Nokia C21 vs Xiaomi 17
The Nokia C21 (2022) runs on the Unisoc, while the Xiaomi 17 (2025) runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. By overall MobileRank rating, the Xiaomi 17 leads — 87/100 vs 21/100 (a 66-point difference). Key differences: the Xiaomi 17 has the bigger battery (7000 mAh vs 3000); the main camera is 8 MP vs 50 MP; the Xiaomi 17 has NFC for contactless payments, the Nokia C21 doesn't.
Profile comparison
Category scores
Nokia C21
Xiaomi 17
What makes Nokia C21 better?
- Overall rating 21/100
What makes Xiaomi 17 better?
- Bigger battery: 7000 vs 3000 mAh
- Better main camera: 50MP vs 8MP
- Lighter: 191g vs 195g
- Better camera (81/100 vs 10/100)
- Longer battery life (87/100 vs 15/100)
- Better display (85/100 vs 39/100)
- Better portability (63/100 vs 53/100)
Comparison verdict
Comparing the Nokia C21 vs the Xiaomi 17, the Xiaomi 17 scores 66 points higher (87/100 vs 21/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 leads (81/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 leads (87/100 vs 15/100). In the "display" category, the Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (85/100 vs 39/100). In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (81/100 vs 10/100). In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (87/100 vs 15/100). In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 17 is a bit better (63/100 vs 53/100).
Specs comparison
| Specification | Nokia C21 | Xiaomi 17 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Unisoc | Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 | |
| AnTuTu | — | 3404616 | |
| Geekbench Single | — | 3566 | |
| Geekbench Multi | — | 10162 | |
| Display | 6.5" IPS LCD | 6.3" LTPO AMOLED | |
| Resolution | 720x1600 | 2656x1200 | |
| Refresh rate | — | 120 Hz | |
| Battery | 3000 mAh | 7000 mAh | |
| Charging | — | 100W | |
| Wireless charging | — | 50W | |
| 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 | 256GB / 512GB | |
| OS | Android 11 (Go edition) | Android 16 / HyperOS 3 | |
| Brightness (peak) | — | 3500 nits | |
| NFC | no | yes | |
| Protection | — | IP68 | |
| Dimensions | 169.9×77.9×8.8 mm | 151.1×71.8×8.1 mm | |
| Weight | 195 g | 191 g | |
| Launch price | — | $709 |
Camera comparison
Nokia C21
- Main: 8MP
- Front: 5MP
Xiaomi 17
- Main: 50MP f/1.7
- Ultrawide: 50MP
- Telephoto: 50MP
- Front: 50MP
Display comparison
Nokia C21
- 6.5" IPS LCD
- Resolution: 720x1600
- Refresh rate: —
Xiaomi 17
- 6.3" LTPO AMOLED
- Resolution: 2656x1200
- Refresh rate: 120 Hz
Battery and charging
Nokia C21
- 3000 mAh
- Wireless charging: no data
Xiaomi 17
- 7000 mAh
- NanoReview test: web browsing 15:00 hrs, total 33:58 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 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (85/100 vs 39/100).
camera
In the "camera" category, the Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (81/100 vs 10/100).
battery
In the "battery" category, the Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 (87/100 vs 15/100).
portability
In the "portability" category, the Xiaomi 17 is a bit better (63/100 vs 53/100).
Frequently asked questions
Which is better: the Nokia C21 or the Xiaomi 17?
The Xiaomi 17 significantly outperforms the Nokia C21 by 66 points (87/100 vs 21/100).
What is the rating of the Nokia C21 and the Xiaomi 17?
The Nokia C21 has a MobileRank rating of 21/100, the Xiaomi 17 — 87/100.
Which has the better camera: the Nokia C21 or the Xiaomi 17?
The Xiaomi 17 leads on camera score (81/100 vs 10/100).
Should you choose the Nokia C21 over the Xiaomi 17?
The Xiaomi 17 is a better fit for gamers and power users, mobile photography enthusiasts, those who care about battery life, budget-conscious buyers.