In this review, we look at what HMD Global is offering differently with the Nokia G60, which abandons their previously released models with under-powered processors – Snapdragon 480 5G – such that when you place those models beside competitors from other brands, it felt like poor value for money.
The Nokia G60 – Quick look
This is Nokia’s latest budget-friendly android smartphone. It’s a mid-range device, so it’s cheaper than the high-end X30. This device is going for about $389, which is about N220k. Here are its specs:
- Body: 166.0×75.9×8.6mm, 190g; Glass front (Gorilla Glass 5), plastic frame, plastic back; Splash resistant.
- Display: 6.58″ IPS LCD, 120Hz, 400 nits (typ), 1080x2408px resolution, 20.07:9 aspect ratio, 401ppi.
- Chipset: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm): Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver); Adreno 619.
- Memory: 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM; microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot).
- OS/Software: Android 12.
- Rear camera: Wide (main): 50 MP, f/1.8, 1/2.5″, 0.7µm, PDAF; Ultra wide angle: 5 MP, f/2.2, 1/5″; Depth: 2 MP, f/2.4.
- Front camera: 8 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/4.0″, 1.12µm.
- Video capture: Rear camera: 1080p@30fps; Front camera: 1080p@30fps.
- Battery: 4500mAh; 20W wired, PD3.0.
- Misc: Fingerprint reader (side-mounted); FM radio; 3.5mm jack.
In the box
The box comes with the device itself. A sim ejector pin, USB C charging cable, an adapter, and instruction manuals.
- Nokia G60 5G phone
- SIM ejector tool
- USB-C cable
- 20W power brick/adapter
- Paper documentation
Design
The Nokia G60 5G is made of a polycarbonate rear and frame made from 60% recycled plastic, which means that Nokia can reuse or recycle it once you decide to upgrade. Despite this, Nokia has avoided making it feel cheap. I think nature lovers would like this.
In terms of hardware, the Nokia G60 5G is equipped with a Snapdragon 775G processor, 6GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage. It also supports 5G connectivity, which allows for faster download and upload speeds and improved overall network performance.
There’s no unwanted flex to the aft panel, where you ’ll find the main cameras. The primary wide camera has a 50MP detector and an f/1.8 lens, while the 5MP ultrawide unit has an f/2.2 lens and fixed focus. There’s a 2MP f/2.4 depth detector and an LED flash. The frame feels firm, and at 190g, it has some heft, too.
Its front feel boasts a6.58- inch 1080p IPS screen with an adaptive refresh rate of 120Hz, which means that it’ll go to the maximum 120Hz when you engage with the screen and return to 60Hz when you’re not.
The 390 nits of brilliance on display are enough, yet not bedazzling. The panel’s brilliance is increased by an fresh boost in bus mode, reaching 440 nits in direct sun. The 8MP selfie camera is housed in a waterdrop notch, girdled by Gorilla Glass 5 and has a slightly thicker bottom bezel.
A power button with a erected– in point scanner is coming to a two- stage volume button on the right. On the phone’s left side is a mongrel binary SIM and microSD card niche that allows you to use two cards contemporaneously.
On top of the G60 is a secondary microphone, while on the bottom is the G60’s sole speaker and USB- B connector.
Read also: BUYING GUIDE: Find out which Galaxy Best Samsung phones
Software
Given the promise of three years of security upgrades, the Nokia G60’s use of Android 12 with a now-outdated August security patch is not very remarkable. For those unaware, HMD’s “3-3-3” pledge for the Nokia smartphone line-up refers to three years of OS upgrades, security patches, and warranties.
But then, it fulfils one end of the promise. Nokia backs it with up to 3 more Android version updates. So if you get this device, you are suitable for Android 13, 14, and 15. It also has 5G support, allowing you to surf the internet at a blistering speed.
The Nokia G60 packs a Snapdragon 695 chipset with 6GB of RAM. The device runs well with little to no hiccups and slowdown. The UI and overall appearance are close to stock Android.
G60 5G comes with stock android, so you have pre-loaded apps like the Google suite and others like Netflix.
In terms of software, the Nokia G60 5G runs on the latest version of Android 11, with a clean and minimal interface that is free of bloatware. This provides a smooth and streamlined user experience.
Camera
This device has a rear camera set up with a wide (main) 50 MP camera sensor, an ultra-wide angle sensor of 5 MP, and a depth sensor of 2 MP (for your portrait shots). It doesn’t come with optical image stabilization, but you can get decent shots for the price range with the device.
In terms of cameras, the Nokia G60 5G has a triple camera setup that includes a 64-megapixel primary sensor, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide sensor, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The camera performance is reportedly good, with sharp and detailed photos even in low-light conditions.
The images I got offer full details and nice contrast. This is quite good compared to some of its competitors. Also, the night mode helps it deal with the struggle of shooting in the dark, but it’s not bad.
In video mode, you can only shoot 1080p at about 30 to 60 fps, which is decent as long as you shoot in good lighting. You won’t be able to get a 4K video out of it.
The selfie camera comes with 8 MP, f/2.0. It does very well and takes excellent pictures outdoors with good lighting. However, indoor and night shots might look soft and grainy. Not forgetting the Tripod Mode, which will detect if the phone’s on a stable surface and let the Night Mode run a bit longer for a brighter exposure.
Battery life
The Nokia G60 comes with a respectable 4,500mAh battery. Even when some of its rivals have about 5,000mAh batteries, we do not think there is any need to worry about the G60. We can confirm you would get a full day of use on the device, including about 6-8 hrs of mixed-use, streaming, gaming, media duties, and even web surfing.
Wrap-up
There you go! Putting it all together, we can say that the Nokia G60 is a pretty decent smartphone, and it won’t cause its eventual owners many problems.
To the moment and question you’ve been anticipating an answer for: Is it worth its original price of €350, about N220k?
Compared to its competitors, like Samsung, Redmi, and Oppo and their performances, it doesn’t perform poorly. It’s a decent buy for a mid-range device, as it packs the necessities.
So depends on what you are looking for. If you value longevity and performance over the best camera or screen, you should consider it.
the Nokia G60 5G is a no-frills, solid smartphone that offers good value for its price. Its main selling points are its 5G connectivity, good cameras, and clean software experience.
Credit: https://technext.ng/
