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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerSamsung Galaxy S24 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Looking for a premium experience? The Samsung Galaxy S24 is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 2600-nit display that shines in bright sunlight. The key difference lies in performance and longevity: the Galaxy S24 promises 7 years of OS updates, while the XR21 5G offers just 3 years. So, if you're after a phone that will last, the S24's Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 crushes the XR21's Snapdragon 695 in real-world usage and gaming scenarios.
📱 Display: 6.2" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4000 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 5.93 oz vs 8.15 oz
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Samsung Galaxy S24
★4.6
(1,055)•Amazon
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)
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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 S24
Nokia XR21 5G
Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy S24
6.2" (6.17" measured diagonally as a full rectangle; 6.0" accounting for rounded corners)
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"Winner
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy S24
Adaptive 1–120 Hz
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy S24
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
8 GB (LPDDR5X)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy S24
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy S24
50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy S24
12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy S24
4000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy S24
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
5.93 oz (168 g) (mmWave model)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy S24
5.79" x 2.78" x 0.30" (147.0 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 S24
5G (sub-6 GHz and mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); 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.
Expand
Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S24
★4.6(1,055)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy S24 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.6(1,055)Amazon | ★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 | 8 GB (LPDDR5X) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.2" (6.17" measured diagonally as a full rectangle; 6.0" accounting for rounded corners) | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 416 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 | 50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x optical zoom; 2x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x (Space Zoom) | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 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 | 4000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W 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 6E (802.11ax); 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 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum 2 frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 5.79" x 2.78" x 0.30" (147.0 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 | 5.93 oz (168 g) (mmWave model) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy S24
Rating:★4.6(1,055)Amazon
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:8 GB (LPDDR5X)
Storage:128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:6.2" (6.17" measured diagonally as a full rectangle; 6.0" accounting for rounded corners)
Screen Type:Dynamic AMOLED 2X (LTPO)
Resolution:2340 x 1080 pixels (FHD+, 416 ppi)
Refresh Rate:Adaptive 1–120 Hz
Peak Brightness:2600 nits peak (outdoor)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (24 mm, f/1.8), Dual Pixel PDAF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra Wide (13 mm, f/2.2, 120° FOV), Super Steady video
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (67 mm, f/2.4), PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
Optical Zoom:3x optical zoom; 2x optical-quality zoom (enabled by Adaptive Pixel sensor)
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x (Space Zoom)
Video Recording:8K video at 24/30 fps; 4K at 30/60 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:4000 mAh (Li-ion); Up to 29 hours video playback
Wired Charging:USB-C; Up to 50% in ~30 minutes with 25W 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 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP68 (up to 1.5 m freshwater for 30 min); Armor Aluminum 2 frame; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 front and back
Dimensions:5.79" x 2.78" x 0.30" (147.0 x 70.6 x 7.6 mm)
Weight:5.93 oz (168 g) (mmWave model)
Biometrics:Ultrasonic Fingerprint (under display); Face recognition
Extras:Galaxy AI (Circle to Search, Live Translate, Note Assist); Samsung DeX; Stereo speakers tuned by AKG; Dual eSIM support
✓ Pros:
- • Commitment to 7 years of OS and security updates
- • Bright 2600-nit LTPO display adjusts down to 1Hz
- • Compact form factor without compromising on build quality
- • Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chip provides top-tier performance
- • Galaxy AI features integrated directly into the OS
✗ Cons:
- • Wired charging capped at 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models)
- • Base 128GB model uses slower UFS 3.1 storage (256GB+ uses UFS 4.0)
- • Lacks Wi-Fi 7 support (limited to Wi-Fi 6E)
- • No UWB (Ultra-Wideband) support on the base model
- • 8GB RAM is lower than competitors' standard offerings
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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 S24 is the better buy for most people - its 7 years of OS updates crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 3 years.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if: you want a premium display at 2600 nits, need long-term software support for 7 years, or prefer top-notch performance for gaming.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a rugged phone with IP69K certification, want a 4800mAh battery for extended usage, or prefer a similar-weight device at 8.15oz.
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 excels if you value commitment to 7 years of os and security updates. 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
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