Can the Nokia G22 actually be repaired in 5 minutes? We examined to search out out | Impulse Tech

HMD World introduced three new Nokia telephones at MWC 2023, together with two entry-level C-series units and, most curiously, the Nokia G22. This low cost cellphone guarantees to be simpler to restore than nearly some other cellphone available on the market at this time.

In keeping with HMD, altering the Nokia G22’s battery ought to take simply 5 minutes, whereas the extra sophisticated job of changing the display can take as much as 20 minutes. We obtained hands-on and put their “QuickFix” repairability claims to the check: is it actually as trivial as the corporate suggests?

We already count on Nokia telephones to final a very long time due to their software program help, though HMD’s improve insurance policies aren’t fairly as spectacular as earlier than. These newest fashions provide three years of assured month-to-month safety updates and two full working system updates, which lags behind trade leaders like Samsung. Nonetheless, HMD is taking a distinct method to its “constructed to last more” promise. The Nokia G22 not solely options strong and sustainable supplies, however has additionally been designed to make DIY repairs straightforward for everybody.

DIY repairs are naturally a bit cheaper because you solely want to purchase the mandatory substitute components and instruments, nevertheless it additionally saves the time it takes to ship your cellphone or take it to a retailer. As a substitute, HMD has partnered with iFixit to make sure instruments, components and guides can be found wherever Nokia telephones are bought. Shows and batteries are the components that the majority usually must be changed, so the 2 firms have lowered the steps you are taking for these repairs by round 50%. Not like most trendy smartphones, the Nokia G22 doesn’t must be heated to take away the again cowl, and alcohol just isn’t required to take away the battery.

battery substitute

With simply the iFixit Important Toolkit and a information that can be out there on the iFixit website, I began to vary the battery on the Nokia G22. All I wanted was a blue opening choose, a Phillips screwdriver, pliers, and the enjoyable spudger.

Earlier than starting any cellphone restore, there’s Two vital steps you could comply with:

1. Discharge the battery beneath 25% (this reduces the danger of fireplace in case you unintentionally injury the battery)
2. flip off the cellphone

As soon as you’ve got accomplished that, you may safely proceed. Take away the SIM tray to disclose a small notch between the display and the body; that is the place it’s best to insert the choose. Push it in and you may slide it down the facet of the body to launch the plastic clips that maintain the again cowl to the physique. Do the identical for all 4 sides and you’re able to take away the again cowl. This requires some warning because the fingerprint scanner within the energy button is linked to the motherboard by way of a cable; that you must open it gently like a guide. Earlier than you may unplug this, there is a single screw that you must take away. You’ll be able to then use the tweezers to pry up the small metallic bracket earlier than utilizing the smudger to pry the cable connector out.

Subsequent up is essentially the most laborious step, eradicating 11 small screws so you may pry up the motherboard cowl. Now you want the smudger once more to disconnect the battery cable. Lastly, it is time to loosen the clear tabs across the battery after which use the inexperienced tab to pry it out. This step requires appreciable drive because of the quantity of adhesive, however you could additionally watch out to not injury the battery; this will take a little bit of time as you slowly loosen the battery earlier than it lastly comes out. Your substitute battery ought to include its personal adhesive tabs hooked up, so you may utterly take away what’s left on the cellphone. If not, you should use double-sided tape (the iFixit information has extra particulars on this).

As soon as you’ve got inserted the brand new battery, it is merely a case of fastidiously following the identical steps in reverse. General, it took me a few minutes longer than the 5 minutes HMD claims, however most likely solely out of an abundance of warning. I would say most would be capable to do that themselves, though some older folks would possibly want a bit assist from a buddy or member of the family. Whereas it is a comparatively easy course of, there are nonetheless apparent potential pitfalls to keep away from (corresponding to breaking the fingerprint reader cable).

After reassembling the Nokia G22, the second of fact got here. Fortunately it turned on and now works like new (together with fingerprint reader). I am unable to communicate for changing the display or charging port, nevertheless it’s clear that swapping out the battery takes loads much less effort right here than it does on most trendy smartphones, so kudos to HMD for that. It is actually not as straightforward because the previous telephones with their clip-on-back and swappable batteries, nevertheless it’s one other step ahead for the rising motion restore proper.

Repairability and sustainability apart, the G22 is not a lot completely different than the G21. It has the identical Unisoc T606 chipset, a 6.52-inch HD+ display, a 50 MP important digital camera, 4 GB of RAM and 64 or 128 GB of storage; the reminiscence extension may borrow 2 GB of VRAM as wanted. It additionally comes with Android 12 sadly, however it will likely be up to date to 13 and 14 over time. In one other effort to make the G22 last more, the battery is able to sustaining over 80% capability after 800 cycles (the trade commonplace is 500). And since HMD guarantees a three-day battery life (5,050 mAh) at full capability, you might by no means want to exchange the battery anyway.

The Nokia G22 begins at £149.99 / €179 (~$189) and can be out there from March in both Meteor Grey or Lagoon Blue coloration choices. When it is time for a restore, iFixit can be promoting a Match Equipment for simply £5, in addition to batteries for £22.99, screens for £44.99 and charging ports for £18.99. The final particular person I do know who had their cellphone display changed paid £120 to take it to a store for a same-day restore, so it is clear you’ll save a good quantity by doing it your self.

Sadly, the Nokia G22 will not be out there within the US, though iFixit does promote its restore kits in North America for those who’re tempted to go the DIY route. The corporate additionally companions with Samsung to supply a self-repair service for choose Galaxy merchandise.