Best Nokia smartphones

The market offers touchscreen phones from more than a dozen manufacturers, and one of the most popular is Nokia. However, in order to choose the best Nokia smartphone, it is necessary to study all the advantages and disadvantages of the models of interest, which are just considered in this rating. The TOP includes inexpensive, mid-priced and premium devices with small, medium and large displays.

Company description Nokia

Initially Nokia made paper in Finland (1865), but in the 1990s the company switched entirely to making phones. The company has become a leader in its direction, as it produces high-strength, reliable and advanced devices. After the tremendous success of Nokia, some stagnation followed. The first 5800 Xpress Music smartphone appeared in 2008, and the company suffered serious losses due to 46 million defective batteries that had to be recalled.

After a prolonged crisis, the company exhausted its own resources and laid off a significant part of its employees. She needed a partner that Nokia found in Microsoft and its Windows Phone operating system. The collaboration resulted in the Lumia 800 and Lumia 710 smartphones. In 2016 Nokia was sold to HMD Global Oy. Since then, decent devices with quality optics and good performance at a reasonable price began to appear on the market. Now the company's mobile phones are a serious competitor to Chinese gadgets in inexpensive and middle classes.

Best Chinese smartphones

Rating of the best Nokia smartphones

When compiling a rating of the best Nokia smartphones, we took into account the speed of the devices, the strength of the case and the appearance. However, the following technical characteristics received more attention during the selection of models:

• Operating system version;
• Diagonal and screen resolution;
• The number and quality of cameras;
• Built-in memory;
• The presence of a slot for a memory card;
• Wireless interfaces: NFC, bluetooth, etc .;
• The amount of RAM;
• Battery capacity;
• The size and weight of the device.

Among the additional selection criteria, it is worth noting owner reviews, reviews and expert opinions, value for money.

The best smartphones under 15,000 rubles

Best Nokia smartphones under 5 inches

There are not many smartphone models left that have a screen less than 5 inches. The demand for them is due to the ease of use with one hand, compactness and affordable price. If you need an inexpensive but good device without outstanding multimedia capabilities, then you should choose a gadget from this category.

Nokia 1

This is the most budget mobile phone in the Nokia series with a removable 2150 mAh battery. The ability to manually swap the battery is definitely a plus, but having to remove the cover to install or replace SIM and microSD cards is more of a drawback. Modest characteristics are offset by an affordable price - from 3500 rubles. The screen with a diagonal of 4.5 ”, a resolution of 854x480 and large bezels looks decent, but compared to modern gadgets, it looks dull. With a large amount of space at the bottom, there are no buttons there, they are located on the touch panel of the screen.

The size of RAM and permanent memory in Nokia is equal to 1/8 GB. The Mediatek MT6737M processor is also an entry-level processor. These are not very bright values, but they are compensated by the pure Android Go operating system, optimized for weak smartphones, so there can be slight problems with modern applications.The quality of shooting with the camera is not very good - the picture is faded and not so clear, so this model will be, first of all, a good dialer.

Advantages

• You can install a 128 GB memory card;
• Good autonomy - the battery charge is easily enough for a day;
• Availability of Bluetooth-, Wi-Fi-, GPS- and LTE-modules;
• Acceptable speed of the Android 8.1 operating system;
• Easy to use with one hand.

disadvantages

• Screen brightness is not very high;
• Not a lot of both RAM and file memory;
• Wide bezels around the screen.

Nokia 1 is not the most powerful smartphone, and the manufacturer honestly declares this at a price of about 3,500 rubles. However, all the disadvantages are more economical results than gaps in the model. At a modest cost, the phone can be called nimble and ergonomic.

Best Nokia smartphones under 6 inches

New models with a diagonal of up to 6 inches are gradually dying out. Almost all (including budget ones) of them from the 2024 release already come with 5.9-6.3-inch screens. However, all the same, such options are quite compact and comfortable to use, they have most of the modern functions. When deciding which Nokia smartphone is better in this class, it will be appropriate to take a closer look at the three models in our rating.

Nokia 4.2 3 / 32GB Android One

TOP continues to be a budget smartphone with 5.71 "diagonal and HD + resolution. The gadget has a stylish design with a drop-type notch in the screen and good assembly (no backlash, squeaks and other unwanted manifestations), only the glossy back cover collects prints and glides, especially when wearing gloves. An important advantage of a smartphone is the presence of an NFC chip for contactless payments, which is usually implemented in a model of a more expensive class. The device is equipped with a dual 13/2 megapixel main camera and an 8 megapixel front module, so it shoots at the level of competitors in its class.

The Nokia 4.2 3 / 32GB Android One has average performance characteristics, normal photographic ability and a nice design. The smartphone features a fast fingerprint scanner, Android 9.0 One OS and an NFC module. The listed parameters distinguish the model favorably against the background of competitors. I can recommend this option as the first device for a child or for those who are not chasing advanced technologies.

Advantages

• Clean and fast operating system;
• Modern design and small bezel around the screen;
• Support for contactless payments Google Pay;
• Possibility to install microSD for 400 GB;
• Nice 8-core Snapdragon 439 processor.

disadvantages

• Modest autonomy (3000 mAh): with an average load it lasts a day, with games - daylight hours;
• Marked body material.

Nokia 4.2 3 / 32GB Android One is an inexpensive smartphone with a beautiful display, sufficient performance and NFC. The device is a worthy competitor to Xiaomi, Huawei and Meizu in the entry class.

Nokia 5.1 Plus Android One

The Nokia 5.1 Plus smartphone is a mid-range model of 2024. After the reduction in price from 15,000 to 6500 rubles. the device became interesting to buy. The device has a classic design with a bang-shaped cutout. The 5.8 ”HD + 18: 9 aspect ratio bezelless design makes the smartphone a worthy purchase. Competitors with similar characteristics cost about 10,000 rubles. Among other advantages, it is worth noting good performance, participation in the Android One program (the device is the first to receive updates) and the presence of an artificial intelligence function in the camera.

Advantages

• Stylish and ergonomic body;
• Minimal bezels around the screen;
• Acceptable performance;
• 2 main cameras with AI functions are good at photographing and filming;
• Timely software update.

disadvantages

• No NFC;
• You can choose either a second nano-SIM or a 400 GB memory card.

If you want to buy a good Nokia smartphone and not overpay for useless functions, it is better to purchase Nokia 5.1 Plus Android One. It would still have a good battery (not 3060 mAh, as it is now) and NFC, and the gadget would be an ideal device in the budget niche.

Nokia 2.2 16GB

This is a more modern (2019) and at the same time simpler model. In this device Nokia has abandoned the outdated "bangs" in favor of the "drop" cutout.An entry-class smartphone for 6-7 thousand rubles. received 2 GB of RAM, 16 GB of ROM and MediaTek Helio A22 4x2 GHz - these are modest specifications, but they correspond to the price category of the device. The reduction in price is also noticeable in the camera; the gadget has only one 13 Mp module with autofocus. However, the device is absolutely competitive thanks to Android One and a removable battery that can be easily changed on the go.

Advantages

• Compactness (70.56 × 145.96 × 9.3 mm) and lightness - 156 g;
• Stylish design for 2024;
• Rich and beautiful screen;
• No shells, only Android;
• Rear panel changeable;
• Separate slot for microSD card for 400 GB;
• Advanced version of Android OS 9.0.

disadvantages

• The sound from the speaker on the back is muted when the phone is lying;
• Only 6-7 GB of free memory, out of 16 GB as much as 10 GB is occupied by the operating system.

Nokia 2.2 16GB is a simple mobile phone with a nice screen and a decent camera, but without big claims for high performance, autonomy or functionality.

Best Nokia smartphones from 6 inches

This includes the best Nokia smartphones in terms of functionality and performance, which are more expensive than previous positions in the ranking, but still remain cheaper than most peers and use more advanced technologies. People who prefer to get the most from their phone should choose one of the devices presented in this category.

Nokia 6.2 3 / 32GB

The updated version of Nokia 6.2 is ranked in the middle price category (12,000 rubles) and includes as many as 3 16/5/8 megapixel camera modules, shooting no worse than those of competitors. The 6.3 ”screen with PureDisplay technology is very rich and realistic. A modern bezel-less design with a drop-shaped cutout and glass body looks impressive and much more expensive than its price. The presence of an NFC module only enhances the pleasant impression of the smartphone. In terms of autonomy, the model is unremarkable - a 3500 mAh battery is only enough for one day of operation.

Although the characteristics of RAM and ROM 3/32 GB in the Nokia 6.2 3 / 32GB are not impressive, the smartphone works smartly. This is facilitated by a good Snapdragon 636 processor and a pure Android 9.0 operating system, in which there are no additional applications. Complex games are not given to the gadget, but the device copes with daily tasks in full. Owners of this model like good sound in headphones - loud, deep and balanced.

Advantages

• Modern and beautiful polished glass body;
• Three main camera modules with good Zeiss optics;
• Bright and rich PureDisplay screen;
• Pure Android OS;
• There is an NFC module, a fingerprint sensor and a USB Type-C connector.

disadvantages

• The fragility and slipperiness of the case;
• The performance could be higher.

An inexpensive Nokia 6.2 3 / 32GB smartphone is recommended for those who are not ready to give up any modern goods and at the same time have a limited budget.

Nokia 7.2 64GB

The new Nokia 7.2 64GB evokes only positive emotions because of the proprietary design of the case, pleasant to the touch material, familiar ergonomics and a pretty screen. A flat 6.3 ”display without rounding minimizes accidental touches. The company emphasizes the high quality of the 48/5/8 megapixel triple camera, which shoots really well, including in 4k at 30 fps, but it feels like not all the potential is revealed. According to the firm, further firmwares should improve the situation. The 20 megapixel front camera performs well, sometimes even better than the main sensors.

Composite frame Nokia 7.2 64GB (several times stronger than polycarbonate) and reflective frosted glass in the body feel great. They look expensive, are not very scratch-prone and are resistant to fingerprints. The front panel is reliably protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. As a nit-picking, it is worth noting that the smartphone is a bit angular and wide - 159.92 × 75.15 × 8.25 mm, although this is a matter of habit and does not cause strong discomfort even from the first day of use.

Advantages

• Fast operating system;
• High-quality, bright screen;
• Excellent camera performance;
• There is an NFC module;
• Copes with popular games at medium or maximum settings.

disadvantages

• The speed of unlocking the phone by face or fingerprint is poor;
• Average autonomy - in games it discharges in just 4 hours, and in 7 hours - when watching a video.

The Nokia 7.2 64GB is a decent mid-range, capable of taking good pictures even in low light. Its main advantage lies in a pleasant body and screen, in appearance this model is not inferior to the flagships.

Nokia 8.1 64GB

This device was released in early 2024 and can be called the best Nokia smartphone of its time for 22,000 rubles. The main arguments in favor of the device are the presence of flagship features, including the excellent quality of the front and main cameras. While the 12 / 13MP dual module isn't fooled by the low numbers, it can take photos even at night with minimal interference. The model also supports fast charging technology. The smartphone is powered by Snapdragon 710, which allows you not to overpay for flagship chipsets, and get a device with sufficient performance for daily tasks.

The Nokia 8.1 64GB still has a bang-shaped cutout, but considering the design of the iPhone 11, the device looks modern too. The optimal display diagonal of 6.18 "with FullHD + resolution only makes the appearance attractive. The body successfully combines glass with metal, which is why the phone is pleasantly felt in the hand and is absolutely not easily soiled.

Advantages

• Excellent Zeiss optics;
• High-quality assembly;
• Fast response of the fingerprint scanner;
• Advanced audio recording system OZO Audio in video mode;
• The camera captures clearly both day and night.

disadvantages

• Somewhat slippery body;
• Average autonomy - 3500 mAh.

Nokia 8.1 64GB is a balanced mid-range smartphone, which can be compared to flagships in terms of shooting quality, other characteristics correspond to their price category.

Which Nokia smartphone is better to buy

Devices with screens up to 5 inches are extremely cheap entry-level devices that are not suitable for demanding users. Models up to 6 "already have a stylish design, but sometimes they are devoid of contactless payment and are based on low-performance chipsets. The most modern are gadgets with 6-inch screens, which have everything you could want from a smartphone.

Let's give some recommendations on choosing a mobile from Nokia:

• For older people or those who are not familiar with smartphones, the most budgetary device Nokia 1 with convenient control is suitable.
• If you want the most affordable phone with a full range of modern technologies, then it is recommended to buy the Nokia 4.2 3 / 32GB Android One.
• If you want to get the most balanced entry-level smartphone in terms of price and performance, it is better to choose the Nokia 5.1 Plus Android One.
• As a budget but stylish option, the Nokia 2.2 16GB is appropriate. Modern appearance is the main advantage of this model. The device is suitable for those who do not mind waiting for the opening of applications a little.
• Those looking for a smartphone with NFC, a beautiful screen, good performance and a decent camera worth up to 15,000 rubles should choose the Nokia 6.2 3 / 32GB.
• For people who prioritize flagship design, a decent camera, and decent performance, the Nokia 7.2 64GB is fine.
• If you want a top-end camera, but without a super-powerful processor and unimportant bells and whistles, Nokia 8.1 will come in handy.

Inexpensive smartphones Nokia will suit almost everyone, both beginners and advanced users. You just need to decide for yourself what camera quality, performance, screen sizes are satisfactory in each case.