Nokia XR21 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Design and Build

The Nokia XR21 is a testament to Nokia's continuation of offering robust build quality. The device sports a rugged design, with dimensions of 168 x 78.6 x 10.5 mm and a weight of 231 grams, giving it substantial feel when held. This build is attributed to its Gorilla Glass Victus front, which promises scratch resistance and durability, combined with a plastic back and frame. Available in Midnight Black and Pine Green, the XR21 appeals with its aesthetic choices while ensuring protection against daily wear and tear.

Display

The Nokia XR21 features a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display, offering a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels with a 20:9 aspect ratio, providing crisp and clear visuals. The refresh rate stands at an impressive 120Hz, making scrolling through apps and web pages buttery smooth. With a typical brightness of 450 nits, reaching up to 550 nits under high brightness mode (HBM), it ensures clarity under various lighting conditions. The display is further safeguarded by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus, a top choice for protection against scratches and breakage.

Performance

At the heart of the Nokia XR21 lies the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, constructed on a 6 nm process. This chipset houses an octa-core CPU and Adreno 619 GPU, ensuring reliable performance across a variety of tasks. Whether gaming, streaming, or handling intensive applications, the XR21 is designed to handle it all with ease. Paired with 6GB of RAM, multitasking becomes seamless, with enough power to switch between apps without a hitch.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia XR21 is equipped with a dual-camera system on the rear: a 64 MP main sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, ensuring high-quality images with good detail and color reproduction. Accompanying it is an 8 MP ultrawide sensor, which is perfect for capturing broader scenes. Dual-LED dual-tone flash and additional features like HDR and panorama enhance the photography experience. The rear camera setup supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The front houses a 16 MP camera, ideal for selfies and video calls, also capable of 1080p@30fps video recording.

Battery Life

Battery performance on the Nokia XR21 is robust, powered by a 4800 mAh Li-Po battery. This non-removable battery supports 33W wired charging, adhering to PD2.0 and QC3 standards, offering swift recharge times. The battery capacity ensures that the device can easily last through a full day of typical usage while providing the confidence of long-lasting power on the go.

Software Experience

The XR21 operates on Android 12, delivering a clean and user-friendly interface. Android 12 is known for its personalization features, performance enhancements, and improved privacy settings, all of which contribute to a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Nokia's commitment to regular updates promises security, new features, and overall system improvements over time.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia XR21 is equipped to handle a wide range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G, ensuring fast and reliable connectivity virtually anywhere. The device is capable of achieving high-speed data transfer, making it future-ready with its 5G capabilities. Additional connectivity features include dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, Bluetooth 5.1 with A2DP, LE, and aptX Adaptive, NFC, and USB Type-C 2.0 with OTG support, catering to all modern connectivity needs.

Additional Features

The device is well-equipped with sensors including a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, compass, and barometer, providing enhanced functionality and usability. The presence of stereo speakers ensures a rich multimedia experience, and the inclusion of a 3.5 mm headphone jack is a welcome feature for audio enthusiasts looking for versatile sound options.

Price and Availability

The Nokia XR21 was announced in May 2023 and became available in June 2023. Given its robust feature set and durable design, it is priced competitively at $499.99, £443.66, or €499.99. This makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a powerful and reliable smartphone without breaking the bank.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nokia XR21 stands as a substantial contender in the mid-range smartphone market. With its durable design, solid performance, impressive display, and competent camera setup, it caters well to users looking for reliability and functionality. The inclusion of 5G, combined with excellent battery life and Android 12, positions the XR21 as an appealing choice for those in pursuit of both longevity and modern features.