Nokia 2.1 review: Plans | Pricing | Specs

The Nokia 2.1 combines attractive design with the simplicity of Android Oreo Go, and the end result is spectacular value.

When HMD Global gave new life to Nokia in 2017, and attacked the budget smartphone market with a range of Android-based handsets, by and large they didn't thrill us. However, during 2018 HMD has released a number of new handsets at similar pricepoints to last year's models that are just that bit more refined. The Nokia 6.1 was a great update to the Nokia 6, and the Nokia 3.1 improved on the Nokia 3 in mostly pleasing ways.

With the Nokia 2.1, HMD Global has taken that sharp refinement to the real budget end of its range, and the results are excellent for the price.

Design

• Removable back
• 5.5-inch display
• Aluminium frame gives a premium feel

• Read more on the Nokia 2.1's design

  

  Plenty of budget phones have been released in 2018 with a style that pushes beyond a simple black plastic frame, and the Nokia 2.1 really stretches those boundaries. It has an aluminium frame that wraps around in a band, and a clip-on plastic back that is produced in three premium colours. The unit that sells in Australia, which is the model we tested, has a copper frame and blue back. There are also blue/silver or grey/silver units sold in other markets.

  If you remove the rear plastic shell you can access the SIM card tray and microSD card slot; the battery itself is a sealed unit.

  The front of the Nokia 2.1 houses a 5.5-inch display with a 720 x 1,080-pixel resolution. This gives a relatively mediocre 267 pixels per inch count, which isn't stellar, but is essentially in line with what you would expect from a sub-$200 handset in 2018.

  The phone only has a 16:9 aspect ratio display, whereas many competitors have switched to 18:9. However, you might not immediately spot this, thanks to the inclusion of prominent stereo speakers at the top and bottom of the display. This does mean the handset has prominent bezels, but it also gives it superior audio output, which is a big plus if you like sharing music or video with the world.

Camera

• Camera is a notable weak point

• Read more on the Nokia 2.1's camera

  When you build any mobile phone to a budget something has to give, and with the Nokia 2.1 it's pretty clear that this has been the case in the camera department. Reviewing the Nokia 2.1 after my assessment of the Nokia 8110 4G, things could only get better, but the 2.1 is still very much a compromised phone in camera terms.

  
  Blowing out exposure on your shots is something you'll have to get used to with the Nokia 2.1's limited camera.

  It's equipped with a single rear 8-megapixel (MP) camera and front-facing 5MP camera, which doesn't push what you might expect at this pricepoint in any way at all.

  
  As long as your expectations are modest, the Nokia 2.1 is fine as a camera, but don't try and push it.

  Even budget phones have benefitted from general improvements in camera technology over the years, and you can get some decent photos from the Nokia 2.1, but only under optimal conditions.

  

  Challenge it in any way, whether it's in low light, or with complex exposures or moving targets, and you'll end up with some very ordinary photos indeed.

Performance

• Android Go makes the most from a budget processor
• A good match for basic smartphone users

• Read more on the Nokia 2.1's performance

  

  The original Nokia 2 was based on a Snapdragon 212 processor, but for the Nokia 2.1, it's been upgraded to the Snapdragon 425. That's still only a budget processor, but it's one that gives more power to play with.

  Still, you wouldn't call the Nokia 2.1 a powerful phone, and you shouldn't expect it at this kind of pricepoint. Here's how it compares using Geekbench 4's CPU test against a range of similar budget phones:

  The Nokia 2.1 performs exactly as you might expect a phone in its price range to do. As with the Nokia 1, the secret to the 2.1's performance lies in the fact that it's one of a handful of phones available in Australia to feature the Android Oreo Go operating system.

  Android Oreo Go is Google's highly optimised Android variant for very low-power handsets, and it comes with a suite of "Go" optimised versions of popular Android apps. You're not constrained to only using them on the Nokia 2.1 because it can run most (but not all) Android apps from the full Google Play Store. With its moderate specifications, you can expect relatively slow performance and response from most apps, but again that's very much par for the course for a low-cost handset.

  As the phone is installed with Android Oreo Go, it couldn't run 3DMark's Slingshot Extreme benchmark test. Anecdotally, and I'm certain this isn't a shock, this isn't much of a gaming phone unless your needs are very modest.

Battery life

• Great battery performance

• Read more on the Nokia 2.1's battery life

  The larger frame of the Nokia 2.1 gave HMD plenty of space for battery capacity, and it clearly took advantage of that, packing in a hefty 4,000mAh battery behind the display.

  The combination of a large battery and a moderate processor is usually a recipe for good battery life, and here the Nokia 2.1 impressed. Here's how it compared using Geekbench 4's linear battery test:

  The Nokia 2.1 is only beaten by the Motorola Moto E5, but that's a slightly more expensive handset. Neither phone is pushing processing power hard during the benchmark, but both delivered plenty of actual powered minutes of operation.

  In real-world use, as distinct from Geekbench 4's battery test, single-day battery life is easily achievable, and it's certainly feasible to stretch that to two days if you're a very light phone user.

  Charging is done via microUSB rather than USB C, but that's truly a rarity at this end of the price range.

Verdict

• A surprisingly stylish phone for very little money
• Exceptional battery life makes it stand out
• Not powerful, but good for those who just want basic functions

• Read our full Nokia 2.1 verdict

  The reimagined Nokia company stated from the outset that it wanted to bring premium style to a more budget-strapped crowd. Its 2017 phones were acceptable but plagued with minor issues in design and features that left them less compelling than Nokia thought they were. In 2018, it's upped its game, and the Nokia 2.1 is a fine example of that commitment to constant iteration and improvement. It's definitely a budget phone when it comes to performance, but it's a highly stylish one with great battery life, and an easy recommendation if you only need the basics.

  Nokia 2.1 alternatives

  If you're keen on a prepaid phone to use with Telstra, that $149 pricepoint is compelling, although there are some other options. You could consider the Alcatel 1C or Telstra Essential Plus for less than the Nokia 2.1's asking price, although they are lesser handsets. For the same price as the non-locked Nokia 2.1, you could also consider the Alcatel-produced Telstra Superior.

  Nokia still sells the Android Go-based Nokia 1 in Australia for $149 outright. If the larger size of the Nokia 2.1 is an issue for you, this model is also worth considering.

  If you're buying outright, or don't want a handset locked to Telstra, then consider the Motorola Moto E5 which costs just a little more than the Nokia 2.1.

Pricing and availability

Nokia 2.1

A return to form for the Nokia brand

The Nokia 2.1 makes good on the company's promise of premium style at a budget price for its return to the smartphone market, delivering impressive looks and value at a very agreeable pricepoint.

• You can buy the Nokia 2.1 from online retailers such as Catch, as well as from stores like Harvey Norman and JB Hi-Fi.