TechRadar Verdict
An oddly similar concept to the Motorola ThinkPhone.
The XR21 is a robust but elegant design that stands out from cheaper Chinese rugged options.
However, for the hardware inside, this price seems implausibly high.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
The ThinkPhone wasnt cheap, and at over $500, the XR21 isnt either.
Most phones costing this much have a more powerful processor, additional RAM and extra storage.
Disappointingly, the XR21 storage cant be augmented because the SIM tray has no MicroSD card option.
As a sweetener, Nokia is bundling the Nokia Clarity Earbuds 2 Pro with the phone.
Oddly, considering that Nokia is a European brand, USA customers get a much better deal.
The US cost of the XR21 is just $499, but there are no Earbuds or trade-in options.
Considering that this phone only has 6MB of RAM and 128GB of storage, the price is high.
The comparable Motorola ThinkPhone comes with 8GB and 256GB and costs less than $400 onAmazon.com.
The external features of this phone are a combination of the familiar with a few unexpected twists.
On the subject of the SIM card tray, this accepts two Nano-sized SIM cards but no MicroSD card.
Making the 128GB internal storage the most that this phone will ever have.
Overall, the design of the XR21 isnt anything wonderful, but it also isnt horrible.
That makes it significantly less powerful than the latest Snapdragon 7 and 8 devices.
But the issue here isnt that.
Its the relatively lacklustre GPU that Qualcomm saddled this SoC with thats potentially a bigger issue.
While workable for light gaming, its not up to rendering 3D with much fluidity.
Despite being bright, the screen surface is shiny, making it challenging to read outdoors.
Ironically, it undermines the point of having a lighter gear.
The 64MP OV64b is a 2020 design and was OmniVisions first 0.7 micron 64MB sensor built for thin smartphones.
It uses the classic pixel-binning technology to deliver a 16MB capture with enhanced colour accuracy and sensitivity.
It can capture at the full 64MP resolution but with a reduction in image quality.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
We found that turning it off yielded better results most of the time.
However, the ThinkPhone will charge faster and can get the entire battery capacity back in under an hour.
The XR21 will run these tests, but thats because it is substantially slower.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Should I buy a Nokia XR21?
Surely, at this price point, it should have a better processor, cameras and more memory?
But the XR21 doesnt even offer the excuse of more storage using a MicroSD card slot.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Avoid if you like to capture lots of video.
But with a price tag of $400, this is also much cheaper than the Nokia.
Read ourDoogee S100 Pro reviewfor more information.
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
Read ourLenovo ThinkPhone by Motorola reviewfor more information.
More rugged tech
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Here’s what we’ve reviewed so far:
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
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(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
(Image credit: Mark Pickavance)
