The Nokia 2.2 can now officially be purchased unlocked in the U.S., bringing low-light AI-enhanced photography and a ton of other flagship features to the region’s budget segment.
Since this is an Android One smartphone, the variant sold in the U.S. will be just like its counterpart from other regions, from the design down to the software. That not only means buyers can expect a completely stock experience at the system level and in terms of the interface with all of the perks and benefits that entails. The Nokia 2.2 comes with no pre-installed extra software or other alterations associated with OEM skins.
It also means the Nokia 2.2 ships with Android Pie and that it will see Android Q at very least. In fact, no fewer than two firmware upgrades are guaranteed, according to the company’s press release. Security updates, comparably to the two years of promised OS updates, are scheduled to continue for at least three years as well for the Nokia 2.2. Those will be delivered each month, just as they are with Pixel-branded devices built by Google.
The hardware and specs
The hardware in question centers around a 5.7-inch HD+ edge-to-edge display with a brightness of 400nits, and a waterdrop notch for the 5-megapixel selfie camera. That’s coupled with a feature-rich 13-megapixel primary snapper at the back. The cameras deliver some advanced features here too, including HDR mode, face unlocking, low-light image capture mode that works by taking multiple photos and using AI to combine those, and Google Photos AI features. Google Lens is baked in for quick access.
Along the edges, Nokia includes a slot for a microSD card to expand the Nokia 2.2’s default 32GB storage by up to 400GB in addition to a single nano-SIM port. A micro USB port is in place for charging up the 3,000mAh battery. The OEM claims that battery will last at least a full day on a single charge.
Last but not least, the budget-friendly gadget includes a 3.5mm headphone jack and a dedicated multi-function Google Assistant button. At a single tap, that brings forward the search giant’s UI, while long-presses can be programmed to do something else.
A single rear-mounted speaker can be found toward the bottom of the back panel.
Diving deeper into the internal hardware, the whole package is driven along by a MediaTek Helio A22 chipset. That’s a 64-bit quad-core processor clocked at a respectable 2GH with support for Bluetooth and, of course, Wi-Fi connectivity. RAM falls in at a fairly standard 3GB for this budget Android handset.
Cost, Availability, & Accessories
For just $139 via either Amazon or Best Buy — with in-store availability set for August 4 — the Nokia 2.2 ships in either Tungsten Black or Steel color configurations
Buyers aren’t stuck with those hues if they don’t like them, either. That’s because this Nokia is compatible with the Xpress-on covers from the manufacturer, opening up Pink Sand, Ice Blue, and Forest Green options for those who want to pick up an extra cover. The covers are easy to change and utilize the same nano-texture coating found on the original hardware. No pricing or availability details have been shared for those just yet.
With regard to the device itself, the unlocked Nokia 2.2 is compatible with every major U.S. carrier and all of the associated MVNOs too. That means it will work with Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile as well as third-party carriers like Mint, H2O, Net10, Tracfone, and others.
