Nokia 2.4 is the fourth device in the Nokia 2 series of phones, launched in 2017, by HMD Global. It was first unveiled in September this year.

It's a budget smartphone that keeps things simple, focuses on a clean Android experience, and aims to appeal to most casual users barring the power users who prefer more horsepower under the hood.

HMD Global prefers to stay away from that lane as it is tough competing with Chinese smartphone players who offer a better specifications sheet at any price point. The direction, though understandable, has made things difficult for the company as it struggles for market share, as well as mind share, against the likes of Xiaomi and Realme.

I spent some time with the phone ahead of its launch in India, and here are my first impressions of the Nokia 2.4 along with a quick overview.

Specifications

Operating System: Android 10 | Android 11 ready
Processor: MediaTek Helio P22
RAM: 2GB/3GB
Storage: 32GB/64GB | expandable up to 512GB using Micro SD card
Display: 6.5-inch HD+ (1600 x 720) | 20:9 aspect ratio
Front Camera: 5MP FF f/2.4 3P lens
Rear Camera: 13MP f/2.2 5P lens | 2M depth-sensing | Single LED Flash
Connectivity: 802.11 b/g/n, BT 5.0, GPS/AGPS+GLONASS+Beidou, Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer (G-sensor)
Battery: 4500mAh | 5V/1A charging (Micro USB)
Dimensions: 165.85 x 76.30 x 8.69 mm | 189g

Design

Nokia 2.4 is a large phone, no doubt about it. You either like it or not; one-handed usage is a no-go. Most people who watch a lot of streaming videos or indulge in gaming usually appreciate a larger display. That said, a lot of screen estate is wasted with thicker bezels around the display. There's also the usual chin with the Nokia logo - even though it takes away from the screen, I like it because it aids ergonomics of placing fingers on the keyboard. The good thing is that it isn't too heavy, which is pretty good for a large-ish smartphone. It's also quite thin and sleek, which helps the aesthetics.

It sports the typical Nokia design that is reflective of Scandinavian ethos. The textured back with a gradient color is a nice touch on a polycarbonate body and also makes the phone less slippery and nice to grip. It's a well-designed smartphone and the build quality is quite assuring.

Nokia 2.4 boasts of a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a teardrop notch. The lack of Full HD resolution is understandable in the price segment, but the display isn't the brightest one. Outdoors, it looks a bit dull.

Performance

The Nokia 2.4 is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 processor with 3GB of RAM. There's 64GB of internal storage which is expandable up to 512GB via a microSD card. In some markets, there's also a 2GB + 32GB variant.

Nokia 2.4 is clearly not for those who want that extra horsepower in their device. If you go in with modest expectations, it serves well for casual use - the usual messaging, internet browsing, social media, news consumption, etc. Don't expect any gaming prowess as well.

The 4,500mAh battery with Nokia's Adaptive Battery Technology gives it an extended battery life and is one of the highlights of the device. But the lack of a USB Type-C port and any fast charging is a disappointment. While the battery life might be good, charging that big battery from 0 to 100% is arduous.

Camera

Nokia 2.4 comes with a dual-camera setup at the back - there's a 13MP primary sensor and a 2MP depth sensor - placed nicely along the center, along with an LED flash. In the front, there's a 5MP selfie camera.

In the limited time that I spent with the smartphone, the few shots I clicked were inconsistent. It's a budget phone, so I only have serviceable expectations. The portraits come out fine if the focus is right and the night shots too are okay. Of course, I'll have to explore it more to pass any judgment.

Software

Like the entire portfolio of Nokia phones by HMD Global, the Nokia 2.4 is also an Android One smartphone. It means that the phone offers a clean, stock Android experience. This clean experience also means that there are no bells and whistles as offered by other smartphone brands, some of which are often handy additions to one's smartphone experience.

While Nokia 2.4 ships with Android 10, it comes with the assurance of two Android updates (which means that Android 11 and Android 12 will be made available) and monthly security updates for three years. This commitment of Nokia phones is quite appealing if you care about updates (which you should!) and buy phones for long-term usage.

Conclusion

Nokia 2.4 is an affordable smartphone that banks on its utilitarian design and build quality along with a reliable, up-to-date Android experience.

In India, Nokia 2.4 is available in three color variants - Dusk, Fjord, and Charcoal - and priced at ₹10,399 ($140). For many evolved users, it might be an underpowered smartphone at this price, but for a lot of casual users, a no-nonsense experience is more important than what's under the hood. Nokia 2.4 does not have a unique selling proposition but aims to convince users of its practical value.

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