Nokia’s history is a fascinating one, spanning over 150 years and transforming from a humble paper mill to a telecommunications giant. Here’s a quick glimpse:
This is just a brief summary. Nokia’s rich history is filled with many more details and innovations.
- 1865: The journey begins with Fredrik Idestam establishing a paper mill in Finland. The company is later named Nokia, after the town where the second mill was built.
- 1967: A major turning point arrives. Three companies, including the original Nokia, merge to form the Nokia Corporation we know today. This new entity ventures into diverse areas like rubber, cable, and electronics.
- 1970s & 80s: Nokia dives deeper into communications, developing network and radio technologies. They even create equipment for the Finnish military.
- Late 20th Century: The mobile phone revolution explodes, and Nokia is at the forefront. Iconic devices like the Mobira Senator (car phone) and the Nokia DX200 (digital phone) emerge.
- 2000s: Nokia becomes a dominant force in mobile phones. Popular models like the Nokia 3310 and the Nokia 1100 solidify their reputation for durability and reliability.
- 2010s & Beyond: The landscape shifts. Nokia faces stiff competition and sells its mobile phone business to Microsoft in 2014. However, Nokia continues to innovate in network infrastructure, playing a key role in 5G technology.
Nokia phones are known for their durability, clean software, and battery life
Here are some of the best Nokia phones you can buy in 2024:
Nokia G400: The Budget-Friendly Powerhouse This is a great option for those looking for a phone that won’t break the bank. It has a powerful processor, a long-lasting battery, and a triple-camera system that takes great photos.
Nokia X30 5G: The Future-Proof Choice If you’re looking for a phone that will last you for a few years, the Nokia X30 5G is a great option. It has a 5G processor, a sharp display, and a quad-camera system that can handle almost any lighting condition.
Nokia G60: The Value Champion The Nokia G60 strikes a great balance between price and features. It has a large display, a triple-camera system, and a long-lasting battery.
Nokia XR21: The Simple and Secure Option If you’re looking for a basic phone that’s easy to use and secure, the Nokia N100 is a great option. It has a clean Android experience, a long-lasting battery, and a durable design.
Nokia XR20: The Rugged Choice If you need a phone that can take a beating, the Nokia XR20 is the best option. It’s built to withstand drops, water, and dust, and it has a long-lasting battery.
These are just a few of the great Nokia phones on the market. When choosing a Nokia phone, consider your needs and budget to find the best option for you.
01. Best Overall: Nokia G400
3.8 out of 5 Ratings
The Nokia G400 is a budget-friendly 5G smartphone that was released in 2022.
It has a 6.58-inch 1080×2408 pixel display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. It also has a triple-lens rear camera system with a 48MP main sensor, a 16MP front-facing camera, and a 5000mAh battery.
The Nokia G400 runs Android 12 and is expected to receive two years of software updates. It is available in Meteor Grey color. Users reported that the phone can last up to 3 days on a single charge on moderate use and it comes with a 20W fast charger.
Here’s a short summary of the Nokia G400’s pros and cons to help you decide if this phone is the right for you:
Pros
- Affordable price
- Large display with a 120Hz refresh rate
- 5G connectivity
- Triple-lens rear camera system
- Long battery life
Cons
- Only 4GB of RAM
- Limited storage (64GB)
- Only one rear camera sensor with high megapixel count (48MP), the other two are just 2MP depth sensor
02. Best Runner Up: Nokia X30 5G
3.5 out of 5 Ratings
The Nokia X30 5G is a mid-range smartphone that was released in September 2022.
It has a 6.43-inch AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 6GB or 8GB of RAM, 128GB or 256GB of storage, a dual rear camera system with a 50MP main sensor, and a 16MP front-facing camera. The battery is 4200mAh and supports 33W fast charging.
The Nokia X30 5G runs Android 12 and is expected to receive two years of software updates and three years of security updates. It is available in two colors: Cloudy Blue and Ice White.
Here’s a summary of the key specifications of the Nokia X30 5G:
- Display: 6.43-inch AMOLED, 90Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB or 8GB
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB
- Rear Camera: Dual, 50MP main sensor
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 4200mAh, 33W fast charging
- OS: Android 12
Whether or not the Nokia X30 5G is a good phone for you depends on your needs and budget. If you are looking for a mid-range phone with a good display, 5G connectivity, and a clean version of Android, then the Nokia X30 5G is a good option. However, if you are looking for the best camera or the most powerful processor, then you will need to look elsewhere.
03. Best Mid-Range: Nokia G60
4.0 out of 5 Ratings
The Nokia G60 is a mid-range smartphone with 5G connectivity. It has a 6.58-inch Full HD+ display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage. It also has a triple-camera system on the back, consisting of a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 5-megapixel ultrawide sensor, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The front-facing camera is 8 megapixels. The Nokia G60 is powered by a 4500mAh battery and supports 20W fast charging.
Here’s a summary of the Nokia G60’s key specifications:
- Display: 6.58-inch Full HD+ (1080 x 2408) IPS LCD, 120Hz refresh rate
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 4GB or 6GB
- Storage: 64GB or 128GB
- Rear Camera: Triple-camera system (50MP main, 5MP ultrawide, 2MP depth)
- Front Camera: 8MP
- Battery: 4500mAh
- Charging: 20W fast charging
- Software: Android 12
The Nokia G60 is a good option for users who are looking for a mid-range smartphone with 5G connectivity. It has a large display, a capable processor, and a decent camera system. However, it is worth noting that there are other smartphones on the market that offer similar or better specs for the same price.
04. Best Rugged Phone: Nokia XR20
4.0 out of 5 Ratings
Here are some of the key features of the Nokia XR20:
- 6.67-inch HD+ display
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor
- 4GB or 6GB of RAM
- 128GB of storage
- 48MP dual rear camera system
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 4630mAh battery with 18W fast charging
- Android 11 (upgradeable to Android 13)
- Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
- IP68 water and dust resistant
- MIL-STD-810H durability rating
The Nokia XR20 is a rugged smartphone designed for people who need a phone that can withstand a beating. It has a military-grade outer body and the toughest screen on the market, according to Nokia. It is also water-resistant, dust-proof, and shockproof.
The Nokia XR20 is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor and has 4GB or 6GB of RAM. It comes with 128GB of storage, which can be expanded with a microSD card. The phone has a 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080×2400 pixels.
The rear camera system on the Nokia XR20 consists of a 48MP main sensor and a 13MP ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is 8MP. The phone is powered by a 4630mAh battery that supports 18W wired charging and 15W wireless charging.
The Nokia XR20 runs Android 11 and is guaranteed to receive updates for up to 3 years. It is also backed by a 3-year warranty. This makes it a great option for people who want a phone that will last for a long time.
Overall, the Nokia XR20 is a tough and durable smartphone that is perfect for people who need a phone that can take a beating. It has a good camera system, a long-lasting battery, and is guaranteed to receive software updates for up to 3 years. However, it is not the most powerful phone on the market, and its display is not the best.
05. Editor’s Pick: Nokia XR21
3.9 out of 5 Ratings
The Nokia XR21 is a rugged smartphone that is built to withstand tough conditions.
It is MIL-STD-810H certified and IP69K rated, which means it can survive drops, dust, water, and extreme temperatures. It is also made with recycled aluminum, making it an eco-friendly choice.
The Nokia XR21 has a 6.49-inch 120Hz IPS display with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G processor and has 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. The rear camera system consists of a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP ultrawide sensor. The front-facing camera is 16MP.
The Nokia XR21 runs Android 12 and is promised to receive 3 years of Android OS upgrades and 4 years of monthly security updates. It has a 4800mAh battery that supports 33W fast charging. The phone is available in Midnight Black and Pine Green colors.
Here’s a short summary of the Nokia XR21’s key specifications:
- Display: 6.49-inch 120Hz IPS LCD, 2400 x 1080 pixels
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G
- RAM: 6GB
- Storage: 128GB
- Rear Camera: 64MP main + 8MP ultrawide
- Front Camera: 16MP
- Battery: 4800mAh, 33W fast charging
- Software: Android 12 (upgradeable to Android 15)
- Durability: MIL-STD-810H certified, IP69K rated
- Colors: Midnight Black, Pine Green
The Nokia XR21 is a good option for people who are looking for a rugged smartphone that can handle tough conditions. It has a good display, a capable processor, and a long-lasting battery. However, the camera system is not the best, and the phone does not have a microSD card slot for expandable storage. Overall, the Nokia XR21 is a good mid-range rugged smartphone that is worth considering if you are looking for a phone that can take a beating.
Conclusion:
Nokia phones are known for being reliable and affordable, but picking the right one depends on your needs and budget. Here’s a guide to help you choose:
Consider your needs:
- Basic phone: If you just need a phone for calls, texts, and maybe some light browsing, a Nokia feature phone might be perfect. These are very affordable and have long battery life.
- Smartphone: For most people, a smartphone is the way to go. Nokia offers a range of Android smartphones at different price points.
Here’s how Nokia classifies their smartphones:
- X and G series: These are mid-range phones that offer a good balance of features and affordability. The X series is generally more powerful, while the G series focuses on battery life.
- C series: These are the most budget-friendly options. They’re great for first-time smartphone users or those who don’t need a lot of power.
Other factors to consider:
- 5G: If you want the fastest possible data speeds, look for a Nokia phone with 5G capabilities. However, 5G coverage is still expanding and 5G phones are generally more expensive.
- Camera: Nokia phones are known for their good camera quality, but some models have better cameras than others. Think about how important camera quality is to you.
- Battery life: Nokia phones generally have good battery life, but if you’re a heavy user, you’ll want to choose a model with a larger battery.
- Software updates: Nokia phones are guaranteed to get Android software updates for several years. This is important for security and to ensure you have access to the latest features.
By considering your needs and using the resources above, you should be able to find the perfect Nokia phone for you.
