HMD XR21: The Ultimate Rugged 5G Smartphone For Adventurers And Professionals

Body and Build Quality: Built Like a Tank

The HMD XR21 boasts a rugged construction with dimensions of 168×78.6×10.5 mm and a hefty weight of 231 g. Its robust build includes a Gorilla Glass Victus front, providing exceptional display protection, and a sturdy plastic back and frame. The phone is available in a sleek Midnight Black color. Here are the relevant specs:

Those dimensions and weight make it a bit bulkier and heavier compared to many modern smartphones, which typically hover around 200 grams or less. While the added heft contributes to its rugged durability, it can also make the phone somewhat cumbersome to hold for extended periods or to carry in a pocket.

The weight and size might cause some hand fatigue during prolonged use, especially for those with smaller hands. However, the ergonomics are designed to balance this, making it manageable but not ideal for marathon texting or gaming sessions.

In terms of portability, it will fit in most pockets, but you might notice the extra bulk. In a bag, the phone’s robust build ensures it can withstand jostling and impacts, adding a layer of security to your belongings.

The inclusion of Gorilla Glass Victus on the XR21 provides top-tier protection against scratches and drops. Gorilla Glass Victus is known for its exceptional durability. It significantly reduces the likelihood of scratches from everyday objects like keys or coins. And it can withstand drops from higher heights compared to previous versions of Gorilla Glass, minimizing the risk of screen damage. This is particularly beneficial for a rugged phone like the XR21, ensuring the display remains intact and functional even in harsh conditions.

The XR21 features a plastic back and frame, which comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Plastic is more impact-resistant than glass or metal, meaning it can better absorb shocks and drops without cracking. Despite the overall weight of the phone, plastic is generally lighter than metal, helping to keep the device from being excessively heavy. And plastic is cheaper to manufacture, which can help keep the overall cost of the phone down.

However, plastic doesn’t have the same premium feel as metal or glass. It can make the phone feel less luxurious, which might be a drawback for some users who prefer a high-end look and feel. Secondly, metal frames typically dissipate heat better than plastic, so the phone might get warmer during heavy use or charging. Lastly, although durable, plastic can scratch more easily than metal or Gorilla Glass. Over time, this might affect the aesthetic appeal of the device.

Overall, the HMD XR21's design prioritizes durability and functionality, making it a dependable choice for users in rugged environments. The dimensions and weight reflect its tough nature but might be a trade-off for some users in terms of comfort and portability. The Gorilla Glass Victus offers excellent display protection, and while the plastic back and frame might lack a premium feel, they provide practical benefits that align with the phone’s rugged persona.

IP Rating and MIL-STD

(Related: IP ratings and MIL-STD explained.)

The HMD XR21 excels in durability with an IP68/IP69K rating, making it resistant to dust and water up to 1.5 meters for 60 minutes. Additionally, it’s MIL-STD-810H compliant, ensuring it can withstand drops from up to 1.8 meters onto concrete. This ruggedness makes it ideal for those working in tough environments or enjoying outdoor adventures.

The IP68 and IP69K ratings of the HMD XR21 are a testament to its durability. In the world of electronics, IP stands for Ingress Protection, and it's followed by two digits. The first digit (6 in this case) refers to the device's protection against solid objects like dust. An IP rating of 6 means the HMD XR21 is dust-tight, ensuring no harmful particles can infiltrate its internals.

The second digit (8 in IP68) signifies its resistance to water. An IP68 rating indicates that the phone is capable of withstanding immersion in water up to 1.5 meters deep for 60 minutes. So, whether it accidentally takes a plunge into a puddle or gets caught in a rainstorm, your XR21 will emerge unscathed, ready for action.

The digit 9 and the letter K in IP69K hold special significance. The combination 9K means the device has undergone high-pressure, high-temperature water spray tests. In the case of the HMD XR21, it can withstand powerful, high-temperature water jets (up to 80 °C) aimed at it from different angles. This rating ensures that even in the most intense conditions, where water jets resembling a strong, focused steam of water are present, the phone remains resilient and functional.

The MIL-STD-810H compliance takes the HMD XR21's durability to a whole new level. This standard, established by the US Department of Defense, outlines a series of stringent tests that a device must pass to be deemed 'military-grade' tough.

To achieve MIL-STD-810H compliance, the HMD XR21 underwent a battery of tests that simulate the harshest conditions it might encounter in real-world scenarios. These tests include the following:

• High-Temperature Test: The phone was exposed to scorching temperatures to ensure it doesn't falter even in the hottest environments.
• Low-Temperature Test: On the flip side, the XR21 was subjected to freezing temperatures to guarantee it remains operational in icy conditions.
• Drop Test: The phone faced drops from heights of up to 1.8 meters, simulating real-world accidents. Its ability to survive these falls showcases its durability, protecting it from everyday slips and tumbles.
• Vibration Test: The HMD XR21 was shaken vigorously to mimic the vibrations it might endure during transportation, ensuring its internal components remain intact and functional.
• Humidity Test: Humidity can be a silent killer for electronics. The HMD XR21 was tested in high humidity environments to guarantee it won't succumb to moisture, even in tropical climates.
• Salt Fog Test: This test replicates exposure to salty sea air, making sure the XR21 won't corrode when used near the ocean or in coastal areas.

By passing these tests, the HMD XR21 has proven its mettle, assuring users that it can withstand the toughest challenges thrown its way. So, whether you're scaling mountains, working on a construction site, or embarking on wild adventures, this phone has proven it can handle the pressure, literally! It's not just a smartphone; it's a robust, battle-tested device ready for any mission you undertake.

Display: Smooth and Vivid

(Related: Know more about the various kinds of displays and screen specs.)

The XR21 features a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, ensuring smooth scrolling and responsiveness. The screen boasts a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels, delivering a sharp 406 PPI density. Typical brightness levels are at 450 nits, with a high brightness mode (HBM) reaching up to 550 nits, making it legible under most conditions.

Image credit: HMD

Here are the relevant specs:

The HMD XR21 comes equipped with a 6.49-inch IPS LCD display that strikes a good balance between performance and durability, suitable for a rugged phone designed to handle various environments. IPS (In-Plane Switching) LCDs are known for their superior viewing angles compared to traditional LCDs. This means that colors and brightness remain consistent even when viewing the screen from different angles, which is particularly useful in a rugged phone used in various positions. IPS panels typically offer better color accuracy and more vibrant colors compared to standard LCDs. This enhances the visual experience, making images and videos look more lifelike.

The 120 Hz refresh rate featured on the XR21's display provides a noticeably smoother experience when scrolling through menus, browsing the web, or playing games. This high refresh rate ensures that animations and transitions are fluid, reducing motion blur and providing a more responsive feel. For gamers, a higher refresh rate means less lag and more responsive gameplay, making fast-paced games more enjoyable and competitive.

With a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels, the XR21’s display delivers sharp and clear visuals. The pixel density of around 406 PPI (pixels per inch) ensures that text, images, and videos appear crisp and detailed. The 20:9 aspect ratio is ideal for media consumption and multitasking, providing a tall and narrow display that makes it easier to handle the phone with one hand while offering ample screen real estate for apps and media.

The brightness levels of the HMD XR21 are adequate but not exceptional. The display’s typical brightness level of 450 nits is sufficient for most indoor and moderately lit environments. It ensures that the screen is visible and readable without straining the eyes. In high brightness mode (HBM), the display can reach up to 550 nits, which is beneficial for outdoor use. However, this brightness level might still pose challenges under direct sunlight. For comparison, flagship smartphones often boast brightness levels exceeding 800 nits, which ensures better readability in bright outdoor environments.

In conclusion, the HMD XR21’s display is well-suited for a rugged phone, offering reliable performance and good color accuracy thanks to its IPS LCD technology. The 120 Hz refresh rate enhances the overall user experience by providing smooth visuals, and the 1080×2400 resolution ensures sharp and detailed imagery. However, the brightness levels, while decent, could be a bit limiting in very bright outdoor conditions. Overall, the display is a solid choice for a rugged device, balancing performance, and durability.

Networks

(Related: Cellular networks explained.)

Networking is the invisible thread that connects us all in the digital world! The HMD XR21, with its support for the networking quartet of GSM, HSPA, LTE, and 5G technologies, is like a well-connected socialite in the world of networks.

GSM and HSPA are the stalwarts, providing 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. Then there's LTE, the foundation of modern 4G networks, delivering faster internet speeds and improved call quality. And of course, the star of the show - 5G. It's the future, promising blazing-fast download and upload speeds, reduced latency, and a world of possibilities for future applications.

SIM

The HMD XR21 supports either a single SIM (Nano-SIM or eSIM) or dual Nano-SIM (dual stand-by).

Chipset: Performance - Reliable Midrange Power

Under the hood, the XR21 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, built on a 6-nm process. The octa-core CPU with two types of cores and the Adreno 619 GPU provide reliable performance for everyday tasks and moderate gaming. Here are the relevant specs:

The HMD XR21 is powered by the Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, an efficient midrange processor designed to offer a good balance between performance and power consumption. This chipset is built on a 6-nm architecture that provides robust performance while maintaining energy efficiency. This is crucial for ensuring long battery life, especially in a rugged phone like the XR21. This chipset supports 5G connectivity, ensuring that you have access to fast and reliable network speeds, which is essential for modern communication and data-intensive tasks.

The XR21's CPU setup includes an octa-core configuration, comprised of two types of cores:

• 2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold Cores: These high-performance cores are based on ARM's Cortex-A78 architecture. They are designed to handle demanding tasks and provide the necessary power for intensive applications such as gaming, video editing, and multitasking. These cores ensure that the XR21 can handle performance-heavy applications smoothly.
• 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver Cores: These efficiency cores are based on ARM's Cortex-A55 architecture. They are optimized for less demanding tasks, such as browsing the web, using social media, and running background processes. These cores help conserve battery life by handling routine tasks without drawing too much power.

The Adreno 619 GPU complements the CPU by managing the HMD XR21 graphical performance. It handles casual and moderately demanding games well, providing smooth gameplay and decent graphics. It ensures that video playback is smooth and that the user experience is visually appealing when streaming content, browsing, or using graphically intensive apps. However, while the Adreno 619 is capable, it is not designed for high-end gaming. Users looking to play the latest AAA titles at high settings may experience limitations in terms of frame rates and graphical fidelity.

Given its midrange configuration, the XR21 is well-suited for a variety of tasks, making it a versatile device for most users. Here’s a breakdown of what the phone can handle and where it might face challenges. The XR21's processing prowess is adequate for:

• Everyday Use: Web browsing, social media, messaging, and typical smartphone tasks run smoothly, thanks to the balanced CPU cores and efficient chipset.
• Multitasking: The combination of the octa-core CPU and 6 GB of RAM allows for efficient multitasking, letting you switch between apps without significant lag.
• Casual Gaming: Games that are not graphically demanding will run well, providing an enjoyable gaming experience.
• Media Consumption: Streaming videos, listening to music, and other media-related activities are well within the XR21’s capabilities.

And here are some tasks that might demands a more powerful configuration:

• High-End Gaming: While the XR21 can handle casual games, high-end games with advanced graphics and demanding performance requirements might not run as smoothly or at high settings.
• Professional Video Editing: For users looking to perform complex video editing on their phones, a more powerful processor with higher-end GPU capabilities would be beneficial.
• Intensive Multitasking: Heavy multitasking with resource-intensive applications may occasionally slow down the device. Professionals who rely on multiple high-demand apps might benefit from a flagship processor.

In conclusion, the HMD XR21, powered by the Snapdragon 695 5G chipset, offers a well-rounded performance package that caters to most everyday needs and moderately demanding tasks. The combination of high-performance and efficiency CPU cores ensures a balance between power and battery life, while the Adreno 619 GPU provides reliable graphics performance for casual gaming and media consumption.

However, for users who require top-tier performance for high-end gaming or professional-grade tasks, a more powerful configuration might be necessary. Overall, the XR21’s processing prowess is adequate for its intended rugged use case, providing a reliable and efficient experience.

Memory and Storage

Here are the relevant specs:

With 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, the XR21 provides ample space for apps, photos, and videos. However, it lacks a microSD card slot, so users needing extra storage might need to look at cloud solutions or the USB OTG option offered by the XR21.

Cameras: Dual-Lens Versatility

The main camera setup of the HMD XR21 includes a 64 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture, providing crisp and detailed shots. Complementing it is an 8 MP ultrawide sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, allowing for more expansive shots. The dual-LED dual-tone flash and an additional LED flash enhance low-light photography, while features like panorama and HDR add versatility.

For video, the main camera supports 1080p recording at 30 fps, which is adequate for most users but falls short of 4K capabilities seen in higher-end devices. The 16 MP front camera with an f/2.4 aperture ensures decent selfies and also supports 1080p video recording at 30 fps.

Rear Camera

Image credit: HMD

The HMD XR21’s main camera setup includes two lenses, each serving a distinct purpose to enhance the device’s photography capabilities. Let's have a detailed look at the camera configuration and its features. Here are the relevant specs:

Specification	HMD XR21
Number of Cameras	2 (Dual)
Resolution (Megapixels)	64 MP (wide), 8 MP (ultrawide)
Aperture	f/1.8, f/2.2
Sensor Size	1/2.0″, 1/4.0″
Pixel Size	N/A, 1.12 μm
Autofocus	PDAF, N/A
Video Recording	1080p at 30 fps
Other Features	Dual-LED dual-tone flash, LED flash, panorama, HDR

The 64 MP primary sensor captures high-resolution images, providing detailed and crisp photos. This is particularly useful for landscape photography, detailed close-ups, and any scenario where image clarity is paramount. Its f/1.8 aperture allows more light to enter the lens, which improves performance in low-light conditions, ensuring better exposure and reduced noise in dim environments.

The secondary 8 MP ultrawide sensor allows for capturing wider scenes, making it ideal for landscape photography, group photos, and architectural shots where a broader field of view is needed. While its f/2.2 aperture is narrower than that of the primary lens, it still performs adequately in various lighting conditions, though it might struggle slightly in very low light compared to the primary lens.

Among the key camera features that enhance your photography game, PDAF (Phase Detection Autofocus) technology enables the camera to quickly and accurately focus on subjects by detecting the phase difference in light reaching the sensor. This results in faster focus times and sharper images, especially useful for capturing moving subjects or in scenarios where quick focus adjustments are needed.

The dual-LED dual-tone flash combines two LED lights with different color temperatures to provide a more natural lighting effect when using the flash. This helps to balance the color and reduce harsh shadows, resulting in more pleasing and true-to-life photos in low-light conditions.

The secondary LED flash provides extra illumination, which can be useful in very dark environments. This ensures that subjects are well-lit and details are captured clearly, even in challenging lighting situations.

Panorama mode allows you to capture wide, sweeping shots by stitching together multiple images into a single, seamless photo. This feature is particularly useful for landscapes, cityscapes, and any scene where a broader perspective is desired.

And HDR (High Dynamic Range) technology captures multiple photos at different exposure levels and combines them into one image, resulting in a photo with balanced highlights and shadows. This is especially useful in high-contrast scenes where there are both very bright and very dark areas, ensuring details are preserved across the entire image.

In conclusion, the HMD XR21's main camera setup offers a versatile and capable photography experience, with its dual lenses catering to a range of shooting needs. The high-resolution primary lens ensures detailed images, while the ultrawide lens provides flexibility for broader shots.

Advanced features like PDAF, dual-LED dual-tone flash, additional LED flash, panorama, and HDR enhance the overall photography experience, making the XR21 a reliable companion for capturing life's moments, whether in bright daylight or challenging low-light conditions.

Battery and Charging: Long-Lasting and Fast

(Related: Battery specs and charging types explained.)

Here are the relevant specs:

The XR21 is equipped with a 4800 mAh non-removable Li-Po battery, providing solid endurance for a full day of heavy use. It supports 33 W wired charging with Power Delivery 2.0 and Quick Charge 3.0, enabling rapid top-ups to keep you going.

Sound

(Related: Know more about the sound specs and features.)

Here are the relevant specs:

Connectivity

In the connectivity department, the HMD XR21 offers a comprehensive range of options. With support for dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, it ensures you can connect to common Wi-Fi networks.

The HMD XR21 boasts Bluetooth 5.1, ensuring a seamless connection, whether you're connecting to headphones, speakers, or other devices. With features like A2DP (Advanced Audio Distribution Profile) for high-quality audio streaming, LE (Low Energy) for power efficiency, and aptX Adaptive for dynamically and efficiently adjusting the audio bit-rate based on the complexity of audio and the quality of connection, your Bluetooth experience reaches new heights.

Lost? Not with the positioning capabilities of the HMD XR21! It supports multiple global navigation satellite systems, including GPS (L1+L5), GLONASS (G1), BDS (B1I+B1c+B2a), GALILEO (E1+E5a), QZSS (L1+L5), and NavIC (L5). This means your device always knows where you are, no matter where you travel in the world. Whether you're navigating through bustling cities or remote wilderness, your phone's positioning technology ensures you're always on the right path.

The HMD XR21 features NFC, the digital magician! This technology allows you to make contactless payments, share files, and connect with other NFC-enabled devices with just a tap. It's like having a digital handshake, simplifying tasks and making your device interactions effortless.

Last but not least, the trusty USB-C 2.0 - the universal connector. Whether you're charging your device, transferring files, or connecting to external devices, USB Type-C 2.0 ensures a reliable connection. It's the jack-of-all-trades, allowing you to expand your device's capabilities and stay connected to the wider world of technology. And the support for OTG (USB On-The-Go) enables your device to act as host and connect to other USB devices, such as flash drives, keyboards, cameras, and more, without needing a computer as an intermediary.

Sensors and Other Features

The HMD XR21 comes equipped with the following sensors:

• Proximity Sensor: Detects the presence or movement of an object (say, with infrared, sound, light, or electromagnetic fields) without physically contacting it. It is used, for example, to turn off the screen when you position your device close to your ear while making a call.
• Fingerprint Sensor: Used for quick and secure unlocking. It is side-facing in the XR21.
• Gyro: The gyroscope can detect when your device is being twisted or turned in any direction. It enhances the accuracy of apps and games that rely on precise motion, like augmented reality (AR) apps and racing games.
• Accelerometer: The accelerometer detects changes in the device's orientation and acceleration. If you tilt, shake, or move your device, the accelerometer knows.
• Compass: The compass determines your device's orientation. It is essential for navigation apps, map orientation, and augmented reality experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is HMD XR21 release date?

  The HMD XR21 has been announced on the 14th May, 2024. It is expected to release later in the same month.

• What is HMD XR21 price?

  The HMD XR21 is priced at EUR 599.99 (about USD 651).