New research conducted by HMD Global reveals that 62% of Australians have dropped their smartphones and smashed the screen in the past. With the average Australian living with a smashed screen for up to four months before fixing it, it’s no wonder that 74% of Aussies believe phones should be built to last longer. This sentiment has been taken to heart by HMD Global with the launch of the Nokia XR21, a durable smartphone designed for Australian lifestyles.
Crafted for everyday use and extreme adventures
The Nokia XR21 is drop, dust, and waterproof, making it perfect for the adventurous Aussie. With a two-day battery life, the Nokia XR21 aims to put an end to ‘phone-xiety’ – the fear of dropping, damaging, or not having a working phone.
The XR21 is crafted around a die-cast 100% recycled aluminum chassis, protected by a body made of durable materials and a Corning Gorilla Glass Victus display, all certified to withstand impacts. The smartphone has been MIL-STD-810H certified, so it’s quite tough. During internal testing, the Nokia XR21 survived a 1.8m drop, being submerged in 1.5m of water for an hour, and being hit with the same pressure as a 1450 PSI jet of water at 80°C.
In addition to its rugged design, the Nokia XR21 has a battery life that can last two days between charges, making it perfect for weekend getaways or long hikes. The device can also withstand and operate in extreme temperatures, ranging from -20°C to +55°C. Its 6.49″ screen can even be used with wet hands, in the rain, or while wearing gloves.
AI and other features
The Nokia XR21 also offers AI-powered entertainment features, including stereo speakers with OZO playback for immersive sound, AI Portrait, Night Mode 2.0, and Flash Shot for capturing high-quality memories. The 96 dB stereo speakers come with Audio Boost mode, allowing users to hear amped up sounds over background noise.
When it comes to security, the Nokia XR21 has four years of monthly security updates, three years of OS upgrades, three years of warranty, and a one-year screen replacement guarantee.
The Nokia XR21 will be available in Midnight Black and Pine Green from JB-HiFi in mid-May, priced at $799. For more information, visit nokia.com or JB Hi-FI.
I’m disappointed to see the USB connector has been downgraded from USB 3.0 to USB 2.0, compared to the XR20. I would also like to have seen a beefier SoC in this phone. It seems, at that price point, the SD 695 is not adequate. A SD 7+ Gen 2 would’ve been ideal.
It can be said that this is a good choice for adventure lovers, especially those who often drop their phones like me.