Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone

Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone REVIEW

Nokia Android 2.2 Smartphone REVIEW
8/10

Summary

Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone REVIEW

Nokia’s cheap and cheerful 2.2 smartphone has lots to recommend it including updateable Android One software and a replaceable battery. Read PAT PILCHER’s Nokia 2.2 review to get the full assessment.

 

Nokia 2.2 review
Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone

Smartphone prices have been heading for the stratosphere. So it’s a pleasant surprise to find Nokia have gone in the opposite direction by launching a very affordable Android One device, the Nokia 2.2. So let’s kick-off my Nokia 2.2 review.

There are other smartphones on the market for the 2.2’s list price of $199. But Nokia raises the bar on budget. By offering a surprising amount of Bang Per Buck.

While the Nokia 2.2 won’t win any industrial design awards, it does have a few tricks up its sleeve. The trend these days is for glass fronts and backs sandwiched between an alloy band. Yet the 2.2 is crafted out of plastic. And it looks like a generic smartphone slab. That said, its rounded backend helps with in-hand comfort levels.

Nokia 2.2 review
Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone

Unlike most smartphones, the 2.2 sports a removable back and replaceable battery. This should help extend its life expectancy.

Nokia wins brownie points with the addition of a 3.5mm headphone socket. But the dedicated Google assistant button has the habit of activating accidentally.

The camera doesn’t win any photographic awards, but makes use of AI for image processing. And as a bonus it also has Google Lens.

Benefits of Android One

The big draw card for budget buyers is Nokia’s use of Android One. And their commitment to keeping their phones updated and secure.

The Android One initiative was brought about by Google in order to provide stock versions of Android. Versions complete with updates and upgrades for at least two years. In practice, this means Nokia 2.2 users will be upgraded to new versions of Android for the next 24 months. And they’ll receive regular security updates over the next three years.

Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone

The importance of this at the budget (and even mid-range end) of town cannot get overstated. Many budget smartphones typically come with an older version of Android. One which is rarely, if ever, updated. Equally appealing is the user interface. Many phone manufacturers slather their Android hardware with skins that more often hinder rather than help. So the stock UI of Android One makes a refreshing change.

Compromises

Given its ultra-affordable cost, there are compromises. And the 2.2 doesn’t have a muscular spec. It uses a MediaTek Helio A22 CPU under its hood, along with a paltry 2GB of RAM/16GB of storage (which can be boosted with a Micro-SD card). These specs are ample for day-to-day chores. But don’t expect it to do demanding tasks such as running 3D games smoothly, or at a high frame rate.

The Nokia 2.2 packs a 5.7-inch, HD notched display. It’s also tall – with a 19:9 aspect ratio. And bright. It cranks out 400 nits. So is readable in direct sunlight.

Nokia 2.2 Android Smartphone

Its rear snapper uses AI assisted image processing. The single rear camera uses a 13-megapixel image sensor. While a 5-megapixel sensor is around the front. I wasn’t expecting the Nokia 2.2 to deliver Pro level shots, but the images looked well-exposed and colour correct under normal daylight conditions.

AI image processing helped in darker shooting situations. Although photos seemed a little muted. Some edge detail loss was noticeable too. That said, the net result was still an improvement over what you’d normally get at this price point.

Nokia 2.2 Review – Conclusion

While everyone are incredibly excited about the latest flagships, there is good cause to celebrate reasonably priced smartphones, as I discovered during my Nokia 2.2 review. One offering solid bang for buck value. Decent construction, a surprisingly decent feature set, and a wallet-friendly sticker price makes the Nokia 2.2 a worthy contender for buyers on a budget.

Pat has been talking about tech on TV, radio and print for over 20 years, having served time as a TV tech guy and currently penning reviews for Witchdoctor. He loves nothing more than rolling his sleeves up and playing with shiny gadgets.

1 Comment

  1. At 80 years old I had this operating and all files transferred within a couple of hours. I replaced a
    SAMSUNG s4 which was very tired and a pain. Very impressed with the operating system. The main reason for upgrading was to use Covid 19 tracker which the S4 wouldn’t accept

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