The Nokia XR21 is a great smartphone that can withstand the most demanding circumstances. This rugged device can endure harsh impacts on concrete surfaces, survive treacherous falls down flights of stairs, and even withstand being encased in a solid block of ice. Catch our full Nokia XR21 review below!

Nokia XR21 Review: Setting New Standards for Durability

Once again, Nokia has outdone itself by introducing what might be one of the most resilient smartphones in the world. The highly anticipated successor to last year’s XR20, the new Nokia XR21 Android smartphone, continues to impress with its exceptional ability to endure extreme conditions. Like its predecessor, it can withstand harsh landings on concrete, survive tumbles down flights of stairs, and even endure frozen in a solid block of ice.

With the release of the XR21, Nokia aims to reclaim the title of the toughest smartphone, a position held by the iconic Nokia 3310 for years. This upgraded version is poised to set new standards for durability in the smartphone industry.

Unboxing Experience

Inside the Nokia XR21’s packaging, which is designed to be highly recyclable, you will find the smartphone itself, available in two elegant color options: Midnight Black or Pine Green. Alongside the phone, you’ll discover essential documentation, a sim tool for easy setup, and a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.

Design and Build Quality

While the phone’s design may not be groundbreaking, it boasts a sleek and comfortable feel when held in your hand. Its clever construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of daily life without sacrificing style.

Notable Features

Although the Nokia XR21 may not exhibit radical visual changes compared to its predecessor, it has some notable improvements. The phone is slightly lighter yet offers a larger battery capacity lasting up to two days on one single charge.

One significant enhancement is its support for Android 12, providing access to the latest features and optimizations. The display now features a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother scrolling, seamless playback, and fast app switching. Powered by the improved Snapdragon 695 5G processor, the Nokia XR21 delivers enhanced performance, easily handling demanding tasks.

Camera Performance

The Nokia XR21’s cameras have undergone significant upgrades, particularly in low-light conditions, portrait photography, and capturing moving subjects. We would not have been so enthusiastic about recommending a Nokia phone for its camera quality until recently. However, Nokia has made significant strides in improving the imaging capabilities of its smartphones.

I was genuinely pleased with the front-facing 16MP camera, which delivered high-quality, sharp selfies with a pleasant background blur effect. The rear camera setup performed exceptionally well, featuring a 64MP main camera and an 8MP ultrawide lens. The images captured exhibited vibrant colors, rich details, and well-balanced lighting. The camera’s impressive speed in capturing and processing photos resulted in stunning output.

Regarding video recording, the Nokia XR21 delivered great results, even when capturing footage while walking and talking. The footage remained stable, and the audio quality was good. However, there were moments when the video appeared slightly grainy, which was unexpected. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the average person would likely not notice this minor drawback.

Durability

The Nokia XR21 is a feature-packed phone and a testament to impressive durability. With Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus® protecting the front screen and a strong polycarbonate and thermoplastic polyurethane build for the back and frame, this phone can survive falls, scuffs, and scratches. It boasts an IP68/IP69K rating for water and dust resistance, enduring submersion, and drops onto concrete. Whether accidental drops, water exposure, or spills, the XR21 proves resilient and emerges unscathed.

Conclusion

Above is our full Nokia XR21 review. This Nokia handset stands out as a remarkably durable smartphone that anyone would want to have in their pocket. The only question is whether you prefer an Android smartphone. If you’re not a big Apple fan, we highly recommend this smartphone, even compared to top Android picks like Samsung and Google.

If you desire a phone that offers durability and up-to-date features without hesitation, then the Nokia XR21 is an outstanding choice. The Nokia X21 price is now $799, offering excellent value for money.