Nokia G10

Nokia G10 Review: A Dependable Workhorse for the Everyday User

I've spent the past few weeks putting the Nokia G10 through its paces, and I have to say, it's an interesting addition to HMD Global's lineup. At around the €150 mark, it's clearly targeting the budget-conscious consumer, those who prioritize practicality and reliability over cutting-edge features. My testing involved daily usage, from handling emails and social media to some light media consumption and photography. Initial impressions are of a phone that feels solid and dependable, if not particularly exciting. It’s a device that doesn't scream for attention, but rather quietly gets the job done.

Market Context: Stability in a Sea of Flash

The Nokia G10 arrives at a time when the budget smartphone market is fiercely competitive. Brands are constantly vying for attention with eye-catching designs and headline-grabbing specs. HMD Global's strategy with Nokia seems to be rooted in offering a more grounded experience – focusing on core functionalities and the promise of longevity through software updates. In a market saturated with often fleeting trends, this approach offers a refreshing sense of stability. The price point feels appropriate for what's on offer; it's not the absolute cheapest option, but it sits comfortably within the realm of affordability for many. My personal feeling is that Nokia is betting on brand loyalty and the appeal of a clean, unadulterated Android experience, and that's a strategy that resonates with a certain segment of the market.

Design & Hardware: Built to Last, Not to Dazzle

My first impression holding the G10 was one of reassuring solidity. It's not the sleekest phone I've handled, and the polycarbonate back definitely feels like plastic, but it feels durable. The 194g weight gives it a substantial feel in the hand, which I personally appreciate – it doesn’t feel flimsy. The slightly textured back provides a good grip, reducing the likelihood of accidental slips. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor integrated into the power button is a welcome addition at this price point. In my experience, it's been consistently quick and reliable, a far cry from some of the less responsive in-display sensors I've encountered on pricier devices. While it might not win any beauty contests, the G10 feels like it's built for the rigors of daily life, and I suspect it could withstand a few bumps and scrapes without too much trouble.

Display: Functional for the Essentials

The 6.52-inch IPS LCD display is perfectly adequate for everyday tasks. Scrolling through social media feeds and browsing the web felt smooth enough. While the 720 x 1600 resolution (HD+) isn't the sharpest, resulting in a pixel density of around 269 ppi, I didn't find it to be a major hindrance for general use. Media consumption is acceptable; videos are watchable, though you'll notice a lack of crispness compared to higher-resolution panels. Gaming is similarly fine for casual titles, but the lower resolution does mean visuals aren't as immersive as they could be. The biggest limitation I encountered with the display was its brightness. The listed 400 nits maximum brightness meant that under direct sunlight, visibility was definitely compromised. I often found myself having to shield the screen to see clearly, a common compromise at this price point, but something to be aware of if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

Performance: Getting the Job Done, Eventually

Under the hood, the MediaTek Helio G25 processor is the engine driving the G10. In my real-world testing, it handled basic tasks like email, messaging, and social media browsing without too much struggle. However, push it harder with multiple apps running in the background or more demanding applications, and you’ll start to notice some lag and stuttering. Gaming sessions with anything beyond simple arcade-style games highlighted the processor's limitations. While playable, frame rates weren't always consistent, and loading times could be lengthy. Multitasking isn't this phone's forte; switching between several resource-intensive apps often resulted in noticeable delays. Temperature management was generally good; I didn't experience any significant overheating during my testing, even during extended gaming sessions. It’s important to understand that the G10 isn't built for power users; its strengths lie in its ability to handle everyday tasks reliably, albeit not always swiftly.

Camera System: Capturing Moments, Not Masterpieces

The camera system on the Nokia G10 is what you'd expect at this price point: functional but not exceptional. The 13MP main sensor, accompanied by a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth sensor, can capture decent photos in good lighting conditions. During my time with the phone, I took a few shots outdoors on a sunny day, and the results were acceptable, with reasonable detail and color accuracy. However, dynamic range is limited, and highlights can easily get blown out. The dedicated macro lens is a nice addition for close-up shots, but the 2MP resolution means details are often lacking. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, and the quality is adequate for casual use but lacks stabilization. Compared to some of the competition, the G10's camera system falls a bit short in terms of overall image quality and versatility. Low-light performance is where the G10 truly struggles. Images tend to be noisy and lack detail. While I managed to capture a decent sunset, as the user review mentioned, these instances are more the exception than the rule. Real-world usage scenarios for this camera are best suited for quick snapshots and documenting everyday moments, rather than serious photography.

Battery & Charging: The Standout Feature

If there's one area where the Nokia G10 truly shines, it's battery life. The 5050mAh battery is a genuine workhorse. In my testing, I consistently achieved well over a full day of use on a single charge, even with moderate to heavy usage involving social media, browsing, and some video watching. On lighter days, I could easily stretch it into a second day. This impressive endurance is a major selling point for the G10 and eliminates the anxiety of constantly needing to find a charger. Charging speed, however, is where the G10 lags behind. The inclusion of a 10W charger means that topping up the large battery takes a considerable amount of time. A full charge from empty can easily take over three hours. While the battery life is excellent, the slow charging speed is a trade-off you need to be aware of. Power management seems effective, as the phone doesn't seem to drain much battery in standby mode. For users who prioritize long battery life above all else, the G10 is a strong contender.

Software: Clean and Up-to-Date

The Nokia G10 runs a near-stock version of Android. During my testing, it was running Android 11, and it's commendable that HMD Global has rolled out an update to Android 13. This commitment to software updates is a significant advantage, providing users with the latest features and security patches. The interface is clean and intuitive, without any unnecessary bloatware. I appreciate the lack of pre-installed apps that often clutter other budget smartphones. The user experience is smooth and responsive for the most part, although, as mentioned earlier, performance can dip under heavier loads. The promise of future updates adds to the long-term value of the device. For users who prefer a straightforward and uncluttered Android experience, the G10 delivers.

Value Analysis: A Dependable Choice for the Pragmatic User

Analyzing the value proposition of the Nokia G10, it's clear that this phone isn't trying to be a flagship killer. Instead, it focuses on providing a reliable and long-lasting experience for users who prioritize essential functionalities. At its price point, the G10 offers excellent battery life and the assurance of software updates, which are significant advantages. However, the performance and camera system are areas where compromises have been made. I think this phone is ideal for individuals who need a dependable device for everyday communication, browsing, and media consumption, and who value long battery life above all else. This could include students, seniors, or anyone who wants a secondary phone that they can rely on. Those who should look elsewhere are mobile gamers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone who demands top-tier performance. Compared to competitors in the same price range, the G10 stands out for its battery life and software updates, but may fall behind in terms of processing power and camera capabilities.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for Everyday Reliability

My time with the Nokia G10 has been a testament to its core strength: dependable reliability. It’s not the flashiest or the fastest phone, but it consistently gets the job done, and its exceptional battery life is a genuine standout feature. If you're looking for a budget-friendly smartphone that prioritizes longevity, a clean Android experience, and won't leave you scrambling for a charger mid-day, then the Nokia G10 is definitely worth considering. It's a no-frills device that focuses on the essentials, and for many users, that's precisely what they need. Ultimately, the Nokia G10 is a solid choice for the pragmatic user who values reliability and practicality over cutting-edge features and blistering performance.