Nokia 2.2 Tries To Sell The Idea Of Affordable AI For Everyone

A large portion of today's mobile experience is being driven by AI and machine learning, or at least that's what manufacturers and platform-makers advertise. But while those AI-driven features do sound delectable, unless you're using a moderately powerful and moderately expensive phone, you'd be out of luck. Not quite, argues HMD Global as it launches its latest Nokia-branded phone. Because with the Nokia 2.2, it promises to deliver the latest Android and AI trends in an affordable package. That is if you keep your expectations low.

Take away all the marketing and what you're really left with is an entry-level phone that's slightly higher than most entry-level phones. This one runs on a quad-core 2 GHz MediaTek A22 chip and at least 2 GB of RAM, 3 GB on some models. It has a 5.71-inch HD+ screen with visible but narrow bezels and a tiny waterdrop notch. Storage is at 16 or 32 GB and the battery is a rather measly 3,000 mAh.

The Nokia 2.2 makes up for its meager hardware software features that the hardware can hopefully support. Most of that, unsurprisingly, revolves around AI and Google Assistant. Like the AI-powered camera that will allegedly make miracles with the 13 megapixel f/2.2 sensor in dim light. Or giving the 5 megapixel front camera some AI-powered (and presumably not too secure) face unlock biometrics. And to top it all off is a dedicated Google Assistant button by its lonesome self on the left side of the phone for, well, calling up Google Assistant.

This AI-loaded experience is pretty much what you'd get with Google's pure Android experience, which is exactly what this Android One phone offers. Launching with Android 9 Pie already, HMD Global promises two years' worth of Android updates (Android Q and R) and three years of security updates. Given the company's track record, that's not hard to believe.

At 99 EUR or 6,999 INR ($100), the Nokia 2.2 is pretty much the most affordable Android One phone money can buy. And if the Steel and Tungsten Black color options are not to your tastes, HMD Global is bringing back the famed Nokia Xpress-on covers, available in Forest Green, Ice Blue, and Pink Sand.