Nokia 2.4 Review: A Budget Android Experience with Enduring Battery

The Nokia 2.4 positions itself as a budget-friendly Android device with a focus on simplicity and longevity. Boasting a stock Android 10 interface free from bloatware and backed by the Android One program, it promises two years of software updates and three years of security patches. Its standout feature is a robust 4500mAh battery, which easily stretches through a day of moderate use and often into a second day. However, beyond these strengths, the phone struggles to differentiate itself.

Design-wise, the Nokia 2.4 retains the familiar polycarbonate build seen in other budget models from the brand. Available in Fjord, Dusk, and Charcoal colors, it feels solid and offers a comfortable grip thanks to a 3D nano-textured back. Despite a lack of radical changes from its predecessor, the phone maintains a premium aesthetic for its price point, though it is prone to fingerprint smudges and dust accumulation in the textured grooves.

The display measures 6.5 inches with an HD+ IPS LCD panel and an 80.6% screen-to-body ratio. While adequate for indoor use, the low resolution becomes apparent at close range, and visibility suffers under direct sunlight. Bezel sizes remain considerable, and although accidental touches were minimal in testing, the overall viewing experience is undistinguished.

Performance improvements arrive with the MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core processor, an upgrade over the quad-core Helio A22 in the Nokia 2.3. However, the 2GB RAM variant reviewed exhibited severe limitations, with roughly 60% of memory reserved for system processes, leaving only about 700MB for applications. This resulted in noticeable lag during multitasking and gaming. Even the 3GB/64GB model may feel constrained for heavier users. Light games such as Among Us and Clash Royale run smoothly, but titles like Call of Duty Mobile require reduced settings to avoid stuttering. PUBG Mobile Lite performs marginally better but still suffers from frame drops and touch response issues.

Camera capabilities remain unchanged from earlier models, featuring a dual rear setup with a 13MP primary sensor paired with a 2MP depth lens, alongside a 5MP front camera. Photos taken in well-lit conditions can appear sharp with reasonable detail, though colors often lean undersaturated and focus can be slow. HDR mode offers inconsistent improvements, while night photography produces hazy, grainy results despite a misleading "Night Mode" feature. Selfies mirror these limitations, with pale subjects and unreliable edge detection. Video recording tops out at 1080p, but suffers from exposure instability and ineffective digital stabilization.

Battery life remains a highlight, with the 4500mAh cell delivering up to two days under light to medium use. A 2.5-hour movie playback session consumed only 22% of charge, demonstrating impressive endurance. However, charging is a significant drawback, requiring approximately three hours and five minutes via a sluggish 5W micro USB interface.

Additional features include a rear-mounted circular fingerprint sensor that unlock in about a second but frequently fails on subsequent attempts, particularly with damp fingers. Face unlock is even slower and less reliable. Audio output through the single bottom-firing speaker lacks depth and bass, though the 3.5mm headphone jack provides a clearer, if unexceptional, listening experience.

In conclusion, the Nokia 2.4 serves as a functional entry-level smartphone with a clean software environment and excellent battery life. However, its limited performance, mediocre display, and underwhelming camera capabilities make it difficult to recommend over more capable competitors in the same price bracket, such as devices from Xiaomi and Realme.