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SmartphonesUpdated Jan 5, 20263 min read
Nokia XR21 5G - Android - Smartphones - 3.5 stars

Nokia XR21 5G

The toughest phone in the Nokia lineup features IP69K heat/pressure resistance, a 120Hz display, and mil-spec durability, though it sacrifices legacy features like microSD.

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💡 Is Nokia XR21 5G Worth It?

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Key specifications

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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Frequently Asked Questions

+ Is the Nokia XR21 5G worth buying in 2026?

It depends on your needs. The Nokia XR21 5G if you prioritize certified ip69k rating (withstands high-pressure/high-temp steam jets). With a 3.5/5 rating, it offers solid value for specific use cases. However, consider that removed wireless charging (the older xr20 had 15w wireless). Check our detailed verdict above.

+ What are the main specs of Nokia XR21 5G?

Key specifications include: 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. See the full specifications table above for complete technical details.

+ Where is the best place to buy Nokia XR21 5G?

For US buyers, Amazon offers the best combination of competitive pricing, fast Prime shipping, easy returns, and reliable warranty support. Use our affiliate links above to check current prices and availability.

+ What are the pros and cons of 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. Cons: Removed wireless charging (The older XR20 had 15W wireless); Removed microSD card slot (The older XR20 had expandable storage). See our detailed breakdown above for the complete analysis.

+ How does Nokia XR21 5G compare to alternatives?

We have 44+ detailed comparisons with similar smartphones. Popular matchups include Apple iPhone 16 and Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max. Check the comparison section above.

+ Are PageBen reviews independent and unbiased?

Yes. PageBen is an independent review site. While we use affiliate links for monetization, our recommendations are research-driven and based on objective specifications, user feedback, and real-world performance. We are not sponsored by manufacturers.

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