After the purchase of the Nokia brand by HMD Global, the positioning of the once legendary smartphones changed a lot. At the moment, the manufacturer produces only models of the budget and mid-price segments, relying on long-term support with updates and security patches, as well as, apparently, on the design. Here’s a compilation of the best low-cost Nokia phones (as there are simply no flagship options) to buy in late 2021. All prices are taken from the e-Katalog.
Nokia G10
From 8 890 rubles
- Display: 6.5 inches, 1600 × 720, IPS, 60 Hz.
- Processor: MediaTek Helio G25, 12nm, 4 × 2.3 GHz (Cortex-A53) + 4 × 1.8 GHz (Cortex-A53).
- RAM: 3 GB.
- Storage: 32 GB, microSD memory cards.
- Main camera: 13 MP + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
- Front camera: 8 MP.
- Battery: 5050 mAh, 10 W, USB-C.
- NFC Chip: no.
- Pre-installed operating system: Android 11.
- Support for Android updates: until the spring of 2023.
- Security patches support: until the spring of 2024.
In the segment of up to 10,000 rubles, Nokia is betting on models with Android Go – a light version of the operating system for devices with small amounts of memory and weak processors, releasing gadgets with appropriate characteristics. At this price point, almost the only “regular” Nokia smartphone with full-fledged Android is the G10 – a great option for those who are not going to play games. Thanks to a very economical processor, low display resolution and a large battery, the battery life is very long, this is also emphasized by the manufacturer. Separately, it is worth noting the long-term support for updates – for ultra-budget models this is a very rare advantage, usually they receive a maximum of one update. Of the obvious shortcomings, only the lack of NFC for contactless payments can be distinguished.
Nokia 5.4
From 12 500 rubles
- Display: 6.39 inches, 1560 × 720, IPS, 60 Hz.
- Processor: Snapdragon 662, 11 nm, 4 × 2.0 GHz (Kryo 260 Gold) + 4 × 1.8 GHz (Kryo 260 Silver).
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Storage: 64 GB, microSD memory cards.
- Main camera: 48 MP + 5 MP (ultra wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
- Front camera: 16 MP.
- Battery: 4000 mAh, 10 W, USB-C.
- NFC chip: yes.
- Pre-installed operating system: Android 10.
- Support for Android updates: by the end of 2022.
- Security patches support: by the end of 2023.
Nokia 5.4 is one of the few models to offer 6GB of RAM in its price segment, and this is a significant advantage. Still, 4 GB of RAM may not be enough for active use, especially if you buy a smartphone for years to come. Other characteristics are very standard, the manufacturer did not even skimp on a modern USB-C port and an NFC chip, but still it was necessary to save on something – the processor became a victim, the smartphone uses a rather old Snapdragon 662 and a low-resolution display. The chipset is enough for basic tasks, but you shouldn’t rely on much. However, the smartphone has an eye-catching design – this can be a decisive argument.
Nokia X10
From 23 190 rubles
- Display: 6.67 inches, 2400 × 1080, IPS, 60 Hz.
- Processor: Snapdragon 480, 8nm, 2 × 2.0 GHz (Kryo 460) + 6 × 1.8 GHz (Kryo 460).
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Storage: 128 GB, microSD memory cards.
- Main camera: 48 MP + 5 MP (ultra wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
- Front camera: 8 MP.
- Battery: 4470 mAh, 10 W, USB-C.
- NFC chip: yes.
- Pre-installed operating system: Android 11.
- Support for Android updates: until the summer of 2024.
- Security patches support: until the summer of 2024.
Nokia X10 costs significantly more than the above-described Nokia 5.4, but the difference in price does not affect the performance at all. This model is not much better: a slightly more powerful and economical processor, a larger battery and faster charging, a higher display resolution. The cameras shoot approximately the same, the performance is approximately the same, the screen refresh rate is still the same standard (60 Hz) – the main characteristics are identical. This particular model should only be bought by Nokia fans and lovers of pure Android with long-term support (until 2024, including system updates), since competitors have more attractive options for the corresponding price. But Nokia has no alternatives in this segment.
Nokia X20
From 25 980 rubles
- Display: 6.67 inches, 2400 × 1080, IPS, 60 Hz.
- Processor: Snapdragon 480, 8nm, 2 × 2.0 GHz (Kryo 460) + 6 × 1.8 GHz (Kryo 460).
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Storage: 128 GB, microSD memory cards.
- Main camera: 64 MP + 5 MP (ultra wide-angle) + 2 MP (macro) + 2 MP (depth sensor).
- Front camera: 32 MP.
- Battery: 4470 mAh, 10 W, USB-C.
- NFC chip: yes.
- Pre-installed operating system: Android 11.
- Support for Android updates: until the summer of 2024.
- Security patches support: until the summer of 2024.
If the Nokia X10 turned out to be a controversial model, then its older brother in the face of the X20 already looks more interesting – with a small premium to the price, it has a much better camera and 2 GB more RAM. By and large, now 6 GB of RAM is enough for smartphones, but an additional 2 GB of “RAM” will never be superfluous, especially with a reserve for the future. The disadvantages of the Nokia X20 are the same as those of the X10: a regular 60Hz screen and a weak processor (for its price). The trump card is the same – support for both Android updates and security patches until the summer of 2024.
Nokia XR20
From 38 605 rubles
- Display: 6.67 inches, 2400 × 1080, IPS, 60 Hz.
- Processor: Snapdragon 480, 8nm, 2 × 2.0 GHz (Kryo 460) + 6 × 1.8 GHz (Kryo 460).
- RAM: 6 GB.
- Storage: 128 GB, microSD memory cards.
- Main camera: 48 MP (f / 1.79) + 13 MP (f / 2.4, ultra wide-angle).
- Front camera: 8 MP.
- Battery: 4630 mAh, 18 W, USB-C.
- NFC chip: yes.
- Pre-installed operating system: Android 11.
- Support for Android updates: until the summer of 2024.
- Security patches support: until the summer of 2025.
Nokia XR20 is the most expensive of the Finnish brand’s current smartphones, and … it’s not for everyone. Rather, it is exclusively for those who want an “indestructible” gadget with the usual design of conventional devices, and not an eye-catching brick with a catchy appearance and incomprehensible firmware from little-known brands. If reliable protection against mechanical damage does not play a key role, you should not even look closely at this model – the lion’s share of its cost falls on protection, especially in terms of characteristics and capabilities, it lags far behind conventional devices in its price category. In Treshbox’s review, there was the most correct description: “this is a smartphone not for an office employee or a person at a distance, it is a device for working“ in the field ”that can be stained in fuel oil or earth and then washed under a tap, which is not scary to drop”.
Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
