Nokia, once the undisputed king of mobile phones, has been making a comeback in recent years with a new lineup of Android smartphones. While no longer the market leader it once was, Nokia continues to offer reliable, well-built devices that appeal to many Nigerian consumers. This article examines the top 5 Nokia smartphones that are helping to keep the iconic brand relevant in Nigeria’s competitive mobile market.
1. Nokia G11 Plus
The Nokia G11 Plus stands out as one of Nokia’s most compelling mid-range offerings in Nigeria. This device strikes an excellent balance between performance, features, and affordability.
At the heart of the G11 Plus is a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a smooth 90Hz refresh rate. This provides an immersive viewing experience whether you’re browsing social media, watching videos, or playing mobile games. The higher refresh rate results in noticeably smoother scrolling and animations compared to standard 60Hz displays.
Camera performance is a key focus, with the G11 Plus sporting a capable 50MP main camera. This allows for detailed, high-resolution photos in good lighting conditions. It’s paired with a 2MP depth sensor to enable portrait mode effects with background blur. For selfies, there’s an 8MP front-facing camera.
Under the hood, the G11 Plus is powered by an octa-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. While not the most powerful specs, this hardware configuration provides smooth performance for everyday tasks. The inclusion of a microSD card slot allows storage to be expanded up to 512GB. One of the standout features is the large 5000 mAh battery, which Nokia claims can provide up to 3 days of use on a single charge. This long battery life is a major selling point for users who prioritize endurance. When it does need charging, there’s support for 10W charging speeds.
On the software side, the G11 Plus runs a clean, near-stock version of Android 12. Nokia promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of monthly security updates, which is impressive support for a mid-range device. Other notable features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, face unlock support, and a dedicated Google Assistant button. The device also comes with a free fast charging cable in the box, adding extra value.
For Nigerian consumers looking for a reliable mid-range smartphone with long battery life and a clean software experience, the Nokia G11 Plus is an attractive option. It delivers a well-rounded package at a competitive price point.
Price range: ₦91,990 – ₦125,000
2. Nokia C30
The Nokia C30 caters to users who prioritize a large display and exceptional battery life in their smartphone. As one of Nokia’s more affordable offerings, it aims to provide a satisfying Android experience without breaking the bank.
The standout feature of the C30 is undoubtedly its massive 6.82-inch HD+ display. This expansive screen real estate makes the device well-suited for media consumption, whether you’re watching videos, browsing photos, or reading articles. The large display also benefits productivity, providing ample space for multitasking and document editing.
Complementing the big screen is an equally impressive 6000 mAh battery. This power pack is designed to keep the C30 running for multiple days on a single charge, even with heavy use. For many Nigerian users dealing with unreliable power supplies, this extended battery life can be a game-changer. It reduces the need for frequent charging and provides peace of mind during long workdays or travel.
In terms of performance, the Nokia C30 is equipped with an octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage. While not top-of-the-line specs, this hardware configuration is sufficient for smooth operation of everyday tasks and light multitasking. The inclusion of 4G LTE support ensures fast mobile data speeds for browsing and streaming.
The camera setup on the C30 is functional, if not spectacular. It features a 13MP main rear camera paired with a 2MP depth sensor. This allows for decent photo quality in good lighting conditions and the ability to capture portrait mode shots with background blur. On the front, there’s a 5MP selfie camera for video calls and self-portraits.
Running Android 11 out of the box, the C30 offers a clean, bloatware-free software experience. Nokia’s commitment to timely security updates is a plus, helping to keep the device protected against emerging threats. The inclusion of features like face unlock adds a layer of convenience to the user experience.
Build quality is another area where the C30 impresses, with a durable polycarbonate body that should hold up well to daily use. The textured back provides a secure grip, which is important given the phone’s large size.
For Nigerian consumers shopping in the budget to lower mid-range segment, the Nokia C30 presents a compelling option. Its combination of a huge display, multi-day battery life, and reliable performance make it well-suited to users who prioritize screen size and endurance over cutting-edge specifications.
Price range: ₦150,500 – ₦170,000
3. Nokia C21
The Nokia C21 represents Nokia’s efforts to deliver a quality smartphone experience at an entry-level price point. It’s designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers who still want a capable device for everyday use.
At the core of the C21 is a 6.5-inch HD+ display, offering a respectable viewing experience for its price range. The relatively large screen size makes it suitable for content consumption, web browsing, and basic productivity tasks. While not the sharpest or brightest panel on the market, it provides good visibility for indoor use.
Under the hood, the C21 is powered by an octa-core processor paired with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. This modest hardware configuration is geared towards handling essential smartphone tasks smoothly. Users can expect adequate performance for messaging, social media, light web browsing, and running basic apps. The inclusion of a dedicated microSD card slot allows for storage expansion up to 256GB, which is a welcome feature at this price point.
Camera capabilities on the C21 are basic but functional. It features an 8MP rear camera that can capture decent photos in well-lit environments. While it won’t compete with higher-end devices in terms of image quality, it’s sufficient for casual snapshots and sharing on social media. The 5MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls adequately.
One of the strengths of the Nokia C21 is its software experience. It runs Android 11 (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with limited hardware resources. This results in a smoother, more responsive user experience than you might expect from an entry-level smartphone. Nokia’s commitment to providing regular security updates is also a significant selling point, helping to keep the device protected over time.
Battery life is another area where the C21 performs well, thanks to its 3000 mAh battery. While not as capacious as some other Nokia models, it should still provide all-day battery life for most users. The inclusion of a removable battery is a rarity in modern smartphones and could be appealing to some users who prefer the ability to swap batteries.
Build quality is solid, with a durable polycarbonate body that should withstand everyday wear and tear. The textured back panel provides a secure grip, reducing the chances of accidental drops.
Additional features include a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor for quick and secure unlocking, as well as face unlock capability. The dual SIM support is particularly useful for Nigerian users who need to manage multiple phone numbers.
For Nigerian consumers looking for an affordable smartphone from a trusted brand, the Nokia C21 offers a balanced package. It delivers essential smartphone functionality, a clean Android experience, and Nokia’s reputation for build quality at a price point accessible to many budget-conscious buyers.
Price range: ₦80,000 – ₦105,000
4. Nokia Aura
The Nokia Aura represents a step up in Nokia’s mid-range lineup, offering enhanced features and performance compared to the company’s more budget-oriented models. This device aims to provide a premium feel and user experience without the premium price tag.
One of the first things users will notice about the Nokia Aura is its stylish design. The device features a sleek, modern aesthetic with a glossy finish that gives it a more upscale appearance. Available in an attractive green color option, it’s a phone that stands out in a sea of generic-looking budget and mid-range devices.
The Aura boasts a large 6.56-inch HD+ display, providing ample screen real estate for all your mobile activities. Whether you’re browsing the web, watching videos, or playing games, the expansive display offers an immersive viewing experience. While it may not have the highest resolution or brightest panel in its class, it delivers good color reproduction and visibility for everyday use.
Under the hood, the Nokia Aura is equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. This hardware configuration provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to lower-end Nokia models. Users can expect smoother multitasking, faster app launches, and better overall responsiveness. The 64GB of storage offers plenty of space for apps, photos, and media, while a microSD card slot allows for further expansion if needed.
One of the standout features of the Aura is its massive 5000 mAh battery. This power pack is designed to keep the device running for multiple days on a single charge, depending on usage patterns. For Nigerian users dealing with unreliable power supply or those who are frequently on the go, this extended battery life can be a significant advantage. It reduces the need for frequent charging and provides peace of mind during long workdays or travel.
While detailed camera specifications are not provided, the Nokia Aura is expected to offer a capable photography experience for its price range. Nokia typically focuses on providing good image quality and useful camera features even in their mid-range devices.
On the software front, the Aura runs a clean, near-stock version of Android. This approach has several benefits, including a clutter-free user interface, reduced bloatware, and potentially faster updates. Nokia’s commitment to providing regular security updates is a significant selling point, helping to keep the device protected against emerging threats.
Additional features likely include a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking, face recognition capabilities, and support for 4G LTE networks. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack (though not explicitly mentioned) would be a welcome feature for users who prefer wired audio.
For Nigerian consumers looking for a mid-range smartphone that offers a balance of style, performance, and battery life, the Nokia Aura presents an attractive option. It delivers a more premium experience than budget models while still maintaining a reasonable price point.
Price range: ₦130,000 – ₦150,000
5. Nokia C12
The Nokia C12 is positioned as an entry-level smartphone that aims to provide essential features and reliable performance at an affordable price point. It’s designed to meet the needs of budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a simple, no-frills device.
At the heart of the Nokia C12 is a 6.3-inch HD+ display. This screen size offers a good balance between usability and portability, providing enough real estate for comfortable web browsing, social media use, and light media consumption. While not the sharpest or brightest panel on the market, it delivers a satisfactory viewing experience for its price range.
Under the hood, the C12 is equipped with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage. This hardware configuration is modest but should be sufficient for basic smartphone tasks. Users can expect adequate performance for messaging, social media, light web browsing, and running essential apps. The 64GB of storage is generous for an entry-level device, providing ample space for apps and media. Additionally, support for microSD cards allows for storage expansion if needed.
Camera capabilities on the Nokia C12 are basic but functional. It features an 8MP rear camera that can capture decent photos in well-lit environments. While it won’t compete with higher-end devices in terms of image quality, it’s sufficient for casual snapshots and sharing on social media. The 5MP front-facing camera handles selfies and video calls adequately.
One of the strengths of the Nokia C12 is its software experience. It runs Android 12 (Go edition), a version of Android optimized for devices with limited hardware resources. This results in a smoother, more responsive user experience than you might expect from an entry-level smartphone. The Go edition also includes lightweight versions of popular Google apps, which are designed to run efficiently on devices with limited RAM and storage.
Nokia’s commitment to providing regular security updates is a significant selling point, helping to keep the device protected over time. This focus on software support is particularly valuable in the budget segment, where many devices receive limited updates after purchase.
Battery life on the C12 should be satisfactory for most users, though the exact capacity is not specified. Nokia typically prioritizes good battery life across its range, so users can expect the device to last through a full day of normal use.
Build quality is another area where Nokia devices typically excel, even in the budget category. The C12 likely features a durable polycarbonate body that should withstand everyday wear and tear. The charcoal color option gives the phone a sleek, professional appearance.
Additional features include 4G LTE support, ensuring fast mobile data speeds for browsing and streaming. Dual SIM capability is particularly useful for Nigerian users who need to manage multiple phone numbers or take advantage of different network promotions.
For Nigerian consumers looking for an affordable smartphone from a trusted brand, the Nokia C12 offers a balanced package. It delivers essential smartphone functionality, a clean Android experience, and Nokia’s reputation for build quality at a price point accessible to many budget-conscious buyers.
Price range: ₦75,000 – ₦90,000
Conclusion
While Nokia may no longer dominate the smartphone market as it once did, the brand continues to offer a range of devices that cater to various needs and budgets in Nigeria. From the entry-level C12 to the more premium G11 Plus, Nokia’s current lineup demonstrates the brand’s commitment to providing reliable, well-built smartphones with clean software experiences.
Other notable Nokia devices available in the Nigerian market include:
- Nokia G60 5G: A mid-range device that brings 5G connectivity to a more affordable price point.
- Nokia T20: A tablet option for those seeking a larger screen experience.
- Nokia 8.3 5G: A higher-end offering for users who want more advanced features and performance.
These devices, along with the top 5 discussed in detail, show that Nokia is actively working to maintain its presence in the Nigerian smartphone market. By focusing on key areas such as build quality, clean software, and long battery life, Nokia continues to appeal to consumers who value reliability and simplicity in their mobile devices.
As the smartphone market in Nigeria continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Nokia adapts its strategy and product offerings to meet the changing needs of consumers. For now, the brand remains a solid choice for those seeking dependable, no-nonsense smartphones across various price points.
