Nokia C21 vs Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
The Nokia C21 (2022) runs on the Unisoc, while the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max leads — 88/100 vs 21/100 (a 67-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has the bigger battery (7500 mAh vs 3000); the main camera is 8 MP vs 50 MP; the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max has NFC for contactless payments, the Nokia C21 doesn't; the Nokia C21 is noticeably lighter (195g vs 219g).
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia C21
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
What makes Nokia C21 better?
- Lighter: 195g vs 219g
- Better portability (53/100 vs 48/100)
What makes Xiaomi 17 Pro Max better?
- Bigger battery: 7500 vs 3000 mAh
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 8MP
- Better camera (87/100 vs 10/100)
- Longer battery life (89/100 vs 15/100)
- Better display (81/100 vs 39/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Nokia C21 vs the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max scores 67 points higher (88/100 vs 21/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max leads (87/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max leads (89/100 vs 15/100). In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (81/100 vs 39/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (87/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (89/100 vs 15/100). In the "portability" category, the Nokia C21 is a bit better (53/100 vs 48/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Nokia C21 | Xiaomi 17 Pro Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | — | 3998145 | |
| Geekbench Single | — | 3639 | |
| Geekbench Multi | — | 11047 | |
| Display | 6.5" IPS LCD | 6.9" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 1200x2608 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 7500 mAh | |
| Charging | — | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | — | 50W | |
| DXOMark (camera) | — | 159 | |
| Main camera | 8 MP | 50 MP | |
| Ultrawide | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Telephoto | 0 MP | 50 MP | |
| Front camera | 5 MP | 50 MP | |
| RAM | 2GB / 3GB | 12GB / 16GB | |
| Storage | 32GB / 64GB | 512GB / 1TB | |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 16 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 3500 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 169.9×77.9×8.8 mm | 162.9×77.6×8.0 mm | |
| Weight | 195 g | 219 g | |
| Launch price | — | $999 |
Camera comparison
Nokia C21
- Main: 8MP
- Front: 5MP
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
- Main: 50MP f/1.69
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Nokia C21
- 6.5" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1600
- Refresh rate: —
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
- 6.9" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 1200x2608
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Nokia C21
- 3000 mAh
- Wireless charging: no data
Xiaomi 17 Pro Max
- 7500 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 16:28 hrs, total 36:26 hrs
- Wired: 100W
- Wireless: 50W
Benchmarks
Launch prices and where to check today's
Nokia C21
Price unknownDetailed category analysis
display
In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (81/100 vs 39/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (87/100 vs 10/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (89/100 vs 15/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Nokia C21 is a bit better (53/100 vs 48/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia C21 or the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 by 67 points (88/100 vs 21/100).
What is the rating of the Nokia C21 and the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max?
The Nokia C21 has a MobileRank rating of 21/100, the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max — 88/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nokia C21 or the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max leads on camera score (87/100 vs 10/100).
Should you choose the Nokia C21 over the Xiaomi 17 Pro Max?
The Xiaomi 17 Pro Max is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.