The Nokia G22, an affordable phone you can repair yourself using kits from iFixit, is now available in Australia following its reveal at MWC 2023.
It comes from HMD Global, the company behind modern Nokia phones, as part of its longevity and sustainability strategy. Data from the technology recycling program MobileMuster indicates that Australians produce roughly 25kg of e-waste each year. Recycling or holding on to devices for longer, and the ability to repair them easily and affordably, will help to reduce overall waste.
Alongside the Nokia G22 are two additional phones coming in May: the Nokia C32 and Nokia C22. All three devices fall under the $350 bracket, firmly positioning each one as an affordable piece of technology.
Nokia G22: a phone you can fix at home
In the unfortunate event a device breaks, having choices as a consumer can help keep costs down. Right to repair is a big focus for HMD Global with the Nokia G22, which is the company’s first phone made with repairability in mind. Brenden Folitarik, HMD Global’s ANZ and Pacific Islands Country Manager, mentioned DIY repairs as a notable point of difference.
“As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and longer-lasting devices, the ability to repair smartphones easily and affordably will become a key differentiator in the market,” Folitarik said.
Pointing to research from MobileMuster, he added that 39% of Australians reported having their phone repaired in 2022. On top of that, one in six people indicated that they attempted DIY phone repairs.
Alongside the Nokia G22 announcement, HMD Global teamed up with the international repair community iFixit to publish several device repair guides. This includes explainers on how to fix the screen and display ports, in addition to replacing the battery. HMD Global now joins the likes of Motorola, Samsung, and Google as fellow iFixit collaborators making DIY repairs possible. Kyle Wiens, CEO of iFixit, expressed excitement over the phone brand’s willingness to embrace repairability and how it fits in with sustainability.
“20 years after founding iFixit, being able to fix your device is more important than ever for a sustainable future, and we are just getting started,” Wiens said.
Like last year’s Nokia G21 model, the G22 includes two years of Android OS updates, plus three years of monthly security updates. It also has a 100% recycled plastic back casing, continuing the brand’s trend of sustainable manufacturing, like the Nokia X30 5G made from recycled aluminium and plastic. On the inside, the G22 starts with 4GB of memory and 128GB of internal storage.
Nokia C22 and Nokia C32
Meanwhile, the more budget-level C-series phones aim to offer more value for money. The Nokia C32 features a 50MP camera and the highest image quality of the brand’s C phones so far. It also ships with Android 13, 4GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage.
Even cheaper yet, the Nokia C22 is built to be a durable budget phone. It carries an IP52 splash and dust protection rating, along with what HMD Global refers to as “toughened 2.5D display glass”. To reflect its lower price point, it includes 2GB of RAM along with 64GB of internal storage.
Nokia G22 release date and price
Out now, the Nokia G22 starts at $349 from Australian retailers, with Meteor Grey and Lagoon Blue colour options. You can also order the phone directly from the Nokia website, where HMD Global will donate $20 from each sale in April 2023 to Clean Up Australia.
Separate Fix Kits and replacement parts are available via iFixit, with the cheapest being the charging port and Fix Kit combo listed at $42.99. A battery and Fix Kit costs $49.99, while a display and Fix Kit bundle will set you back $89.99. Separate parts are also available to buy if you don’t need the bundles.
For the C-series phones, the Nokia C32 launches in mid-May. It comes in Charcoal, Autumn Green, and Beach Pink at a price of $249. Specific pricing isn’t available for the Nokia C22 yet, but we do know it’ll come in Midnight Black and Sand colours when it launches in the second half of the year.
HMD Global opting for the repair-friendly path with the Nokia G22 is a smart move; it shows a genuine commitment to keeping phones active for longer, while offering affordable repair options. It’s also a whole lot cheaper than buying a new phone when the old one breaks.
We’re currently testing the eco-friendly phone and will give you the full rundown soon.
