The budget smartphone market is bustling with activity, and 2024 has seen a surge in stylish, feature-packed phones at reasonable prices. The Nokia 7.2, priced around ₦140,000 or $88, is one such contender. It offers a compelling package, including a triple-camera system, bloatware-free software, and a design familiar to fans of HMD Global. But in a competitive landscape, does the Nokia 7.2 still hold its own? Here, we’ll explore why the Nokia 7.2 remains a solid choice even in 2024.
1. Classic Durable Design
HMD Global has a reputation for producing smartphones that prioritize clean aesthetics and robust build quality, and the Nokia 7.2 is no exception. Its design features a special polymer composite that is half the weight of aluminum yet twice as strong as standard polycarbonate. Weighing just 180g, the smooth polycarbonate back feels surprisingly premium, rivalling some higher-end models like the Google Pixel 3a.
Practical touches include a power button that doubles as a notification light and a dedicated Google Assistant button for quick AI access. This can be a great help for those heavily invested in Google’s ecosystem, although it might be annoying for users who accidentally press it.
The phone also comes with a modern USB-C port for charging and data transfer, while still retaining the beloved 3.5mm headphone jack, which many budget-conscious users appreciate. Overall, the Nokia 7.2 strikes a balance between modern aesthetics, user-friendly features, and durable build quality.
2. Clutter-Free Software with Android One
One of the standout features of the Nokia 7.2 is its streamlined software experience, thanks to Android One. Unlike many competitors that come with custom interfaces and bloatware, the Nokia 7.2 keeps it clean and simple. As an Android One phone, it receives monthly security updates for three years and software upgrades for two years. This ensures a smooth and secure user experience.
The phone runs near-stock Android 9 Pie with Nokia’s camera app, providing a familiar and intuitive interface with some customization options for photography. Core apps like Google Calendar and Google Photos are pre-installed, freeing up storage space by avoiding unnecessary duplicates.
Looking ahead, while the phone currently runs Android 9, Nokia has assured an upgrade to Android 10, and potentially even Android 11. This means the Nokia 7.2 is future-proof to some extent, which is a significant advantage in the budget segment.
3. Large and Crisp Display
The Nokia 7.2 enhances the visual experience with a large 6.3-inch LCD, which balances affordability and quality. Its 1080 x 2280 Full HD+ resolution supports 1080p content without draining the battery too quickly. Unlike some of its competitors, the Nokia 7.2 offers excellent outdoor visibility, making it easy to use in bright sunlight.
While OLED displays are known for their bold colors, the Nokia 7.2’s LCD provides crisp details and a comfortable viewing experience, thanks to Nokia’s PureDisplay technology. This technology promises a wider color gamut, impressive contrast ratio, and improved color accuracy, making the Nokia 7.2’s display stand out among other LCD phones. User reviews frequently praise the display’s clarity, brightness, and detail.
4. Balanced Performance and Storage
To keep costs down, the Nokia 7.2 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor, a reliable chip seen in other mid-range phones like the Xiaomi Mi 8 Lite and Nokia 7 Plus. While it’s not the latest on the market, it delivers smooth performance for everyday tasks and light gaming. Even with multitasking and games like Call of Duty Mobile at medium graphics settings, the phone handles itself well. Geekbench 4 scores indicate it competes closely with the Google Pixel 3a.
Storage options on the Nokia 7.2 include 64GB and 128GB variants, with the ability to expand further using a microSD card, allowing up to 512GB of total storage. This ensures ample space for apps, photos, and videos, even with the base model. Though the 4GB RAM variant might experience slight delays when opening apps or scrolling through social media, overall performance remains adequate for daily use.
5. Solid Camera Performance
The Nokia 7.2 features a triple-lens camera system with a 48-megapixel main sensor, which offers solid performance for everyday photography. The main camera uses pixel binning, combining four pixels into one for enhanced low-light performance, resulting in vibrant and clear 12-megapixel photos. This technique, common in mid-range phones, ensures better image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions.
The 8-megapixel ultrawide lens captures broad shots, perfect for landscapes and group photos. While some reviewers note that images might lack detail compared to the competition, the ultrawide lens is a valuable addition for those looking to capture more in a single frame. The 5-megapixel depth sensor assists with portrait mode, providing pleasing background blur and enhancing overall photo quality.
Ultimately, the Nokia 7.2’s camera delivers acceptable results but faces tough competition. The Google Pixel 3a offers superior camera processing, and the Realme XT provides more versatility.
Pricing and Availability
You can get the Nokia 7.2 phone in Nigeria through HMD’s Jumia outlet online and other authorized retailers near you. It’s available nationwide in two variants:
- 64 GB: ₦110,000
- 128 GB: ₦140,000
Cons to Consider Before Buying the Nokia 7.2
Here are some points to keep in mind before purchasing:
Moderate Battery Life: The battery life of the Nokia 7.2 might not last a full day on a single charge with heavy use.
Competitive Landscape: The sub-$100 price range offers many choices. Consider what features are most important to you when comparing the Nokia 7.2 to other options.
Dated Processor Performance: The Snapdragon 660 processor might struggle with demanding tasks or experience occasional lag.
Camera Limitations: While the camera is usable, low-light performance could be better.
Limited Customization: The Google Assistant button isn’t programmable for other actions, which might limit customization for some users.
Audio Quality: The speakers may not be satisfactory for speakerphone mode.
Gaming Performance: If you’re a serious gamer, you might want to look for a phone with a more powerful processor.
Conclusion
The Nokia 7.2 remains a solid choice for those looking for an affordable smartphone with essential functionalities. Its durable design, clean software experience, large display, balanced performance, and decent camera make it a good option for everyday use. While it has some limitations, especially in terms of gaming and advanced features, it offers great value for its price. If you’re on a budget and need a reliable phone for daily tasks, the Nokia 7.2 is definitely worth considering.