HMD Global's latest lot of Nokia smartphones don't have 5G, but they do promise to be better about repairability.
Announced and shown off at this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the new Nokia C22, Nokia C32 and Nokia G22 lean towards affordability.
The first cab off the rank here is the budget-friendly Nokia C22. This particular device runs on Android 13 (Go Edition) and a Unisoc 9863A1 CPU. It comes kitted out with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
Screenwise, the C22 has a 6.517-inch HD+ display with a centre-oriented cutout on it. Meanwhile, the back of the Nokia C22 plays host to a dual-lens setup that combines a 13MP main lens (with autofocus) with a secondary 2MP macro lens. Rounding things out, there's also an 8MP front-facing camera housed within the aforementioned notch.
While it's not quite ruggedised, the main sell for the Nokia C22 is that it's both cheap and built to last. While it doesn't have 5G, the handset is IP52 rated against splash and dust damage and comes wrapped in toughened glass. Throw in two years of security updates and the promise of three-day battery life, and there's a case to be made for this as an alternative to some of the other Android-based options playing at this end of the market.
The Nokia C22 will arrive later this year in two colours: Midnight Black and Sand.
When it does, it'll come accompanied by the new Nokia C32. This device shares many of the same specs as the cheaper C22. However, it's distinguished by the fact that it has a little bit more RAM and storage (4GB and 128GB), runs on Android 13 proper, and boasts a 50MP main camera sensor in place of the 13MP one on the back of the Nokia C22.
In Australia, the Nokia C32 will be available in the open market from $249 in mid-May. The device will be available in three colours: Charcoal, Beach Pink and Autumn Green.
Last but not least, there's the new Nokia G22. This modest mid-ranger comes in two colours: Meteor Grey and Lagoon Blue. It runs on Android 12 but comes powered by a more powerful Unisoc T606 processor, up to 6GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage.
On the front of the Nokia G22, there's a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate. On the back, there's a triple-lens camera setup with a 50MP main sensor, a 2MP depth sensor and a 2MP macro lens.
Although the Nokia G22 shares the same 8MP selfie camera as the one found on the Nokia C22 and Nokia C32, these optics come enhanced by a set of image processing algorithms that HMD are called X-Series. This inclusion promises to help the humble hardware on the G22 deliver better low-light results than that of competing devices with the same components.
The Nokia G22 also boasts a slightly larger 5,050Mah battery, faster 20W wired charging, and an extended warranty that includes three years of security updates and two OS upgrades.
Repairability is the other callout here. While the C22 and C32 aren't quite DIY-friendly enough to accommodate an old-school battery swap-out, HMD Global says that it is now working with IFIXIT to make it easier to access parts, guides and standardised tools for the most expensive of the three new devices.
According to the company, changing the battery inside the Nokia G22 takes less than five minutes and can be done using a SIM tray tool, guitar pick or screwdriver. Swapping the screen is expected to take slightly longer at around twenty minutes.
In Australia, the Nokia G22 is set to go on pre-order in late March ahead of an April launch at a recommended retail price of $349.
Fergus Halliday
Digital Content Editor
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