← Back to Smartphones
2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, Manufacturer

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Nokia XR21 5G

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 is the flagship option here, offering a stunning 7.6" display that folds out for an immersive experience. In contrast, the Nokia XR21 5G is a mid-range phone with a solid 6.49" display, but it lacks the high-end features that the Galaxy delivers. In real-world usage, the Z Fold6's peak brightness of 2,600 nits makes it ideal for outdoor visibility, while the XR21's 550 nits can struggle in direct sunlight.

📱 Display: 7.6" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 4400 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 8.43 oz vs 8.15 oz

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

4.3
(535)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
Check Amazon Price
Nokia XR21 5G

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.

Display2 specs
Display SizeKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
7.6" Main (unfolded) + 6.3" CoverWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Refresh Rate
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
1–120Hz Adaptive (Main and Cover)
Nokia XR21 5G
120Hz (Adaptive)
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
12GB LPDDR5XWinner
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
4,400 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)Winner
Wireless Charging
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
8.43 oz (239 g)
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)Winner
Dimensions
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
Unfolded: 6.04" x 5.22" x 0.22" (153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm); Folded: 6.04" x 2.68" x 0.48" (153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 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 Z Fold6
5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
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.

Comparison: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 vs Nokia XR21 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

4.3(535)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G

Nokia XR21 5G

3.5(60)Amazon
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Rating:4.3(535)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates
Processor:Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy (SM8650-AC)
Graphics:Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz)
RAM:12GB LPDDR5X
Storage:256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0)
Display Size:7.6" Main (unfolded) + 6.3" Cover
Screen Type:Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Main); Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Cover)
Resolution:Main: 1856 x 2160 pixels (QXGA+); Cover: 968 x 2376 pixels (HD+)
Refresh Rate:1–120Hz Adaptive (Main and Cover)
Peak Brightness:2,600 nits (Peak, Main and Cover)
Main Camera:50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS
Ultra-Wide Camera:12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV)
Telephoto Camera:10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); PDAF, OIS
Optical Zoom:3x Optical Zoom
Digital Zoom:Up to 30x Space Zoom
Video Recording:8K@30fps, 4K@60fps
Front Camera:Cover: 10MP (f/2.2); Main Under-Display: 4MP (f/1.8)
Battery:4,400 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell)
Wired Charging:Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately)
Wireless Charging:Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W)
Connectivity:5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB
USB:USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 1
Durability:IP48 (Water resistant up to 1.5m; Protected against foreign objects >1mm, not dust tight); Armor Aluminum; Gorilla Glass Victus 2
Dimensions:Unfolded: 6.04" x 5.22" x 0.22" (153.5 x 132.6 x 5.6 mm); Folded: 6.04" x 2.68" x 0.48" (153.5 x 68.1 x 12.1 mm)
Weight:8.43 oz (239 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition
Extras:Galaxy AI; S Pen Support (Main screen only, sold separately); Samsung DeX

✓ Pros:

  • Refined design is thinner, lighter, and easier to hold than predecessors
  • Both Main and Cover displays hit a massive 2,600 nits peak brightness
  • Galaxy AI features are deeply integrated for productivity and translation
  • Class-leading 7-year software update commitment
  • IP48 rating provides verified water resistance and limited solid object ingress protection

✗ Cons:

  • Charging speed remains capped at 25W wired / 15W wireless
  • Camera hardware is largely unchanged from previous generation
  • Under-display camera (4MP) quality is still noticeably inferior to standard selfies
  • No integrated slot for the S Pen
  • IP48 is not fully dust-tight (sand/fine dust can still damage the hinge)

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Check Price on Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G

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 Z Fold6 is the better buy for most people - its 7.6" display crushes the Nokia XR21 5G.

Who should buy each?

Choose the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 if: you want the best display for gaming, you multitask with multiple apps, or you love photography with a powerful 50MP camera.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a durable phone that withstands extreme conditions, you want more battery life for long trips, or you prefer a lower price point without sacrificing essential features. (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 Z Fold6 excels if you value refined design is thinner, lighter, and easier to hold than predecessors. 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.