Nokia

Nokia XR21: Pros and Cons

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

Nokia announced the launch of the XR21 smartphone in 2023. The manufacturer is offering this smartphone with 6.49 inch IPS display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 SoC, and 6 GB of RAM. The XR21 series was launched with Android OS v12.0 pre-installed, but it is upgradable. The 6.49 inch phone comes with a high resolution IPS display (1080 x 2400 px). The XR21 has a multi-camera setup. The lens offers versatility. It lets you capture a wide range of subjects and scenes from different perspectives. Does this phone justify its price tag? I hope to provide clarity by the conclusion of my review.

Table of Contents

This article shares our personal experiences and thoughts about using the Nokia XR21 smartphone. We hope to offer helpful insights to others interested in this device. The specifications below are from the official manufacturer data, but we also consider user reviews. If you've seen any mistakes or things missing in these specifications, please let us know.

Nokia XR21 / 1

Nokia XR21 specifications

BrandNokia
NameXR21
ModelXR21
Release date2023
Price$500

Weight, dimensions, colors

Weight8.29 oz
Dimensions6.76 x 3.21 x 0.38 inch
Colorsgray, green
SIM typeNano SIM

The weight of Nokia XR21 is about 8.29 oz with battery. This is average for smartphones of the same size. Smartphones use a Nano SIM as a small chipcard for a subscriber identity module (SIM).

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 v9: 398346

The Nokia XR21 comes with Android OS v12.0 out of the box. Android is a mobile operating system. Google built it using a modified version of the Linux kernel. They also used other open-source software. An advanced scheduler manages this octa-core CPU. It assigns tasks to the CPU for real-time speed and power efficiency. Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors work with Adreno GPUs. The processors are designed for the GPUs. We use AnTuTu app to measure general processing performance. AnTuTu Benchmark is the most popular benchmark app for Android phones.

Display type, size, resolution

Display typeIPS
Screen size6.49 inch
Resolution1080 x 2400 px
Multitouch supportyes

The 6.49 inch IPS display has better features. These include optimal viewing angles, color accuracy, and unchanging color reproduction. The 6.49 inch display should be big enough for your needs. It will make viewing comfortable. This is true whether you're reading, browsing, or watching. The size of the screen is measured diagonally, from corner to corner.

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Memory, storage

RAM6 GB
Internal storage128 GB
Memory card slotmicroSD

The Nokia XR21 comes with 6 GB of RAM, which is considered to be sufficient for most users' needs. More RAM lets you keep more apps and processes open in the background. This keeps the device from slowing down. The XR21 has 128 GB of internal storage, which is more than enough for their needs. You can expand the internal storage (128 GB) with a compatible microSD card.

Cameras, flash

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

Using multiple cameras has advantages. They provide more versatility and creative possibilities. They let you capture a wider range of subjects. The main camera of XR21 smartphone does not have OIS. The optical image stabilization (OIS) is an important feature in smartphones.

Connectivity, network, wireless

GSM 2G bands850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
Network coverage2G / 3G / 4G / 5G
Wi-FiWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6
Bluetoothv5.1, A2DP
GPSA-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, GALILEO
NFCyes
FM radiono
USBUSB Type-C
Headphone3.5 mm jack

The 5G networks use advanced technologies. These include millimeter-wave (mmWave) frequencies, massive MIMO, and network slicing. The phone is capable of connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The XR21 smartphone is capable of connecting to Bluetooth devices. The GPS allows this smartphone to find their exact location. It provides accurate navigation and mapping. The XR21 comes with NFC (Near Field Communication) functionality. The 3.5 mm headphone jack allows you to connect wired headphones or earphones to the device.

Battery type, capacity, charger

TypeLi-Po 4800 mAh, non-removable

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 battery of XR21 isn't removable without voiding the warranty.

Features, sensors, specials

Sensorsaccelerometer, barometer, compass, gyroscope, light, proximity
SpecialsDual SIM, Panda Glass, Certified IP68 dustproof and waterproof

Today, smartphones come with many sensors. They help make the user experience better. The accelerometer is a sensor. It measures the tilting motion and orientation of the phone. The light sensor detects the level of light in the environment. Dual SIM is great for businesses. They want to give staff a device with separate numbers and bills for personal and business use. The XR21 is safe and durable. It's IP68-rated, so it's dustproof and waterproof. It's built for outdoor use.

Verdict, pros and cons

Every phone has its strengths and weaknesses, and this Nokia 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
  • adequate memory
  • generous internal storage
  • microSD slot
  • multicamera setup
  • 5G support
  • good battery
  • Dual SIM support
  • IP68 certified protection

Cons

  • weak performance
  • no OIS function
  • no fingerprint reader
Add Nokia XR21 to your comparison

Please let us know if you find incorrect information or something isn't working. Also, tell us if you have a suggestion for improvement.

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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