Samsung Galaxy S24 vs Nokia XR21 5G
If you want a premium experience, the Samsung Galaxy S24 is the flagship option here, boasting a stunning 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X display and a commitment to 7 years of updates. Meanwhile, the Nokia XR21 5G is a more affordable mid-range choice, featuring a tough build with an IP69K rating, but it sacrifices some features like wireless charging and expandable storage. In real-world use, the Galaxy S24 shines with its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip, delivering top-tier performance. Key specs: Display: 6.2" vs 6.49" and Battery: 4000 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
Why compare these? The Samsung Galaxy S24 (high-end) 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★ (1,055 reviews) | 3.5★ (60 reviews) |
| Top Strength | Commitment to 7 years of OS and security updates | Certified IP69K rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets) |
| Main Drawback | Wired charging capped at 25W (slower than Plus/Ultra models) | Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless) |
| Market Position | ✓Premium | Mid-range |
Samsung Galaxy S24
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 vs Nokia XR21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S24
Nokia XR21 5G
| 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
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)
8 GB (LPDDR5X)
128GB (UFS 3.1) / 256GB (UFS 4.0) / 512GB (UFS 4.0)
Pros
- Commitment to 7 years of OS and security updates
- Bright 2600-nit LTPO display adjusts down to 1Hz
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)
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 is the better buy for most people - its 6.2" LTPO display at 2600 nits crushes the Nokia XR21 5G's 550 nits.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy S24 if: you want a premium display for media consumption, you need long-term software support, or you value top-tier performance for gaming. (6.2" display, 4000 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you work in tough environments needing a rugged phone, you prefer a longer-lasting battery for daily use, or you want a device that performs well with wet hands or gloves. (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 1,055 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
We hope this comparison helps you buy with confidence. Both products are dependable; the right one depends on how you will use it.
Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy S24 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 or Nokia XR21 5G?
Samsung Galaxy S24 is the better choice if you prioritize commitment to 7 years of os and security updates. 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 and Nokia XR21 5G?
Key differences: Samsung Galaxy S24 offers commitment to 7 years of os and security updates, while Nokia XR21 5G stands out with certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). Consider that Samsung Galaxy S24 wired charging capped at 25w (slower than plus/ultra models). 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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