Nokia G22: This smartphone should be easy to repair
27.2.2023
Translation: machine translated
Nokia focusses on sustainability. Repair instructions and spare parts for the entry-level Nokia G22 smartphone are available from iFixit.
At the Mobile World Congress, Nokia announced its cooperation with the repair specialists from iFixit. However, the start with the Nokia G22 is not very glamorous.
Battery replacement in a self-experiment
Except for a few details and the lack of cooperation with iFixit, the Nokia G22 is the Nokia G21. Spare parts and repair instructions for the new smartphone are available from iFixit. A new display, for example, costs around 50 euros and a new battery around 25 euros.
I was able to try out the new repair kit myself at the 2023 Mobile World Congress. Nokia says that it takes 20 minutes for inexperienced users to replace the battery. Opening the casing works perfectly with a plectrum-shaped tool. However, I still have to loosen two screws inside, which is just as tricky as disconnecting two cables afterwards.
In addition, the battery is still glued in place. Although not impossible to remove, the amount of force required to loosen it is still unnecessarily high. It should be easier with the series models. However, Nokia cannot yet completely dispense with the adhesive.
Plugging the cables back in correctly and screwing the screws back in requires dexterity, but is not impossible. If the repair is carried out correctly and, above all, the housing is closed, the Nokia G22 should even retain its IP54 certification for splash protection.
Economical features
The 6.52-inch LCD screen has an HD+ resolution and a maximum refresh rate of 90 hertz. Behind it are the Unisoc T606 and four gigabytes of RAM. The internal memory is 64 or 128 gigabytes and can be expanded with a microSD card.
Of the three cameras on the back, only the main camera with 50 megapixels is likely to be useful. The depth of field camera only provides additional data for blurred portrait shots. Macro cameras with two megapixels have never had good image quality.
According to Nokia, the 5000 mAh battery should last up to three days. This speaks in favour of hardware that consumes little energy or the manufacturer assumes that the smartphone will not be used that intensively.
The Nokia G22 comes with Android 12 and is set to receive two major system updates - Android 13 and 14, although Android 13 is already available and should already be installed. The smartphone will receive monthly security updates for three years.
The recommended retail price for the Nokia G22 is 179 euros or 179 francs.
Spare parts and instructions are not enough
The good idea with the spare parts and instructions for home repairs has a flaw, however: with its hardware features and short update period, the Nokia G22 is hardly an invitation to be used for years to come.
Jan Johannsen
Senior Editor
Jan.Johannsen@galaxus.deWhen I was but a young student, I'd sit in my friend's living room with all my classmates and play on his SuperNES. Since then I've had the opportunity to test out all the newest technology for you. I've done reviews at Curved, Computer Bild and Netzwelt, and have now arrived at Galaxus.de.
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