Nokia C2 Review: Nokia C2 is already selling in the Kenyan local market. The phone is among the budget phones that HMD Global has been trying to push in this market and it’s currently selling on Masoko at a discounted price of Ksh.7,499.
HMD launched the Nokia C2 in the country in May this year at a recommended retail price of Ksh.8,199. The device is a considerable upgrade from the 3G enabled C1, as it comes with 4G support. It features a 5.7-inch HD+ screen along with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded up to 64GB via microSD card.
The Nokia C2 is an Android Go device and with it, HMD Global is trying to make sure more people are able to have the smartphone experience. During the launch, Gopher Ogembo, Senior Business Manager East Africa, HMD Global said, “One of our main objectives is to bring great smartphone experiences to as many fans as possible across different price points. We know that people are looking for a reliable way to upgrade to a 4G smartphone experience.”
We already did the unboxing video for you which you can watch below (Remember to also subscribe to the channel to ensure you don’t miss out on future videos).
The Nokia C2 features a 5.7-inch HD+ screen with no display notches or cutouts present, 71.6 percent of screen to body ratio, 18:9 aspect ratio, and 282 ppi density
Well, the device definitely has a budget feel looking at the design.
At the rear there’s a solo 5-megapixel camera with LED flash, while the front-facing camera also comes with 5 megapixels. From the size of the megapixels, you can already tell that the phone is really not the best camera smartphone; remember this is a budget phone.
It features a plastic back, and plastic frame, just to accommodate the price. Body dimensions are 154.8 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm and it weighs 161 grams. It comes in two color options – cyan and black. Our review unit was black.
he device comes pre-loaded with the Android Pie version of Android Go — the stripped-back OS designed for emerging markets. You’re getting all the Go Apps – Gmail Go, Google Go, Gallery Go among others. Remember Android Go is basically a stripped down version of Android designed to run on entry-level smartphones with 1GB or less. It is fine-tuned for devices with specific hardware configurations. The pre-installed Go are all smaller in size and consume less data as well as space so you shouldn’t really be worried about the performance of this device. You will still be able to get a smooth Android experience with the Nokia C2.
The phone runs on the 64-bit Unisoc chipset. The CPU is Quad-core 1,4 GHz and works alongside the GPU for graphic displays in the device.
Storage space on the device is very minimal at 1 GB RAM paired with 16 GB internal storage. Well 16GB means you really need to make use of the space wisely or even discreetly. Good thing however is that this storage can be increased with a microSD card up to 64 GB.
Connectivity options on the Nokia C2 include 4G, a 3.5mm jack, and FM radio. The device also features a Google Assistant button.
The Nokia C2 is powered by a removable 2800 mAh Li-Ion battery – the reason the device is lightweight and it does a pretty good job. There is no fast charging or wireless charging for the smartphone, just what you would expect from any budget phone. However, it may offer some good backing because of the scanty features the device comes with. The battery can last you a full day without being worried about running out juice.
As earlier mentioned, the Nokia C2 might not be the best camera phone but could really serve as an ideal backup. It features a 5-megapixel camera at the rear with LED flash. The selfie camera is also a single 5-megapixels and the apertures are able to produce 720p videos.
We will have a separate short article with sample shots taken during our short Nokia C2 Review period.
Nokia C2 Full Specs
Check out the full specifications below:
| Display | Type | IPS LCD |
| Size | 5.7 inches, (~71.6% screen-to-body ratio) | |
| Resolution | 720 x 1440 pixels, 18:9 ratio (~282 ppi density) | |
| Protection | N/A | |
| Platform | OS | Android 9 Pie (GO Edition) |
| Chipset | Unisoc processor (28nm) | |
| CPU | Quad-core 1.4GHz | |
| GPU | N/A | |
| Network | Technology | 2G,3G, 4G LTE |
| Memory | RAM | 1GB |
| ROM | 16GB | |
| MicroSD card Slot | Yes, up to 64 GB | |
| Camera | Selfie | 5 MP |
| Rear | Single: 5 MP, f/2.2 | |
| Features | HDR, Autofocus, LED flash | |
| Video | Up to 720p @ 30fps | |
| Battery | 2800 mAh (removable) | |
| Other features | Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm headphone jack, Micro USB (USB 2.0), Dedicated Google Assistant Button, Dual SIM and Single SIM models, | |
| Colors | Cyan, Black | |
| Sensors | Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer (G-sensor) | |
| Weight | Approx. 161 g | |
| Measurements | 154.8 x 75.6 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.98 x 0.35 in) |
Conclusion
So here is the thing, you can’t really compare the Nokia C2 to even mid-range phones. It’s an Android Go device whose core focus is to get people online and on Google in the cheapest way possible.
Nokia C2’s main appeal, of course, is the budget price, which comes with a lite Android experience. The phone costs Ksh.7,999 and is available at Masoko.
In the words of Gopher Ogembo, ”Complementing the popular Nokia C1, with the Nokia C2 we deliver on our commitment to creating quality devices you can trust, while offering a more accessible path to 4G for selected markets.’’
The Nokia C2 is definitely a budget phone we could give a try. You can buy it on Masoko here.
Have anything to add to our Nokia C2 Review article? Leave us a comment in the comments section below. Follow us on Telegram, Twitter, Facebook or subscribe to our weekly newsletter to ensure you don’t miss out on any future updates.
