Nokia 2.3 Review: Budget but Brilliant!

by Samantha Watson
January 20, 2020
3 min read

Succeeding the Nokia 2.2, the Nokia 2.3 boasts a sleeker design, bigger battery, an extra camera sensor and improved internals.

At under £100, this is truly an entry level device and yet offers a host of specifications that are usually reserved for more expensive devices.

Nokia 2.3 | £99.98 inc-VAT

Design/Display

The Nokia 2.3 is an entry-level device through and through, but despite this, boasts a stunning 6.2-inch HD+ IPS display with a 720 x 1520-pixel resolution at 271ppi and a 19:9 aspect ratio. Colour reproduction isn’t half bad and watching media playback is a generally enjoyable experience.

Despite having noticeable bezels, the Nokia 2.3 also houses a waterdrop notch which allows for an 80.7% screen-to-body ratio. This might seem like a strange inclusion given the size of the chin, but it didn’t interfere with my experience one bit.

The 3D nano-textured polymer casing is also really unique. It fits securely in the hand and gives for a stunning finish like no other. Couple this with a high precision diecast aluminium chassis and you get the rigidity and reliability that you’ve probably come to expect of Nokia devices. Indeed, the device weighs 183g overall, with dimensions of 157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7mm. The volume rocker and power buttons are conveniently located to the right, whilst there is a Google Assistant button on the opposite side.

6.2-inch HD+ IPS display
720 x 1520-pixel resolution
271-pixels per inch
19:9 aspect ratio
80.7% screen-to-body ratio
Weight: 183g
157.7 x 75.4 x 8.7mm

Camera

Succeeding the Nokia 2.2, HMD Global have added another camera sensor, for a dual-lens rear setup that consists of a 13MP main lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor. Advanced structural engineering made it possible to sit the lenses within a metal ring, rather than having them protrude from the casing, so that should help with protection from scratches.

On the whole, shots are generally very impressive, with good levels of colour reproduction and crisp detail.

The Nokia 2.3 also utilises a host of AI smarts for a range of cool features. ‘Recommended Shots’ is my favourite of these and snaps extra shots both before and after the shutter is pressed, before automatically recommending the best one.

The added camera lens also allows for improved portrait photography, with a variety of bokeh effects available. These include Classic, Butterfly, Heart and Star-Shaped and object separation isn’t half bad for a device at this price point. You can then use Google Photos to adjust the blur after the shot has been taken.

If selfies are more your thing, then the Nokia 2.3 has a 5MP front camera with an f/2.4 aperture. This is also a wide-angle lens, making it perfect for fitting everybody into those big group selfies. This front sensor is similarly utilised in HMD’s Biometric Face Unlock tech for enhanced security.

Alongside this, you can record video at 1080p @ 30fps.

13MP main sensor; f/2.2 aperture
2MP depth sensor
Improved portrait photography
5MP front camera; f/2.4 aperture
1080p video @ 30fps

Performance

Undoubtedly one of the Nokia 2.3’s biggest attractions is that it runs Android One; a pure Android experience that offers a clean and responsive interface without any unnecessary bloatware. With this, you are guaranteed software upgrades for 2 years and monthly security updates for 3 years, as well as an imminent upgrade to Android 10 promised.

The quad-core Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 Processor, coupled with 2GB RAM is probably what you’d expect of this kind of device, however I didn’t have any issues with basic and day-to-day tasks. But, if you’re a keen mobile gamer, then this probably isn’t the smartphone for you.

The 4,000mAh battery is similarly impressive, with AI Adaptive Battery technology that should allow you to use the device for up to 2 full days without needing a charge. 5W charging isn’t the fastest, but you do have to remember that this is an entry-level device.

Alongside this, you’re looking at 32GB of internal storage with support for a microSD card up to 400GB. A Nano-SIM card is also accepted, whilst the device has a 3.5mm headphone jack and a micro-USB port. There isn’t support for NFC, but all other standard connectivity support is provided.