In today’s age of smartphones, premium looks and features normally make the headline news. But if you are that person who prefers a phone where ruggedness over looks takes center stage, look no further. Touted to be an uncompromising, rough-around-the-edges type of phone designed for the average traveler, hard-hatted contractor, or generally accident-prone phone owner, the XR21 promises reliability, enough performance for general tasks, and long-lasting battery life. Is it worthwhile in 2025? Check out what we have to look forward to with this.
Design and Build Quality:
The first thing you’ll notice about the Nokia XR21 is its rugged exterior. Unlike modern glass-backed phones that feel fragile, the XR21 feels like it could survive a drop off a cliff (well, almost). It meets MIL-STD-810H military-grade standards and has an IP69K rating, which means it’s not only dustproof and waterproof but also resistant to high-pressure water jets and extreme temperatures.
The rubberized casing provides excellent grip, and though it’s slightly chunky (231g), it’s not uncomfortable to hold. The phone also includes Gorilla Glass Victus on the front for additional screen protection.
Display:
The XR21 boasts a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 1080 x 2400 pixel resolution. While it’s not AMOLED, the LCD display is surprisingly bright and clear when used outdoors — perfect for demanding environments. The high refresh rate is also good for smoother scrolling and a more responsive experience.
Performance and Software:
Under the hood, the XR21 is driven by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chip with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. It’s not a flagship processor, but it’s good enough for daily tasks, media watching, and light gaming. You won’t be running graphically demanding games, but for productivity and dependability, it works.
It comes with Android 12 pre-installed, but HMD Global has also promised up to 4 years of security patches and 3 years of operating system updates — a much-appreciated boost for those who care about longevity. The UI is clean and almost-stock Android with a bare minimum of unnecessary bloatware.
Camera Performance:
The camera hardware comprises a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens. It will not be competing with flagship camera smartphones such as Pixel or iPhone but under regular lighting conditions, captures decent detailed and well-balanced images. Night shooting is average with some degree of noise and loss of details.
The 16MP front camera is fine for selfies and video calls, but not spectacular. If taking photos is your top priority, this might not be your device of choice — but it’ll do for the average everyday user.
Battery Life:
The 4800mAh battery is the XR21’s standout feature. With the power-friendly Snapdragon 695 and LCD display, you can realistically expect 2 days of average use comfortably. It supports 33W fast charging, which is not the fastest available but still provides 50% in 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, there is no wireless charging — a small sacrifice to its rugged build.
Extra Features:
Side-mounted fingerprint sensor: Fast and secure.
Programmable buttons: Ideal for fast access to programs or emergency functions.
Headphone jack: A rare but welcome feature in 2025.
Stereo speakers: Loud and clear, ideal for outdoor use.
Should You Buy the Nokia XR21?
Buy it if:
You need a phone that is drop-proof, water-resistant, and can handle harsh environments.
Battery life and software longevity are most important to you.
You’re a construction worker, logistics staff, or outdoor worker.
You require a robust secondary or travel phone.
Avoid if:
You wish for flagship levels of performance or camera features.
You prefer lightweight and slimmer phones.
Wireless charging is a priority for you.
Final Verdict:
The Nokia XR21 is not the flashiest phone on the market, but it’s one of the most resilient. With immense toughness, decent battery life, and regular software updates, it holds a niche position in a world full of fragile glass slabs. If you can settle for unadulterated power for rough-and-tough reliability, this phone deserves serious thought.
Rating: 8/10 — Recommended for rugged users.
