Nokia 2.2 with Android One brings AI camera tech, edge-to-edge display and changeable covers at a great low price

Nokia has launched a sub-€100 smartphone featuring AI assisted low-light imaging, biometric face unlocking, an edge-to-edge display with minimal bezel, plus the benefit of Android One that guarantees regular OS and security updates.

As one of the entry-level handsets in Nokia’s portfolio, it is easy to assume that the specifications will be low-rent, but the Nokia 2.2 brings a lot of features from more expensive devices to a wider audience.

Features include an AI-powered low light mode, which takes multiple shots from the 13-megapixel camera to combine into a single image with greater detail and less noise. With HDR support, plus Google Lens, it all combines to offer an enhanced camera experience.

The 5.71-inch HD+ display, with 400 nits brightness, is also perhaps rather unexpected. A notch contains a front-facing 5-megapixel selfie camera, which also gives the phone the facial unlocking system that works in lieu of a fingerprint scanner.

Another new feature, which is likely to be welcomed by many, is the reintroduction of Xpress-on covers. These once featured on many classic Nokia mobile phones before smartphones ultimately took over and the rear became a fixed part of the phone.

Covers can be changed in seconds to give the phone a new look and feel, with a range of vibrant colours on offer.

Android One also brings many features like Digital Wellbeing with wind-down mode, and an adaptive battery mode that manages power consumption to get the most from the 3,000mAh battery. It also means the phone is ready for updating to Android Q when officially finished and declared good-to-go by Google.

The Nokia 2.2 is powered by a MediaTek Helio A22 SoC with 2 or 3GB RAM, 16 or 32GB storage, and microSDXC memory expansion. The phone is also dual-SIM with a Cat 4 LTE (4G) modem, along with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2 and a micro USB charging port.

There’s also a 3.5mm audio jack!

The Nokia 2.2 will sell in two colours (Steel or Tungsten Black) from €99. UK pricing and a release date is still to be confirmed.