The Challenge
Nokia recently challenged me to switch from the 1200 euro Galaxy S10, 5G to the 99 euro Nokia 2.2. I was initially apprehensive about the switch, particularly in regards to the battery life and camera quality, especially in low light.
The Preparation
Before heading to the zoo, I noticed some compromises compared to my S10. The Nokia 2.2 had a polycarbonate finish instead of glass, and the display quality was not as good. However, the phone was still sturdy and the dimensions were a refreshing change.
The Test
At the zoo, I tested the video and photo quality of the phone. I spent 20 minutes taking photos of various scenes and tested out the dedicated Google assistant button. I then downloaded my most used applications and edited the photos using Lightroom.
The Results
The video quality was as expected for a phone of its price, but the photo quality was impressive. For example, this shot was transformed into this one.
The Low Light Test
The Nokia 2.2 was then put to the test in low light at the zoo’s new tiger enclosure. The phone performed surprisingly well, capturing the scene with a good level of detail and clarity.
Unpacking the 99 Smartphone
The 99 smartphone market is a competitive one, with a range of devices vying for attention. I recently decided to take the plunge and purchase one of these devices, in the form of the Nokia 2.3. Unboxing the device, I was immediately struck by the quality of the build it felt solid and well-constructed, despite its budget price tag.
Performance and Software
The Nokia 2.3 is powered by a mainstream-grade chipset, but the combination of a stock version of Android and a few tweaks from Nokia means it doesn’t feel slow. The phone lacks internal storage, starting at 16GB, but Nokia compensates for this with microSD card support, as well as unlimited high-quality storage on Google Photos.
Camera and Battery Life
The camera on the Nokia 2.3 is surprisingly good, producing clear and vibrant images. To test the device, I took it out on a photoshoot with my friend Joe, who is a member of the Misti Whos, a photography collective. We visited a nearby meerkat enclosure and were able to capture some stunning shots with both a DSLR and the Nokia 2.3. The battery life of the device is also impressive, lasting a full day with moderate usage.
Compromises
Of course, there are a few compromises to be made when purchasing a budget device. The Nokia 2.3 lacks a fingerprint scanner, but it does offer face unlocking. I’ve since stopped using the pattern unlock feature, as it’s not as secure.
Testing the Camera
It was time to put the 99 smartphone camera to the test. We decided to take it to the Humboldt penguins enclosure and utilized the HDR mode for all the photos. Despite the phone being relatively inexpensive, the quality of the photos was impressive. To gain a better understanding of the phone, we used the assistant to find out more information.
Display
The display of the phone was also tested. It was a 19:9 HD plus IPS panel, which was more than satisfactory. The resolution was high enough to ensure that nothing looked pixelated, yet low enough to keep the cost and battery life down.
Android One Program
The phone was part of the Android One program, meaning that users would be guaranteed an early Android queue upgrade, as well as an Android R12 update. This was a great bonus, as it ensured that the phone would remain up-to-date.
Tiger Enclosure
We then decided to take the phone to the tiger enclosure. Unfortunately, we were not successful in our mission, but we did get a great shot of a snow leopard. Despite the rush to get the shot, with a bit of editing, the photo turned out quite well.
Switching to a 99 Smartphone
The decision to switch to a 99 smartphone was one that had to be made with careful consideration. After extensive research, the Nokia 2.2 was chosen as the ideal device for the budget. Upon receiving the device, the first test was to take a picture of a giant tortoise. The results were surprisingly good, with no spots of overexposure visible in the sky.
Ultra Wide Camera
The Nokia 2.2 boasts an ultra wide camera, a feature that is rarely found in smartphones under 300 euros. To test the capabilities of this feature, a panorama shot was taken in a giraffe enclosure. Although there was some distortion, the field of view was still impressive.
Testing in Harsh Conditions
The next test was to take a photo in the harshest of conditions – the midday sun. The display was visible in all conditions, however, the tiger enclosure was too large to get a close up shot. Nevertheless, a Lego equivalent was found and a photo was taken. After some editing, the results were satisfactory.
M. and the sun has set.
The 99 Smartphone
Having recently switched to a 99 smartphone, I was eager to explore its capabilities. After a day of testing, I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. Despite its relatively low cost, the phone was able to handle a variety of tasks with ease.
Typing and Viewing
I began by testing the phone’s ability to type and view emails. Despite its small size, the phone was surprisingly easy to type on. The default vibration strength was also adjustable, allowing for a comfortable typing experience. Furthermore, the phone’s screen was clear and easy to view.
Video Editing
I also tested the phone’s ability to edit videos. I was able to edit a variety of videos with ease, using the phone’s 1080p footage. The phone also had a raised awake feature, which allowed for smooth video editing.
Gaming Performance
I tested the phone’s gaming performance. I was able to play a variety of games without any issues. However, more complex titles did require some adjustment in order to run smoothly.
Nighttime Photography
Once the sun had set, I tested the phone’s ability to take nighttime photographs. The phone was able to take clear and vibrant photos in low light conditions. This was a pleasant surprise, given the phone’s low cost.
Low Light Shooting
The 99 Smartphone is equipped with a range of features that make it ideal for low light shooting. An adapter can be clipped onto the device to give it extra stability when mounted onto a tripod. This allows the phone to cycle through multiple exposures to capture a range of light information. The phone works in a similar way to night mode on most phones, but this one does it automatically. With a bit of editing, some of the light information can be drawn out from the shots.
Battery Life
The battery life of the 99 Smartphone is impressive, with 27 percent remaining after 4 hours and 12 minutes of screen time. This is a great result for a device at this price point, and is sure to be a great asset for users who are out and about for long periods of time.
Camera Quality
The camera quality of the 99 Smartphone is surprisingly good. The phone is able to capture a range of light information, and with a bit of editing, some of the light information can be drawn out from the shots. This makes it ideal for low light shooting, and is sure to be a great asset for users who are out and about for long periods of time.
Overall Performance
Overall, the 99 Smartphone is a great device for the price. It is equipped with a range of features that make it ideal for low light shooting, and the battery life is impressive. The camera quality is surprisingly good, and with a bit of editing, some of the light information can be drawn out from the shots. This makes it a great asset for users who are out and about for long periods of time.
Overall, I’m impressed with the Nokia 2.3. It offers good performance and battery life, as well as a decent camera, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
The Nokia 2.2 proved to be a great budget smartphone, with features that are usually only found in more expensive devices. The camera is capable of taking good quality photos, even in harsh conditions, and the ultra wide camera is a great addition. Overall, the Nokia 2.2 is a great choice for those looking for a budget smartphone.
