Nokia G60

Nokia G60 Review: A Sensible Choice in a Sea of Flash

I've spent the better part of the last few weeks living with the Nokia G60, and it's a phone that’s carved out a distinct impression. Coming in at a price point that squarely targets the budget-conscious but still feature-aware consumer, the G60 feels like a considered effort from Nokia. My testing involved the usual daily grind – emails, social media, a fair bit of web browsing, some light gaming during commutes, and of course, putting its camera system through its paces in various scenarios. My initial impression is that this phone isn't trying to wow you with cutting-edge features, but rather aims to deliver a reliable and practical experience.

Navigating the Mid-Range: Where Does the G60 Fit?

The current smartphone landscape is a battlefield, particularly in the mid-range. Nokia's strategy here feels like a calculated play for the segment of the market that values longevity and dependability over fleeting trends. They're not chasing the spec sheet crown, and that's okay. The price point places it in direct competition with devices from Motorola, Samsung's A-series, and Xiaomi's Redmi lineup. My personal take is that the pricing feels reasonable for what's on offer, especially when considering Nokia's commitment to software updates, a factor that often gets overlooked but is crucial for the lifespan of a device.

Design & Hardware: Familiar Territory, Solid Feel

Picking up the Nokia G60, the first thing that strikes you is that familiar, reassuring Nokia build quality. At 190 grams, it’s not the lightest phone I’ve handled recently, but that heft lends a sense of solidity and durability. The "Ice Gray" colorway I tested is understated and professional, avoiding the flashy gradients that are so common these days. It sits comfortably in the hand, and the textured back provides a good grip, mitigating the risk of accidental slips. While the materials might not scream premium, they feel robust and capable of withstanding the everyday knocks and bumps of life. It's clear that practical use and durability were key considerations in the design process.

Display: Smooth Scrolling, Sunlight Struggles

The 6.58-inch IPS LCD display on the G60 is a mixed bag. The inclusion of a 120Hz refresh rate is a definite highlight at this price point, making scrolling through social media feeds and navigating the interface feel remarkably smooth. Media consumption, whether it’s watching YouTube videos or browsing photos, is generally a pleasant experience. Gaming also benefits from the higher refresh rate, contributing to a more fluid visual experience. However, where the display falls slightly short is in its peak brightness. I found myself struggling to see the screen clearly under direct sunlight on more than one occasion. While perfectly adequate indoors, outdoor visibility could be better. The color reproduction is decent for an IPS panel, offering natural-looking tones without being overly saturated.

Performance: Capable for the Everyday, Not a Powerhouse

Under the hood, the Nokia G60 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G chipset. This is a well-regarded mid-range processor, and in my testing, it proved to be more than capable of handling everyday tasks. Navigating between apps, browsing the web with multiple tabs open, and managing emails all felt smooth and responsive. When it came to gaming, I was able to enjoy less demanding titles without any issues. More graphically intensive games were playable, but I did notice occasional frame drops and had to lower the graphics settings for a consistently smooth experience. The phone also managed its temperature well; even during longer gaming sessions, it didn't get uncomfortably hot in my hands. It's not going to break any performance records, but for the average user, it delivers a reliable and capable experience.

Camera System: Versatile Enough, But Not a Standout

The camera system on the Nokia G60 features a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP ultrawide lens, and a 2MP depth sensor. My experience taking photos was generally positive, especially in good lighting conditions. The main sensor captures detailed images with decent color accuracy, suitable for sharing on social media. I tested it in various scenarios, from landscapes to close-up shots, and the results were generally pleasing for a phone in this category. The ultrawide lens adds versatility, allowing you to capture more in the frame, although the image quality isn't quite on par with the main sensor, particularly in terms of sharpness and detail. Video recording is capped at 1080p at 30fps, which is adequate for casual use. Compared to other phones in this price range, the G60’s camera system is competent but doesn't particularly excel in any one area. Low-light performance is where it shows its limitations, with images tending to become noisy and lacking detail. The dedicated night mode does help, but it's not a game-changer. For users who prioritize camera performance above all else, there might be better options available.

Battery & Charging: All-Day Stamina, Moderate Charging Speeds

Battery life is a strong suit of the Nokia G60. The 4500mAh battery consistently got me through a full day of moderate to heavy use without needing a top-up. This included a mix of browsing, social media, some gaming, and watching videos. Even on days with more intensive usage, I rarely felt anxious about running out of power. When it comes to charging, the G60 supports 20W fast charging. While it's not the fastest charging speed available on the market, it’s still reasonably quick, taking a little over an hour to fully charge the phone from empty. It’s a balanced approach that prioritizes longevity over ultra-rapid charging.

Software: Clean and Committed to Updates

The Nokia G60 runs on a near-stock version of Android, which is a major plus in my book. The interface is clean, intuitive, and free from unnecessary bloatware. Navigating the software is a smooth and enjoyable experience. One of the biggest selling points of Nokia phones is their commitment to long-term software updates, and the G60 is no exception. Nokia promises three years of OS upgrades and monthly security updates, providing peace of mind that your phone will stay current and secure for years to come. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is responsive and conveniently placed for quick unlocking. The inclusion of NFC for contactless payments is also a welcome feature.

Value Analysis: A Sensible Choice for the Pragmatist

The Nokia G60 occupies an interesting space in the market. It's not trying to compete with flagship devices, and it doesn't need to. Its value proposition lies in offering a reliable, well-built smartphone with a smooth display, decent performance, and a commitment to long-term software support at a reasonable price. I believe this phone is ideal for users who prioritize practicality, longevity, and a clean software experience. It’s a solid choice for students, professionals who need a dependable daily driver, or anyone who wants a phone that will simply work without fuss. Those looking for top-tier camera capabilities or the absolute fastest performance for demanding games might want to look elsewhere. In the competitive landscape, the G60 offers a compelling alternative to similarly priced devices by focusing on core functionalities and long-term usability.

Conclusion: A Reliable Companion for the Long Haul

My time with the Nokia G60 has been a testament to its core strengths. It's not the flashiest phone on the market, but it excels in delivering a dependable and practical smartphone experience. The smooth 120Hz display, the reliable performance of the Snapdragon 695, and the all-day battery life are definite positives. While the camera system is competent, it’s not a standout feature. However, the clean Android experience and the promise of long-term software updates significantly enhance its value proposition. Ultimately, I would recommend the Nokia G60 to anyone seeking a well-rounded, reliable, and sustainable smartphone that won't break the bank. It's a sensible choice for the pragmatist who values substance over fleeting trends.