Nokia is now limited to a limited range of entry-level or even mid-range smartphones. The brand relies on the software monitoring of its devices, affordable prices and good construction quality.
Our selection of the best Nokia smartphones in 2023
Like Sony, Nokia has not yet abandoned the smartphone market. The two manufacturers follow totally different strategies, even if they seem linked by a common destiny on this market: that of falling into oblivion despite the great name they bear.
As far as Nokia is concerned, it is now focusing on the entry-level segment with prices ranging between less than €200 and a maximum of €400. The renewal of its catalog is also following a much slower pace. However, the Finnish brand still offers a good base of models to draw from.
Their main advantage is to offer on each smartphone: 3 years of warranty, 3 years of major updates and 3 years of monthly security updates. Nokia is also promoting a more eco-responsible design for its smartphones, which are now designed with high proportions of recycled materials.
NOKIA X30 5G
It is the most advanced smartphone among recent models from Nokia and therefore the most expensive in the range as well. Released at the end of 2022, this smartphone is not distinguished by its relatively banal design but rather by the materials used since 100% of the aluminum used and 65% of the plastic comes from recycling. Nokia also wanted to make a solid and therefore durable smartphone with Corning Gorilla Victus glass and a IP67 protection.
From a performance point of view, the X30 is equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, associated with 6 or 8 GB of RAM and 128 or 256 GB of storage depending on the model chosen. For autonomy, there is a 4200 mAh battery compatible with 33W fast charging. The screen is a 6.43-inch Full HD+ AMOLED panel (2400 × 1080 pixels) with a 90Hz maximum refresh rate.
The photo part is made up of 2 sensors at the back: a 50 megapixel wide angle and 13 megapixel ultra wide angle. Finally, the selfie sensor is 16 megapixels. The smartphone runs on Android 12 and will benefit from at least three years of updates technical and safety.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Recycled and sustainable materials | Entry-level SoC |
| IP67 | Mediocre photo module |
| 3 years of updates |
NOKIA G60 5G
NOKIA G60 at the best price
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Amazon
235.69€
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Rakuten
284.87€
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Fnac
295.99€
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Cdiscount
295.99€
Also released at the end of 2022 and the more affordable version of the X30 with more modest characteristics since we lose the Amoled screen and the aluminum frame. However, the rest of the specifications are quite close to the X30.
In particular, we find the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, associated this time with 4 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage. For autonomy, there is even a slightly more powerful 4500 mAh battery compatible with the 20W fast charging.
The rear photo module includes a 50 megapixel main sensor, 5 megapixel ultra wide angle and a depth sensor. The selfie sensor is an 8 megapixel.
For the screen, we pass on a simple IPS LCD panel. On the other hand, the 6.58 inch size is slightly larger. The definition is in Full HD+ (2400 × 1080 pixels) with a maximum refresh rate of 120 Hz. The smartphone runs Android 12 with the Android One label which means that you have no manufacturer overlay.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Same SoC as the X30 for 130 euros less | Anecdotal ultra wide angle sensor |
| Good autonomy | Disappointing screen |
| Updates to Android 15 |
Nokia X20 5G
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Fnac
349.99€
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Rakuten
399€
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Amazon
399€
Released in April 2021, the Nokia X20 is a 5G smartphone equipped with a chip Snapdragon 480. This is supported by 6 or 8 GB of RAM. For information, it is the same SoC that is found on the Oppo A74 and A54 5G or on the OnePlus Nord N200 5G.
The smartphone has a 6.67-inch Full HD+ IPS display. This diagonal places it between the Galaxy S22+ and the S22 Ultra to give you an idea of the size. The Nokia X20 has a storage space of 128 GB with a microSDXC slot to expand it as you wish. Another interesting asset to note is the presence of a 3.5 mm jack port.
For the photo part, the smartphone has four sensors: a 64MP main module (wide-angle), a 5MP ultra-wide-angle sensor and two other 2 MP sensors (ToF and macro). The Nokia X20 battery has a capacity of 4470 mAh.
The smartphone was launched on Android 11 but is compatible with Android 12.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| premium-design | Performance too fair |
| Good autonomy | Lack of finesse despite the pleasant design |
| Three years of updates | You can find better from the competition at the same price |
Nokia G50 5G
Nokia G50 at the best price
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Fnac
279.72€
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Rakuten
290.23€
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Cdiscount
317.77€
If the design of the G50 is not out of the ordinary, it still benefits from a neat finish. It has a large 6.82-inch Full HD+ screen. It is one of the most imposing smartphones on the market. Under the hood, we find the same SoC as that of the X20, namely a Snapdragon 480 5G. It is supported by 4 or 6 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of internal storage.
The Nokia G50 takes great daytime photos thanks to its 48 MP main sensor. This is supported by a 5 MP wide-angle module and a 2MP ToF. The smartphone has another advantage: its good autonomy provided by a 5000 mAh battery. On the bonus side, you have a 3.5 mm jack port that accompanies the USB-C connection. As for the price, it is located under the bar of 300 €.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| Good quality finish | Limited performance |
| Good autonomy | Lack of finesse despite the pleasant design |
| 5G connectivity for its price | Perfectible screen |
Nokia X10 5G
Nokia X10 5G at the best price
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Fnac
259€
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Cdiscount
259€
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Rakuten
299€
This smartphone was launched at the same time as the Nokia X20, although its name suggests that it is from the previous generation. Both models have a very similar technical sheet, with a few differences. The Nokia X10 has the same 6.67-inch screen, the same chip Snapdragon 480 5G and an identical battery (4470 mAh). They also share the same design.
As for the points that set them apart, the Nokia X10 has 2 GB less RAM compared to the X20. For performance, it will therefore be slightly behind. The photo part of the X10 is also inferior on paper. There is indeed a main module of 48 MP against 64 MP for the X20. Ditto for the front sensor (8 MP against 32 MP). As for the price, the Nokia X10 is easily under the 300 € mark.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| premium-design | Performance too fair |
| Good autonomy | Lack of finesse despite the pleasant design |
| Three years of updates |
Nokia G21
Nokia G21 at the best price
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Amazon
138.69€
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Cdiscount
168.72€
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Rakuten
184.94€
Launched in February 2022, the Nokia G21 is an entry-level smartphone marketed at less than 200 €. It is therefore an ideal model for those who have a very small budget but who are looking for a functional smartphone to manage the most common daily tasks with relative comfort.
The device is equipped with a 6.5-inch IPS display with a refresh rate of 90 Hz, which is not bad for a model at this price. Inside, there is also a chip Unisoc T606 (2 Cortex-A75 cores and 6 Cortex-A55 cores). It is supported by 3 to 6 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of expandable internal storage.
The photo part is provided by a triple sensor consisting of a 50 MP main module, a 2 MP macro and a 2 MP ToF too. Finally, its battery has a comfortable capacity of 5000 mAh.
| The + | THE – |
|---|---|
| nice design | Low performance |
| Good autonomy | Its dull screen |
| 3 year updates | |
| A 90 Hz screen for its price |
Why choose Nokia in 2023?
Change of strategy requires, Nokia has chosen to focus almost exclusively on the entry-level segment in recent months. The Finnish brand no longer seems to be thinking about premium smartphones capable of competing with the best on the market, or even mid-range ones rising to the level of the best from Xiaomi, Poco or Realme.
The manufacturer’s recent models have the particularity of being inexpensive. They rely on assets such as their quality of finish, their autonomy or the software monitoring of at least three years.
These are therefore the main arguments in favor of Nokia smartphones in 2023. If the ecological footprint also plays into your balance when choosing a smartphone, then Nokia now offers models that use a large part of recycled materials.
What smartphones will Nokia offer in 2023?
In 2021, Nokia changed the way it names its smartphones. No Nokia 5.4 or 8.4 as expected. Along with this code change came a new visible strategy. For the past few months, Nokia has only been offering entry-level smartphones, even on the border between entry and mid-range.
The X series is the most advanced. Just behind, we find the G range, then finally the C range. You will find them at prices between 200 and just over 400 €. For less than 200 €, you have the Nokia G21, a thoroughbred entry-level that does not lack arguments.