It’s something Nokia would do. And it’s a little unnecessary because Nokia phones don’t break anyway
During the MWC 2023 event which also happened to have ended today, Nokia featured several smartphones, with the G22, in particular, being user-friendly as it can be repaired with the right tools. There are other budget phones announced alongside it, including the C32 and the C22. And yes, all three phones utilize the old Nokia logo.
Let’s begin with the sustainable G22.
Nokia G22
Nokia has partnered with repair company iFixit to ensure that the G22 is environmentally friendly. By making it self-repairable, users can save huge repair costs and just buy the tools needed through iFixit. According to Nokia’s research, the main reason why users constantly replace phones is that they have some components such as battery swells or broken displays, that are no longer viable for them. This causes them to dispose of their phones which, in turn, has a long-term side-effect on the environment because it adds a number to the already-problematic e-waste situation in the world.
HMD has always been a “black sheep” of most major smartphone companies. They’re always doing their own thing. In particular, their main selling point is sustainability since the beginning. They have partnered with Google to ensure timely updates to their phones by being part of the Android One program. (However, the company recently left after the disaster with the Nokia 9 PureView). Most Nokia phones, even budget ones, could be upgraded to at least one major version of Android.
With most phones, you need to heat the back (even with plastic backs) just to remove it cleanly and safely. Also, to remove the battery efficiently, you need to use alcohol. The G22 removes those two steps, making it more user-friendly to repair.
The Nokia G22 takes five minutes to replace the battery (and take note, this is a phone with a non-removable back). The tools you need are also common, only a SIM Ejector tool, a guitar pick, and a screwdriver are needed. Changing the display is a little more challenging but it’s also rapid, taking only 20 minutes with just a few more tools. iFixit’s repair kit also includes a guide to help you repair the phone easily. If things get too drastic, you can obviously bring the phone to a nearby Nokia service center.
iFixit has already posted an online guide for the Nokia G22.
As for everything else, the phone is your basic budget phone. It sports a 6.52″ HD+ (1600x720px) 90Hz IPS LCD. Its back cover is made from purely recycled plastic while its packaging uses a fully certified FSC Mix material.
It uses a UNISOC T606 chipset paired with 4GB RAM and a choice between 64 or 128GB internal storage that can further be expanded with a MicroSD Card. It also has a side-mounted fingerprint scanner
It has a triple camera system consisting of a 50MP primary camera and a pair of useless 2MP sensors. The front 8MP camera can also take facial scanning even with a mask on, as the company claims.
It has a 5050mAh battery with 20W fast charging on a USB-C 2.0 port. As tradition with Nokia/HMD’s products, the Nokia G22 launches with a fully stock Android 12 that is upgradeable until Android 14 and also has 3 years’ worth of security updates. That’s more than every budget phone could update.
Nokia C32
Up next, the Nokia C32, also unveiled at MWC Barcelona. This phone is a direct upgrade to the C31. It’s not that substantial so one might even call it a sidegrade. However, it has one thing that sets it apart from other budget phones. It uses a glass back so it looks much more premium than it actually is. It is also the first in its lineup to use glass as a material for the cover.
Like the G22, it uses an HD+ screen (1600x720px) measured at 6.5″. It lacks high refresh rates though. This is understandable given its price tag and type. Its battery has a 5000mAh capacity but only charges at 10W this time. It comes with a pair of cameras at the back. The main one is a 50MP camera, the first for the C series. The other is the 2MP depth sensor, which isn’t as useful. The front 8MP camera also has face unlock capabilities. It comes with a waterdrop notch. Outdated, but it’s still common for budget phones.
It comes with 3 or 4GB RAM and a choice between 64 or 128GB storage. Its chipset is the infamous UNISOC SC9863A, a chipset that is one step away from being terrible. It’s only saved thanks to its decent GPU, the PowerVR IMG8322.
It comes with a headphone jack, a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, and FM Radio. So far, no availability is announced in the Philippines but in Europe the 3/64 version starts at EUR 129 (~Php 7.5K). It comes in three colours: Charcoal, Beach Pink, and Autumn Green.
Nokia C22
The third and last phone announced during the MWC event. The C22 is very similar to the C32. Both phones are claimed to have very long-lasting batteries, at a maximum of 3 days on standby. Its main difference lies in the numbers and the rear fingerprint scanner. The C22 only comes with either 2 or 3GB RAM and 64GB internal storage. Also, the primary camera is now down to just 13MP instead of 50MP. Also, the back is made of plastic once more.
In Europe, the phone is priced at EUR 109 (~Php 6.3K). No announcement has been made yet for its availability in the Philippines.
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