Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro vs Nokia XR21 5G
Key specs: Display: 6.6" vs 6.49" and Battery: 4050 mAh vs 4800 mAh. In real-world use, the Galaxy XCover6 Pro’s ruggedness (IP68/MIL-STD-810H) and programmable keys make it an ideal companion for outdoor jobs. However, the Nokia XR21 5G shines with its superior camera at 64MP and brighter display at 550 nits, making it more versatile for photography and everyday tasks.
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Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Nokia XR21 5G
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 XCover6 Pro vs Nokia XR21 5G

Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro

Nokia XR21 5G
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★3.9(215)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 4 years of OS upgrades and 5 years of security updates (Enterprise Edition standard) | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 778G 5G (6nm) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Adreno 642L | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6GB | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 1TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.6" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | PLS LCD, 120Hz, Wet Touch & Glove Mode | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2408 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 480 nits (Typical) / 500 nits (Peak) — optimized for indoor/industrial use | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 123-degree FOV | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 4K UHD @ 30fps; 1080p @ 60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 13MP, f/2.2 | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,050mAh (User-Removable) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 15W Fast Charging (Support up to 25W with specific adapters); POGO Pin Charging | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | No (Standard Qi not supported; POGO charging cradles used instead) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, PTT (Push-to-Talk) | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1 (Supports DeX) | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | IP68 (Water/Dust Resistant); MIL-STD-810H Certified; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.65 x 3.15 x 0.39 in (168.8 x 79.9 x 9.9 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.29 oz (235 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Two Programmable Keys (XCover Key, Top Key), Samsung DeX, Dual Microphones, Barometer | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro
✓ Pros:
- • User-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work
- • Rugged build (IP68/MIL-STD-810H) survives drops without a case
- • Physical programmable keys are excellent for Push-to-Talk or app launching
- • Supports Wi-Fi 6E and Samsung DeX for desktop-like productivity
- • Touchscreen works with gloves and in wet conditions
✗ Cons:
- • Display brightness (~500 nits) is low for outdoor use compared to S-series
- • No standard Qi wireless charging (requires proprietary POGO docks)
- • Charging speed is modest (15W included, 25W capable)
- • Cameras are functional but lack optical stabilization (OIS)
- • Price is high relative to raw performance specs (paying for ruggedness)
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Nokia XR21 5G
✓ 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?
Key specs: Display: 6.6" vs 6.49" and Battery: 4050 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
Who should buy each?
Choose the Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro if: you work outdoors and need a user-removable battery, you prefer a rugged design that withstands drops, or you want a phone that works well with gloves. (6.6" display, 4050 mAh battery)
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you take a lot of photos and want a 64MP camera, you prefer a brighter display for outdoor use, or you need a phone with longer software support.
Conclusion
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro 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 XCover6 Pro excels if you value user-removable battery is a rare and critical feature for field work. 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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