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2026 comparison
Updated Jan 7, 2026
|Sources: Amazon, ManufacturerTCL 50 XL 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
In contrast, the Nokia XR21 5G offers mid-range durability with an IP69K rating, but loses features like expandable storage and wireless charging. Key specs: Display: 6.78" vs 6.49" and Battery: 5010 mAh vs 4800 mAh.
📱 Display: 6.78" vs 6.49"🔋 Battery: 5010 mAh vs 4800 mAh⚖️ Weight: 6.88 oz vs 8.15 oz
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TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1
(19)•Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
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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
TCL 50 XL 5G
Nokia XR21 5G
Display1 specs
Display SizeKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.78"Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
6.49"
Performance3 specs
ProcessorKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Nokia XR21 5G
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm)
RAMKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Nokia XR21 5G
6GB
Storage
TCL 50 XL 5G
128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Nokia XR21 5G
128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable)
Camera2 specs
Main CameraKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Nokia XR21 5G
64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED FlashWinner
Ultra-Wide Camera
TCL 50 XL 5G
5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Nokia XR21 5G
8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus
Battery2 specs
Battery CapacityKey
TCL 50 XL 5G
5,010mAh (Typical)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
4,800mAh (Non-removable)
Wireless Charging
TCL 50 XL 5G
No (Not supported)
Nokia XR21 5G
No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20*
Design2 specs
Weight
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.88 oz (195 g)Winner
Nokia XR21 5G
8.15 oz (231 g)
Dimensions
TCL 50 XL 5G
6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 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
TCL 50 XL 5G
5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), 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.
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Full specs, pros, and cons
Everything side-by-side with ratings and the full spec list.
Comparison: TCL 50 XL 5G vs Nokia XR21 5G
TCL 50 XL 5G
★4.1(19)Amazon
Nokia XR21 5G
★3.5(60)Amazon
| Criterion | TCL 50 XL 5G | Nokia XR21 5G |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | ★4.1(19)Amazon | ★3.5(60)Amazon |
Operating System | Android | Android |
Software Support | 1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates | 3 years of OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates (from global launch in May 2023) |
Processor | MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core) | Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G (6nm) |
Graphics | Mali-G57 MC2 | Adreno 619 |
RAM | 6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion) | 6GB |
Storage | 128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB) | 128GB UFS 2.1 (Non-expandable) |
Display Size | 6.78" | 6.49" |
Screen Type | IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology | IPS LCD, 120Hz, 550 nits (Sunlight Boost), Wet Hands/Glove Support |
Resolution | 2460 x 1080 (FHD+) | 2400 x 1080 (FHD+) |
Refresh Rate | 120Hz (Adaptive) | 120Hz (Adaptive) |
Peak Brightness | 500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM) | 450 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (High Brightness Mode) |
Main Camera | 50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor) | 64MP, f/1.8, PDAF, Dual-LED Flash |
Ultra-Wide Camera | 5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV | 8MP, f/2.2, 112-degree FOV, Fixed Focus |
Telephoto Camera | No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4 | No (Not supported) |
Optical Zoom | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) |
Digital Zoom | Up to 10x | Up to 8x |
Video Recording | 1080p @ 30fps | 1080p @ 30/60fps (Chipset limitation) |
Front Camera | 8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps | 16MP, f/2.4 |
Battery | 5,010mAh (Typical) | 4,800mAh (Non-removable) |
Wired Charging | 18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box) | 33W Fast Charging (QC3.0 / PD 2.0 compatible) |
Wireless Charging | No (Not supported) | No (Not supported) — *Note: Downgrade from Nokia XR20* |
Connectivity | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC | 5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Bluetooth 5.1, NFC, GNSS (L1+L5) |
USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 (OTG) |
Durability | No official IP rating | IP68/IP69K (High Temp/Pressure Jets); MIL-STD-810H; Corning Gorilla Glass Victus |
Dimensions | 6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm) | 6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 in (168.0 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm) |
Weight | 6.88 oz (195 g) | 8.15 oz (231 g) |
Biometrics | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock | Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock |
Extras | Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included | Two Programmable Buttons (Top Emergency/Side Quick Access), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, Dual Stereo Speakers (96dB) |
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TCL 50 XL 5G
Rating:★4.1(19)Amazon
Operating System:Android
Software Support:1 Android OS upgrade (to Android 15) and 2 years of security updates
Processor:MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ (6nm octa-core)
Graphics:Mali-G57 MC2
RAM:6GB (Plus up to 6GB Virtual RAM Expansion)
Storage:128GB (Expandable via microSDXC up to 2TB)
Display Size:6.78"
Screen Type:IPS LCD, 120Hz, NXTVISION Technology
Resolution:2460 x 1080 (FHD+)
Refresh Rate:120Hz (Adaptive)
Peak Brightness:500 nits (Typical) / 550 nits (HBM)
Main Camera:50MP, f/1.8, PDAF (1/2.76" sensor)
Ultra-Wide Camera:5MP, f/2.2, 115-degree FOV
Telephoto Camera:No (Not supported) — Includes 2MP Depth Sensor f/2.4
Optical Zoom:No (Not supported)
Digital Zoom:Up to 10x
Video Recording:1080p @ 30fps
Front Camera:8MP, f/2.0, 1080p @ 30fps
Battery:5,010mAh (Typical)
Wired Charging:18W Fast Charging (Charger included in box)
Wireless Charging:No (Not supported)
Connectivity:5G (Sub-6), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth 5.3, NFC
USB:USB Type-C 2.0
Durability:No official IP rating
Dimensions:6.60 x 2.97 x 0.32 in (167.6 x 75.5 x 8.2 mm)
Weight:6.88 oz (195 g)
Biometrics:Side-mounted fingerprint sensor, Face Unlock
Extras:Stereo speakers (DTS Sound), 3.5mm Headphone Jack, microSD slot, 18W Charger included
✓ Pros:
- • Huge 6.78-inch FHD+ 120Hz display is rare for this price
- • Includes 18W charger, cable, and sometimes a case in the box
- • 6GB real RAM + 128GB storage is generous for the budget tier
- • Features NFC for contactless payments (often cut in budget phones)
- • Retains user-favorite 3.5mm jack and microSD expansion
✗ Cons:
- • Ultrawide camera is low resolution (5MP) and muddy
- • No official IP rating for water or dust resistance
- • Software support is minimal (only 1 OS update guaranteed)
- • Display brightness struggles in direct sunlight (~500 nits)
- • Video recording capped at 1080p (No 4K support)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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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?
Grab the Nokia XR21 5G if you need rugged durability and guaranteed software updates - it's built to last.
Who should buy each?
Choose the TCL 50 XL 5G if: you want a budget-friendly option that lasts 30 hours on a single charge, enjoy gaming on a large 6.78" display, or need expandable storage up to 2TB.
Choose the Nokia XR21 5G if: you need a rugged phone with an IP69K rating, value long-term software support, or prefer a higher megapixel camera for photography.
Conclusion
There is no wrong answer here. Focus on the features you will use daily and pick the model that aligns with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
+Which has better value?
TCL 50 XL 5G excels if you value huge 6.78-inch fhd+ 120hz display is rare for this price. 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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