Nokia 2.2 announced: Interchangeable covers awaken nostalgic feelings
With the Nokia 2.2, the mobile phone brand is harking back to old successful times and offers interchangeable covers and a removable battery for the smartphone. In addition, you can expect the latest software with good future prospects and hardware on the low flame for a price in the three-digit range.
The Nokia 2.2 is supplied in Germany and Switzerland with a black back. You can also buy so-called "Xpress-on covers" with the same nano-textured coating. This is not a cover, as is currently common for smartphones, but a back cover in a different colour. You remove the black cover and attach the new colour. HMD Global - the company behind the Nokia smartphones - has not yet revealed the cost of the interchangeable shells in "Pink Sand, Ice Blue and Forest Green".
Up-to-date Android with update promise
You can expect Android 9 Pie as the operating system on the Nokia 2.2. By participating in Android One, you not only get a clean user interface, but also the promise of three years of monthly security updates and two years of Android updates - that would be Android Q and Android R. Provided the hardware fulfils the requirements. Nokia has already confirmed this for Android Q, but the requirements for Android R have not yet been finalised.
The Nokia 2.2 is not only trying to score points with its operating system and software. There is no fingerprint sensor, but only facial recognition - a novelty in this price range. The unlocking mechanism is said to be secure thanks to artificial intelligence as well as "deep learning algorithms and liveness detection" and cannot be tricked with a photo, for example.
Artificial intelligence is also at your side with the 13-megapixel camera. A "highly developed AI-based low-light image fusion" should ensure good pictures in low light conditions, promises Nokia. Speaking of helpful AI, you can activate the Google Assistant on the Nokia 2.2 at any time using a dedicated button.
Hardware reduced to a minimum
While you get a premium package with the software, you have to accept compromises when it comes to the hardware. The Nokia 2.2 has a 5.7-inch display with HD+ resolution. That's 1512 x 720 pixels with an aspect ratio of 19:9. The front camera is located in a notch at the top of the screen.
Under the bonnet, you can expect the entry-level Mediatek A22 chipset and two gigabytes of RAM. This should be sufficient for everyday applications. However, you should be prepared for slightly longer loading times and not get your hopes up for graphically demanding games or AR applications.
The internal memory is limited at 16 gigabytes, but can be expanded with a microSD card. Without this, the free space beyond the operating system is quickly filled with several large apps or if you take a lot of photos. The removable battery has a capacity of 3000 mAh. A typical size that the manufacturer claims should be sufficient for one day of use.
Price and availability
The Nokia 2.2 will be available in Germany and Switzerland from the beginning of July. The recommended retail prices are 129 euros and 119 francs respectively. <p
When 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.