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HMD

HMD XR21 (2024)

Android OS v12.0
Qualcomm Snapdragon 695
Adreno 619
6 GB / 128 GB
6.49 inch (1080 x 2400 px)
64 + 8 MP, 9280 x 6920 px, autofocus

The XR21 smartphone was launched by HMD in 2024. The manufacturer offers this phone with a 6.49 inch IPS display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset, and 6 GB of RAM. The XR21 comes with Android OS v12.0 pre-installed.

Explore its secrets, both positive and negative!

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the HMD XR21 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device.

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HMD XR21 specifications

BrandHMD
NameXR21
ModelXR21
Release date2024
Price$500

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight8.15 oz
Dimensions6.61 x 3.09 x 0.41 inch
Colorsmidnight black, pine green
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of the HMD XR21 is still considered to be lightweight and portable. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a chip card.

System, chipset, performance

OS versionAndroid OS v12.0
SoCQualcomm Snapdragon 695
CPUOcta-core, Dual-core 2.6 GHz Kryo 660, Hexa-core 1.7 GHz Kryo 660
GPUAdreno 619
PerformanceAnTuTu v10: 412273

The HMD XR21 comes with Android OS v12.0 out of the box. Android is an open-source operating system. This means the source code is free to the public. This octa-core CPU consists: Octa-core, Dual-core 2.6 GHz Kryo 660, Hexa-core 1.7 GHz Kryo 660. Smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices use Adreno GPUs. AnTuTu measures and evaluates the performance of different hardware components of a device.

HMD XR21 / 1

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.49 inch
Resolution1080 x 2400 px
Multitouch supportyes
Refresh rate120 Hz
Brightness550 nits

People know IPS for its wide viewing angles. It also has accurate color reproduction. The 6.49 inch display should be big enough for our needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether we're reading, browsing, or watching. The display size is the diagonal distance from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner.

Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage128 GB
Memory card slotno

The HMD XR21 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. Having more RAM alone does not guarantee better performance. The XR21 has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. The internal storage of the HMD XR21 (6 GB) cannot be expanded.

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Cameras, flash

Main camera64 + 8 MP, 9280 x 6920 px, autofocus
FlashDual LED
Selfie camera16 MP

Multiple cameras or depth sensors can help the smartphone. They can make its portrait mode effects more appealing. The XR21 does not have optical image stabilization (OIS).

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G / 5G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
Bluetoothv5.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS
NFCno
FM radioyes
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The HMD XR21 supports the latest 5G network technology. The XR21 supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. We can use Bluetooth to connect our XR21 smartphone to many Bluetooth devices. The XR21 has a GPS receiver. Many fitness and activity tracking apps rely on GPS. It is used to accurately measure and record outdoor activities. The phone isn't NFC (Near Field Communication) capable. NFC is not essential for basic phone functionality, but it can be useful. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows us to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable
Charger33 W

The Li-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable battery gives the smartphone a good battery backup. The lithium polymer (Li-Po) battery is a light-weight, rechargeable battery. The XR21 does not have a removable battery, it integrates the battery into the phone's design.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, fingerprint, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsCertified IP68 dustproof and waterproof, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, Dual SIM, Fast charging

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer provides information about the smartphone's movement in three axes. These are X (horizontal), Y (vertical), and Z (depth). The fingerprint reader is a biometric security feature found in XR21 smartphones. The light sensor is a type of sensor in a smartphone. It lets the phone measure light intensity around the device.

Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The IP68 rating indicates that XR21 smartphone is resistant to water ingress. With fast charging, we can get a significant amount of battery life in a few minutes of charging. Gorilla Glass is very scratch resistant. It reduces the likelihood of everyday scratches and abrasions.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this HMD phone is no exception. As with any device, there are aspects that shine and others that fall short. By examining both sides, we can paint a complete picture of what this phone has to offer. Let's explore its standout features and areas for improvement. Remember, this is just my opinion, and yours might be different.

Pros

  • appropriate screen size
  • fast refresh-rate
  • adequate memory
  • generous internal storage
  • multicamera setup
  • 5G support
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support
  • IP68 certified protection
  • Corning Gorilla Glass shield

Cons

  • non-expandable storage
  • no OIS function
  • no NFC feature
Add HMD XR21 to your comparison

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Updated: May 19, 2024

Lucas Bradley I'm Lucas Bradley, the founder of the Phone42.com site. I love technology, especially smartphones, and I've been working with tech stuff for more than 20 years. This means I've seen a lot of changes and have learned a bunch about what makes a good phone. On Phone42.com, I look at all kinds of phones. They can be from big, well-known companies or new ones trying to make their mark. I want to help people understand what's new and cool in the world of smartphones, in a way that's easy to get.
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