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Adaptive 1–120 Hz
Peak Brightness:2600 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:200MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.7), 1/1.3" sensor, multi-directional PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Dual Pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
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
Optical Zoom:3x, 5x optical zoom; 2x, 10x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor)
Digital Zoom:Up to 100x (Space Zoom)
Video Recording:8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60/120 fps; Slow motion 1080p at 240 fps
Front Camera:12MP Front (26 mm, f/2.2), Dual Pixel PDAF; 4K video at 30/60 fps
Battery:5000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 30 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 65% in ~30 minutes with 45W adapter and 5A USB-C cable (adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (up to 15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be); Bluetooth 5.3; Ultra Wideband (UWB); NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gb/s); DisplayPort 1.2
Durability:IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Titanium frame (Grade 2); Gorilla Glass Armor front; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 back
Dimensions:6.39" x 3.11" x 0.34" (162.3 x 79.0 x 8.6 mm)
Weight:8.18 oz (232 g)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Extras:Integrated S Pen (Bluetooth enabled); Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG
✓ Pros:
- • Exclusive Corning Gorilla Glass Armor significantly reduces reflections
- • Versatile quad-camera system with high-resolution 50MP 5x zoom
- • Integrated S Pen for productivity and creative tasks
- • Top-tier Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 'for Galaxy' performance with 12GB RAM standard
- • 7-year commitment for both OS and security updates
✗ Cons:
- • Large and heavy (232 g) with sharp corners that can dig into palms
- • 45W charging speed has plateaued compared to competitors
- • High starting price
- • Shutter lag can still be noticeable with moving subjects
- • No Qi2 wireless charging support (magnetic alignment)
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)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Check Price on Amazon→
Which one is better?
The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is the better buy for most people - its stunning 200MP camera crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 64MP setup. That said, grab the Nokia XR21 5G if you need a rugged phone for outdoor adventures - it's lighter and easier to handle.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra if: you want the best camera for photography, need long battery life for all-day use, or enjoy high-performance gaming. (6.8" display, 5000 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a tough phone for outdoor use, want a lighter device for daily tasks, or prefer a budget-friendly option without breaking the bank. (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 S24 Ultra excels if you value exclusive corning gorilla glass armor significantly reduces reflections. 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.
Affiliate disclosure
PageBen uses Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This supports independent content for US shoppers.