Nokia G22 – DIY repairable (smartphone review)

The Nokia G22 is billed as a smartphone you can fix yourself. Well, that is true with its partnership with iFixit Australia which can make available a repair kit, Charge port, Screen, Battery, and Back cover. Any moderately tech-savvy person can do it.

We love the idea, but it should not be the sole reason to buy this device. Do not get me wrong, but this should not overshadow the fact that the G22 is an entry-level, lower-powered, low-priced ($349), lower-speced device.

We tested the same Unisoc T606 Processor in the Motorola e13, and it is almost as slow – adequate for a phone but not a lot else. At least the Nokia G22 runs pure 64-bit Android 12 (and will get 13 and 14), but don’t expect any punching above its weight.

Australian Review: Nokia G22, 4/128GB, Hybrid Dual sim, Model TA-1528DS

Website AU	Product Page
Price	$349 (JB Hi-Fi only)
From	Nokia Online, JB Hi-Fi
Warranty	3-years ACL
Made in	China
Company	See above
More	CyberShack Nokia news and reviews. Note that Nokia did not participate in CyberShack’s review program until 2023.

Deep-Dive review format

It is now in two parts – a summary (the first part) and a separate 300+ line database-driven spec, including over 70 tests to back up the findings. It also helps us compare different phones and features.

We use Fail (below expectations), Passable (meets low expectations), Pass (meets expectations), Pass+ (near Exceed but not class-leading) and Exceed (surpasses expectations or is the class leader) against many of the items below. You can click on most images for an enlargement.

First Impression – Pass

Nokia has a sustainability push – a large part of the chassis is made from recycled plastic. While we appreciate the effort, our research shows that consumers don’t give a rat’s backside about that when buying. Why? Sustainable practices are expected now!

So, Nokia went one better and partnered with iFixit Australia to make spare parts and tools available. We won’t comment on their cost, but at a tad under $100 to DIY replace a screen, you must ask if it is worth it to extend a life of a $349 device.

Ironically, Nokia fitted the device with an 800-recharge cycle battery when most entry-level phones have 300 cycles. That is nearly three times the life – over six years if recharged every three days, as Nokia claims. Is a battery replacement kit necessary?

So let’s stop scrambling to find a USP (unique selling proposition) and focus on the device. It looks well-made, has a three-year warranty, and can be repaired. But under the hood is a three-cylinder, naturally aspirated motor.

Everything is fit-for-purpose provided you remember this is an entry-level device.

Screen – 6.5” 1600 x 720, 20:9, 60/90Hz, IPS LCD – Pass

It is quite readable in daylight with claims of a 500nits peak brightness. Gorilla Glass 3 offers some scratch protection. The selfie camera uses the older style ‘notch’.

Processor – UniSoc T606 – Passable

This is a slow processor with screen lag and photo/video processing lag. It is acceptable for a phone but don’t go trying to open multiple Chrome Browser tabs or play games.

It has 4GB RAM (extendable by 2GB virtual ram) and 128GB storage with a single sim and dedicated micro-SD card to 2TB. There may be a hybrid dual sim/microSD model as well.

The good news is that it does not throttle under load.

Comms – Wi-Fi 5 AC, BT 5.0, NFC – Pass

Wi-Fi 5 AC has a theoretical maximum of 433Mbps. Our tests show a maximum of 262Mbps with reasonable signal strength out to 10m.

As it is not a Qualcomm SoC, it does not have Bluetooth aptX sound codecs, which means you are limited to SBC and AAC with 200+ms latency – too high for gamers. It has NFC.

GPS performance is slow and accurate to 10 metres; the phone takes too long to recalculate routes, so do not rely on it for turn-by-turn navigation at speed.

Phone – for capital city and suburbs only – Passable

As seems typical of UNISOC modems, it could only find the nearest tower, at up to 500fW. It is for capital city and suburban users with good tower coverage.

Battery: 5000mAh and 20W capable charging – Pass

First, we must chastise Nokia for no charger inbox. Sure, everyone should have one lying around, but this market expects one inbox. What you don’t know is that this can charge at up to 20W (PD 3.0 or 9V/2.25A/20W), making charge times tolerable.

• Video loop 50% brightness/volume, aeroplane mode: 18 hours 42 minutes.
• PC Mark Modern Office Battery life: 19 hours 40 minutes.
• GFX Bench Manhattan and T-Rex tests – would not run.
• GFX Bench T-Rex: 636.3 minutes (10.61 hours), 1955 frames.
• 100% load battery drain: 4 hours 43 minutes.
• Idle mA: 350-400.
• Full load mA: 1150-1200.
• 20W charge: About 3 hours
• 10W charge: Over 5 hours

Battery Summary: Reasonable battery life but unacceptable charge times and relatively high load current make this hard to recommend.  It uses too much energy on standby and will need daily charging. These figures are very similar to the Motorola e13.

Sound – Mono – Passable

This is a mono device with no EQ.

• Maximum volume is 80dB (average).
• Handsfree is poor with one bottom mic, no noise cancelling and lowish speaker volume.
• BT codecs are SBC and AAC, but the channel separation and BT volume are average.
• It has no bass, almost no mid, late mid, and early treble for clear dialogue and no mid or upper treble, so the music lacks depth and vitality.

Build – Pass+

Never mind the plastic frame or recycled plastic back; it is well-made. The warranty is a massive 3-years.

The back easily removes using a guitar pick to enable fast battery replacement. It is IP52 – not very water-resistant.

Android 12 with 13 and 14 to come – Pass+

Nokia uses pure Android (like Google Pixel) and offers two OS upgrades and three years of security patches. Impossible to beat for this price.

Missing

It has every feature you need for an entry-level phone. It is a slow performer, and the sound quality could be better.

Camera – Nokia G22

While Nokia touts it as a tri-camera, the 50MP (bins to 12.5MP) does all the work. The 2MP Macro has a critical 4cm focus. The 2MP depth sensor helps bokeh shots because AI is not powerful enough to separate the foreground from the background. 1080p video struggles.

The phone uses Hynix camera sensors which helps to save costs. These are OK for day, and office light photos but not for low light, and video really struggles.

• 1X Day Primary sensor – the colours are natural but lack dynamic range. Good details in the background, shadows, and highlights.
• 2X Day Primary sensor – colours are natural with good dynamic range. The background is getting noisy.
• 4X Day: Primary sensor – pushing its limits.
• 10X Day Primary sensor: Don’t go there.
• Macro: Has a macro sensor but its critical to get a 4cm focus
• Indoor office light: Colours are good, and the dog’s face/ears are almost black.
• Bokeh Depth: Despite a 2MP sensor, it cannot discriminate between foreground and background, so it softens everything.
• Dark <40 lumens: The standard (not night mode) is quite good, with adequate details, although there is too much noise.
• Night mode: Very much brighter and way more detail – way better than expected.
• Selfie: The 8MP selfie has natural skin tones, details, and a range of filters to enhance any image. Best in day and office light.
• Video (we are not video experts): You can shoot at 1080p@30fps. It struggles, and you would be better at 720p@30fps.

CyberShack’s view – Nokia G22 is a competent entry-level smartphone with substantial benefits

As a phone goes, it is fit for purpose. Add the iFixit repairs, warranty, OS upgrades, patches, and it rises above that – an entry-level phone with benefits.

As often happens, Nokia offers less for more, and you must consider those benefits.

At this price, you have

• Samsung A14 5G 128GB $379
• OPPO A78 5G 128GB $359
• OPPO A76 4G – honest, reliable and fast charging 128GB (runout $349)
• Motorola g51 5G – well-priced, well-featured 5G 128GB $349
• Motorola g62 5G – everything you need 128GB $349

You may have difficulty selecting Nokia over these higher-powered, more fully-featured phones.

Rating Explanation – Nokia G22 (74/100)

An entry-level phone that scores about 70 is fit-for-purpose.

• Features: 75 – It has basic features. Loses points due to no charger inbox.
• Value: 75 Other phones using this SoC are lower cost. It depends on whether you consider a three-year warranty, two upgrades and three years of patches worth it.
• Performance: 60 – It is an entry-level value SoC, and you get fit-for-purpose performance. It is not for gamers.
• Ease of Use: 80 – Pure Android and excellent OS and upgrade policy.
• Design: 80 – All plastic is fine – looks like a more expensive smartphone

Nokia G22 4G – detailed specs and tests

CyberShack Smartphone comparison v 1.7 (E&OE)
Brand	Nokia
Model	Nokia G22
Model Number	TA-1528DS
Price Base	4/128
Price base	349
Warranty months	3-years
Tier	Upper entry level
Website	Website
From	JB Hi-Fi
Country of Origin	China
Company	Nokia is a smartphone brand owned by HMD Global in Espoo, Finland. Many ex-Nokia executives run it. Microsoft previously held the brand from 2014 to make Windows Mobile handsets. The G and X series are the sixth generation under HMD and represent a new naming convention.
Test date	April 2023
Ambient temp	20°
Release	February 2023
Other models not for Australia (Don’t buy)	Nokia is often grey-marketed, so buy from JB Hi-Fi.

Screen

Size	6.5″
Type	IPS LCD
Flat, Curve, 2D, 3D	Flat
Resolution	1600 x 720
PPI	270
Ratio	20:9
Screen to Body %	0.828
Colours bits	8-bit 16.7m colours
Refresh Hz, adaptive	Fixed 60 or Adaptive 60/90Hz
Response 120Hz	N/A
Nit typical, test	Not stated (tested 360)
Nits max, test	500 (tested 460)
Contrast	Not stated (tested 1112:1)
sRGB	Not tested but colour accuracy is pleasing enough.
DCI-P3	Not tested as it is only 720p@60/90Hz SDR
Rec.2020 or other	No
Delta E (<4 is excellent)	N/A, but above 4
HDR Level	SDR only
SDR Upscale	No
Blue Light Control	Yes
PWM if known	No
Daylight readable	No
Always on Display	No
Edge display	No
Accessibility	Usual Android features
DRM	L1 – Netflix play HD SDR.
Gaming	Not for gaming
Screen protection	Gorilla Glass 3
Comment	Decent 720p screen – slight blue cast, but you can adjust that. Fit for purpose

Processor

Brand, Model	UNISOC T606
nm	12
Cores	[email protected] + [email protected]
Modem	4G Cat 7
AI TOPS	Unknown – expect around 3
Geekbench 5 Single-core	372
Geekbench 5 multi-core	1350
Like	Used in Nokia G11/21/22/ Samsung Galaxy A03 Motorola e13/20/32 Between MT Helio P70 and Qualcomm SD665
GPU	ARM Mail G57 1-core 650Mhz
Open CL	443
Vulcan	442
RAM, type	4GB plus virtual ram up to 2GB
Storage, free, type	128GB UFS 2.2 (100GB free)
micro-SD	Shared Slot with SIM 2 to 2TB
CPDT internal seq. Read MBps	425
CPDT internal seq. write MBps	253
CPDT microSD read, write MBps	84/22
CPDT external (mountable?) MBps	Recognised as OTG for cut and paste. Cannot speed test.
Comment	Overall the SoC Is fit for purpose, but one or two steps below competitors at this price.
Throttle test
Max GIPS	120963
Average GIPS	119027
Minimum GIPS	114672
% Throttle	No
CPU Temp	50
Comment	Good thermal management

Comms

Wi-Fi Type, model	Wi-Fi 5 AC
Test 2m -dBm, Mbps	-30/262 (it should be 433 maximum)
Test 5m	45/262
Test 10m	-54/234
BT Type	5
GPS single, dual	Single
USB type	USB-C 2.0 480Mbps
ALT DP, DeX, Ready For	No
NFC	Yes
Ultra-wideband	No
Sensors
Accelerometer	Yes -combo with Gyro is very sensitive
Gyro	Yes
e-Compass
Barometer
Gravity
Pedometer
Ambient light
Hall sensor
Proximity	Yes
Other	No
Comment	Wi-fi AC speeds are lower than expected – they should have been 433Mbps. Again typical of the UNISOC.

LTE and 5G

SIM	Dual Hybrid SIM 2/Micro-SD
Active	Only one active at a time
Ring tone single, dual	Dual ring tones
VoLTE	Carrier dependent
Wi-Fi calling	Carrier dependent
4G Bands	B1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41
Comment	All Australian 4G bands
5G sub-6Ghz	N/A
Comment	N/A
mmWave	N/A
Test Boost Mobile, Telstra
UL, DL, ms	22/11/45ms
Tower 1 -dBm, fW or pW	-91/ranged between 300-500fW
Tower 2	No – occasional -105/10fW
Tower 3	No – occasional -105/10fW
Tower 4	No – occasional -105/10fW
Comment	It appears typical of the Unisoc modem. This is a city/suburbs phone only if you have good tower coverage.

Battery

mAh	5000 – claim 80% after 800 charge cycles
Charger, type, supplied	Not supplied but 20W capable.
PD, QC level	You can use PD 3.0 chargers
Qi, wattage	N/A
Reverse Qi or cable	N/A
Test (60Hz or adaptive screen)	N/A
Charge % 30mins
Charge 0-100%	About 3 hours
Charge Qi, W Using Belkin Boost Charge 15W fast wireless charge	N/A
Charge 5V, 2A	About 5 hours
Video loop 50%, aeroplane	18 hours 42 minutes
PC Mark 3 battery	19 hours 40 minutes
GFX Bench Manhattan battery	Would not run
GFX Bench T-Rex	636..3 minutes (10.61 hours) 1955 frames
Drain 100-0% full load screen on	About 5 hours
mA full load	1150-1200
mA Watt idle Screen on	350-400
Estimate loss at max refresh	N/A
Estimate typical use	Nokia advertises this as 3-day use, but we cannot see it. At best, it is two days of typical use.
Comment	Reasonable battery life but long 10W charge times and relatively high load current makes this hard to recommend.  It uses too much energy on standby and will need daily charging.

Sound

Speakers	Mono earpiece and down-firing bottom speaker.
Tuning	No
AMP	AW87 mono
Dolby Atmos decode	No
Hi-Res	No
3.5mm	Yes
BT Codecs	SBC and AAC
Multipoint	Unknown
Dolby Atmos (DA)
EQ	No
Mics	Single
Test dB – all on EQ flat DA off
Volume max	80
Media (music)	78
Ring	78
Alarm	80
Notifications	80
Earpiece	55
Hands-free	Decent volume but no noise-cancelling mic.
BT headphones	Average volume and channel separation

Sound quality

Deep Bass 20-40Hz	Nil
Middle Bass 40-100Hz	Nil
High Bass 100-200Hz	Nil
Low Mid 200-400Hz	Slowly building
Mid 4000-1000Hz	Slowly building
High-Mid 1-2kHz	Flat
Low Treble 2-4kHz	Flat
Mid Treble 4-6kHz	Dip and then recovery
High Treble 6-10kHz	Linear decline to 20kHz
Dog Whistle 10-20kHz	decline
Sound Signature type	Mid for clear voice. Music quality could be better with no bass, no treble and lacking any vitality.
Soundstage	Mono – none
Comment	Suitable for voice but not for music

Build

Size (H X W x D)	165 x 76.19 x 8.48mm
Weight grams	195.23
Front glass	Gorilla Glass 3
Rear material	100% recycled plastic
Frame	Plastic unibody
IP rating	52 – light rain
Colours	Lagoon Blue Meteor Grey
Pen, Stylus support	No
In the box
Charger	No
USB cable	USB-A to USB-C 2W capable
Buds	No
Bumper cover	Yes
Comment	Loses points due to no included charger

OS

Android	Android 12
Security patch date	44931
UI	None
OS upgrade policy	2 OS upgrades
Security patch policy	Three years of monthly security patches
Bloatware	LinkedIn Spotify Express VPN GoPro Quik Amazon Shopping Amazon Music
Other
Comment	Pure Android and 2 OS/2 years patches are among the best. Does try to get you to sign up for HMD Account.
Security
Fingerprint sensor location, type	On power key
Face ID	Yes
Other
Comment

Camera – Nokia G22

Rear Primary	Wide
MP	50MP binned to 12.5MP
Sensor	Hynix HI5021S
Focus	PDAF
f-stop	1.8
um	.64 bins to 1.28
FOV° (stated, actual)	65.4-77.7°
Stabilisation	No
Zoom	10X digital
Rear 2	Macro
MP	2MP
Sensor	Galaxy Core GC02m
Focus	FF
f-stop	2.4
um	2.88
FOV (stated, actual)	67.3-79.5°
Stabilisation	No
Zoom	10X digital
Rear 3	Depth
MP	2MP
Sensor	Galaxy Core GC202cs
Focus	FF
f-stop	2.4
um	2.88
FOV (stated, actual)	N/A
Stabilisation	N/A
Zoom	N/A
Special	Camera App is upgraded from standard Android
Video max	1080p@60fps
Flash	Yes
Auto-HDR	Primary lens, sensor only
	Night mode, Tripod mode, AI portrait, 50MP mode with HDR, Personalized watermarks, OZO surround recording
QR code reader	Yes
Night Mode	Yes

Front – Nokia G22

	Selfie
MP	8MP
Sensor	Hynix HI846
Focus	FF
f-stop	2
um	1.12
FOV (stated, actual)	68.6-80.9°
Stabilisation	No
Flash	Screen fill
Zoom	No
Video max	1080p@30fps
Comment	• 1X Day Primary sensor – the colours are natural but lack dynamic range. Good details in the background, shadows, and highlights. • 2X Day Primary sensor – colours are natural with good dynamic range. The background is getting noisy. • 4X Day: Primary sensor – pushing its limits. • 10X Day Primary sensor: Don’t go there • Macro: Has a macro sensor but its critical to get a 4cm focus • Indoor office light: Colours are good, and the dog’s face/ears are almost black. • Bokeh Depth: Despite a 2MP sensor, it cannot discriminate between foreground and background, so it softens everything. • Dark <40 lumens: The standard (not night mode) is quite good, with adequate details, although there is too much noise. • Night mode: Very much brighter and way more detail – way better than expected. • Selfie: The 8MP selfie has natural skin tones, details, and a range of filters to enhance any image. Best in day and office light. • Video (we are not video experts): You can shoot at 1080p@30fps. It struggles, and you would be better at 720p@30fps.

Ratings – Nokia G22

Features	7.5
	It has basic features. Loses points due to no charger inbox
Value	7.5
	Other phones using this SoC are lower cost. It depends on whether you consider three-year warranty, 2 OS upgrades and three years of patches worth it.
Performance	6
	It is an entry-level value SoC, and you get fit-for-purpose performance. It is not for gamers.
Ease of Use	8
	Pure Android and excellent OS and upgrade policy.
Design	8
	All plastic is fine – it looks like a more expensive smartphone
Rating out of 10	7.4
Final comment	If you ignore the price and accept that you pay more for the Volvo of the smartphone world, it is a decent handset.