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.
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

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 Z Fold6 vs Nokia XR21 5G

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6

Nokia XR21 5G
| Criterion | Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.3(535)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 7 generations of OS upgrades; 7 years of security updates | 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 (SM8650-AC) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Qualcomm Adreno 750 (1 GHz) | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 12GB LPDDR5X | 6GB |
Storage | 256GB / 512GB / 1TB (UFS 4.0) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 7.6" Main (unfolded) + 6.3" Cover | 6.49" |
Screen Type | Foldable Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Main); Dynamic LTPO AMOLED 2X (Cover) | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | Main: 1856 x 2160 pixels (QXGA+); Cover: 968 x 2376 pixels (HD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 1–120Hz Adaptive (Main and Cover) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 2,600 nits (Peak, Main and Cover) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP Wide (f/1.8, 85° FOV), Dual Pixel AF, OIS | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 12MP Ultra-Wide (f/2.2, 123° FOV) | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | 10MP Telephoto (3x optical, f/2.4); PDAF, OIS | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | 3x Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 30x Space Zoom | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 8K@30fps, 4K@60fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | Cover: 10MP (f/2.2); Main Under-Display: 4MP (f/1.8) | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 4,400 mAh (Typical, Dual-cell) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | Up to 25W Super Fast Charging (Adapter sold separately) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | Fast Wireless Charging 2.0 (15W); Wireless PowerShare (4.5W) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub6/mmWave); Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax); Bluetooth 5.3; NFC; UWB | 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 | IP48 (Water resistant up to 1.5m; Protected against foreign objects >1mm, not dust tight); Armor Aluminum; Gorilla Glass Victus 2 | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
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) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 8.43 oz (239 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted Fingerprint Sensor; Face Recognition | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Galaxy AI; S Pen Support (Main screen only, sold separately); Samsung DeX | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6
✓ 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)
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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?
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.
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