HMD Global quietly unveiled a new addition to their rugged smartphone lineup—the HMD XR21, a device that mirrors last year’s Nokia XR21. This new tough phone shares both the technical specifications and design with its predecessor, the only noticeable change being the replacement of the Nokia logo with that of HMD.
Sturdy and Durable: The HMD XR21 is designed to endure extreme conditions with its MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification and the highest ingress protection rating of IP69K, making it resistant to water and dust.
Technical Specifications: The smartphone boasts a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display, featuring FHD+ resolution and a refresh rate of 120Hz. Under the hood, you’ll find a Snapdragon 695 SoC complemented by 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage space. Photography enthusiasts can enjoy the device’s 64 MP main camera along with an 8 MP ultra-wide lens.
Power and Performance: A robust 4,800 mAh battery ensures long-lasting usage and supports 33W fast charging. The device comes with Android 13 out of the box, and the company promises two years of operating system upgrades along with three years of security updates.
Pricing and Availability: Those interested can purchase the rugged smartphone in a sleek Midnight Black color. The 6/128 GB variant comes with a price tag of 600 Euros. Interestingly, HMD continues to offer the Nokia-branded XR21 at an attractive price of 400 Euros, although stock for the latter seems to be limited.
Key Questions and Answers:
Q: What makes the HMD XR21 a rugged smartphone?
A: The HMD XR21 is considered a rugged smartphone due to its MIL-STD-810H military-grade certification and IP69K ingress protection rating, indicating that it’s built to withstand extreme conditions including water and dust exposure.
Q: What are the differences between the HMD XR21 and the Nokia-branded XR21?
A: The HMD XR21 is essentially identical to the Nokia-branded XR21 in terms of technical specifications and design. The primary difference is the branding: the Nokia logo has been replaced with that of HMD.
Q: Does the HMD XR21 support fast charging?
A: Yes, the HMD XR21 supports 33W fast charging, which is beneficial for quick power-ups and ensuring less downtime for users who need their device operational throughout the day.
Key Challenges and Controversies:
Challenge: One of the main challenges associated with rugged smartphones like the HMD XR21 is balancing durability with design aesthetics and keeping the device cost-effective for consumers who need such specialized features.
Controversy: Although not a direct controversy, the rebranding of smartphones can sometimes confuse consumers, especially when the predecessor model continues to be sold alongside the new one, as is the case with the Nokia-branded XR21 and the HMD XR21.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
1. The phone’s durable build is ideal for users who work in harsh environments or require a phone that can survive drops and exposure to the elements.
2. The high refresh rate of 120Hz provides a smoother visual experience when scrolling or playing games.
3. The commitment to providing system upgrades and security updates ensures the phone remains current and secure for a reasonable period.
Disadvantages:
1. Rugged phones are typically bulkier and heavier than standard smartphones, which might be a drawback for some consumers.
2. The cost of rugged smartphones is often higher due to the extra measures taken to ensure durability and resistance to damage.
If you’re interested in learning more about rugged smartphones or the company that manufactures the HMD XR21, you can visit the official HMD Global website by following this link: HMD Global.
The source of the article is from the blog motopaddock.nl