The Nokia G20 is a budget-friendly smartphone that aims to deliver a reliable user experience without breaking the bank. As part of HMD Global's lineup, it carries the Nokia legacy of durability and clean software, but how does it stack up in today's competitive market? Let’s dive into the details.

At first glance, the Nokia G20 sports a simple yet functional design. The plastic back panel has a subtle textured finish, which not only provides a better grip but also resists fingerprints. The phone feels sturdy in hand, and the slightly raised camera module adds a modern touch. Available in Night and Glacier color options, the G20 doesn’t scream premium, but it doesn’t feel cheap either. The 6.5-inch HD+ display is decent for media consumption, though the 720p resolution might disappoint those accustomed to sharper screens. Colors are adequate, and brightness is acceptable for indoor use, but outdoor visibility could be better under direct sunlight.

Under the hood, the Nokia G20 is powered by the MediaTek Helio G35 chipset, paired with 4GB of RAM. This configuration is clearly aimed at light users rather than power-hungry gamers or multitaskers. Day-to-day performance is smooth for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and messaging, but heavier apps or multiple tabs can cause noticeable lag. The 128GB of internal storage is a welcome feature at this price point, and it’s expandable via microSD, which is always a plus for budget devices. The 5,050mAh battery is where the G20 truly shines. Even with moderate to heavy use, the phone easily lasts two days, and if you’re frugal with usage, you might stretch it to three. Charging, however, is painfully slow with the included 10W adapter—a full top-up takes well over two hours.

The camera setup on the Nokia G20 is a mixed bag. The quad-camera array includes a 48MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide, and two 2MP sensors for depth and macro shots. In good lighting, the primary camera captures decent photos with acceptable detail and color accuracy. The ultra-wide lens is usable but lacks sharpness at the edges, and the macro sensor feels more like a marketing gimmick than a practical feature. Low-light performance is underwhelming, with images often appearing noisy or soft. The 8MP front-facing camera handles selfies adequately, though dynamic range is limited. Video recording maxes out at 1080p 30fps, and stabilization is virtually nonexistent, so don’t expect cinematic results.

One of the standout features of the Nokia G20 is its software. It runs Android 11 out of the box, but the real advantage is HMD’s commitment to updates. The phone is part of the Android One program, which guarantees at least two years of OS upgrades and three years of security patches. The near-stock Android experience is clean, bloatware-free, and optimized for smooth performance. For users who prioritize longevity and software support, this is a significant selling point.

Connectivity options include 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 5, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 3.5mm headphone jack—something increasingly rare in modern smartphones. The side-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and reliable, and there’s also face unlock, though it’s less secure. The single bottom-firing speaker is loud enough for casual use but lacks depth, and the absence of stereo speakers is felt when watching videos or playing games.

Key Specifications of the Nokia G20:

Display: 6.5-inch IPS LCD, 720 x 1600 resolution, 20:9 aspect ratio

Chipset: MediaTek Helio G35 (12nm)

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 128GB (expandable via microSD up to 512GB)

Rear Cameras: 48MP main, 5MP ultra-wide, 2MP macro, 2MP depth

Front Camera: 8MP

Battery: 5,050mAh, 10W charging

OS: Android 11 (Android One)

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, 3.5mm jack

Dimensions: 164.9 x 76.0 x 9.2 mm

Weight: 197g

In conclusion, the Nokia G20 is a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize battery life and software longevity over cutting-edge performance or camera capabilities. It’s not without its flaws—the display resolution, slow charging, and mediocre low-light photography hold it back—but for its price, it offers decent value. If you’re looking for a reliable daily driver that won’t leave you scrambling for a charger by midday, the G20 is worth considering. However, if you can stretch your budget slightly, there are better-performing alternatives in the same category.