Nokia G22

Alright, let's talk about the Nokia G22. I’ve spent the better part of two weeks using this phone as my daily driver, and it’s given me a pretty clear picture of where it shines and where it falls a little flat. At its price point, it’s clearly aimed at the budget-conscious consumer, and after putting it through its paces, I have some definite thoughts on whether it hits the mark.

Market Context: A Focus on Repairability

The Nokia G22 arrives at a time when the conversation around sustainability and the right to repair is gaining serious traction. HMD Global, the company behind modern Nokia phones, is leaning heavily into this narrative, and the G22 is a prime example. This phone isn't trying to compete on bleeding-edge specs; it's offering something different: user-repairability. From my perspective, this is a smart move. In a market saturated with increasingly complex and difficult-to-fix devices, offering a phone that empowers users to replace key components themselves is a refreshing and potentially very appealing strategy, particularly for those tired of expensive repair bills or the environmental impact of replacing entire devices. The price point reinforces this approach, making repairability accessible to a wider audience.

Design & Hardware: Practicality Over Premium

My first impression of the G22's design was that it’s functional and unassuming. The plastic build doesn’t scream premium, but it feels solid enough in the hand. At 196 grams, it has a reassuring heft without being overly bulky. The lagoon blue color of my review unit is a nice touch, adding a bit of personality. The matte finish on the back is appreciated, as it does a decent job of resisting fingerprints, a common annoyance with glossy plastic phones. I have to point out that while the materials don’t feel luxurious, they do feel like they can take a bit of a beating, which aligns with the phone's focus on longevity. The side-mounted fingerprint scanner integrated into the power button is responsive and well-placed, something I’ve come to appreciate in daily use.

Display: Functional but Not Fantastic

The 6.5-inch IPS LCD screen is… adequate. The 90Hz refresh rate definitely makes scrolling and navigating the interface feel smoother, which is a welcome addition at this price. However, the 720p resolution is noticeable. While it's perfectly fine for basic tasks and casual browsing, I did find myself wishing for a sharper image when watching videos or looking at photos. Brightness is decent enough for indoor use, and I didn’t struggle too much to see the screen outdoors, even on moderately sunny days. For media consumption, it’s serviceable, but it's not going to blow you away with vibrant colors or razor-sharp details. Gaming is also acceptable, but again, the lower resolution means you're not getting the most visually immersive experience. For daily use, checking emails, social media, and basic apps, the display does the job without being a standout feature.

Performance: Getting the Basics Right

Under the hood, the Nokia G22 is powered by a Unisoc T606 chip. In my testing, this chipset handled everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and email without significant hiccups. I did notice occasional slight delays when launching more demanding apps or switching between multiple apps quickly, but nothing that felt like a deal-breaker for a phone in this category. Gaming is possible, but you’ll need to stick to less graphically intensive titles or lower the settings on more demanding games. During longer gaming sessions, I did observe some slight warmth on the back of the device, but it never became uncomfortably hot. Multitasking is manageable for basic usage, but pushing it with too many resource-heavy apps open simultaneously will reveal its limitations. Overall, the performance is adequate for its intended use case – it’s not a powerhouse, but it gets the essentials done reliably.

Camera System: Decent Main Shooter, Limited Versatility

My experience with the camera system has been a mixed bag. The 50MP main sensor can produce some surprisingly good photos in well-lit conditions. I took it out for a few impromptu photo walks, and I was generally happy with the level of detail and color accuracy in daylight shots. However, as the light drops, image quality deteriorates noticeably, with more noise and less detail. The 2MP depth and macro lenses feel more like box-ticking exercises than genuinely useful additions. I found the macro lens particularly underwhelming, lacking the detail and sharpness needed for truly interesting close-up shots. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, and the quality is acceptable for casual recording but lacks any advanced stabilization features. The 8MP front-facing camera is decent for selfies and video calls, providing reasonably clear images in good lighting. Compared to other phones in this price range, the main camera holds its own in good conditions, but the overall system lacks the versatility and low-light performance of more expensive competitors. For real-world usage, it's fine for capturing everyday moments, but serious photographers will likely find it limiting.

Battery & Charging: A True Strong Point

The 5050mAh battery is undoubtedly one of the Nokia G22's biggest strengths. In my testing, I consistently managed to get through a full day of moderate to heavy use, including browsing, social media, email, some video watching, and a bit of gaming, without needing to reach for the charger. On lighter days, I could even stretch it into a second day, which is impressive. Charging speeds, however, are more pedestrian. The 20W charging, while welcome, isn't the fastest, and it takes a couple of hours to fully charge the phone from empty. Power management seems to be well-optimized, contributing to the excellent battery life. For users who prioritize battery endurance, the Nokia G22 delivers in spades. I wasn't constantly worried about battery drain, which is a definite plus in my book.

Software: Clean and Familiar

The Nokia G22 runs on a near-stock version of Android, which I appreciate. There’s minimal bloatware, and the interface feels clean and responsive. Navigating the OS is straightforward and familiar, especially for anyone who has used Android before. Nokia promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates, which is a significant commitment for a budget phone and adds to its long-term value. The features are pretty standard Android fare, focusing on usability and functionality. From my experience, the software feels stable and reliable, without any major quirks or issues.

Value Analysis: Repairability as a Differentiator

The value proposition of the Nokia G22 hinges on its repairability. For the asking price, you're getting a phone with solid battery life, a decent main camera, and a clean software experience. However, the display and overall performance are more in line with other budget devices. The ability to easily replace the battery, screen, or charging port yourself, with readily available parts and guides from iFixit, is the key differentiator here. This phone is for someone who values practicality, longevity, and the ability to fix things themselves. It's ideal for users who are tired of disposable electronics or who have had bad experiences with costly phone repairs. If you're after top-tier performance, a stunning display, or a cutting-edge camera system, you'll need to look elsewhere and spend more. Compared to competitors, the G22 might not win on raw specs, but its focus on repairability offers a unique and compelling alternative.

Conclusion: A Solid Choice for the Practical User

The Nokia G22 isn't trying to be a flagship killer, and it doesn’t need to. It's a solid, dependable smartphone that prioritizes practicality and longevity. The excellent battery life, decent main camera, and clean software make it a reliable daily companion. However, the slightly underwhelming display and mid-range performance remind you of its budget nature. The real draw here is the repairability. If you're someone who wants a phone that you can potentially fix yourself, reducing e-waste and saving on repair costs, the Nokia G22 is a compelling option. The bottom line is: if you value repairability and a no-frills approach to your smartphone experience, the Nokia G22 deserves a serious look.