Nokia G50 Launch Pushes Budget 5G With Top Features To Match

HMD Global has continued filling out its Nokia G-series lineup today with the launch of the Nokia G50. Set just above the Nokia G20, at least in terms of pricing, this isn’t just a step up from that phone in terms of specs however. It’s also a jump up in terms of networking, offering 5G networking in a truly budget package.

What’s the Nokia G50 all about?

As noted above, 5G is a primary selling point for Nokia G50. And that’s driven by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 480 platform, coupled with a modest 4GB RAM and 128GB of storage. With microSD card support for up to 512GB. But all of that isn’t the only way Nokia G50 looks to be future proof, right from launch.

The Nokia G50 is also Wi-Fi 6-ready, with Bluetooth 5.o in tow and NFC support included. And this Nokia smartphone goes further than simply bumping from microUSB to USB-C 2.0 as well. It also comes with a 3.5mm audio jack so you can sync up your favorite wired or wireless headphones.

HMD Global also indicates that this particular budget handset starts with Android 11 but will get updates to Android 12 and beyond. Conversely, it’s also dedicated itself to monthly security updates for at least three years, with data protection provided by a Finland-based data centre. And that location is important here because it means that data is protected “with GDPR as foundation.”

Powering the experience, the company includes a 5,000mAh battery that it says can go for two days. While 18W fast charging means that nobody’s going to have to wait around for hours while it charges either.

All of that is packed into the frame behind a 6.82-inch HD+ resolution display with a V-Notch housing an 8-megapixel selfie snapper. That’s for snapping selfies and for face unlock, of course. While around the back, there’s an AI-enhanced 48-megapixel triple-lens camera for capturing great shots in just about any lighting. That’s joined by a 5-megapixel ultrawide snapper as well as a 2-megapixel depth sensor.

Finally, Nokia G50 ships with a fingerprint sensor packed into the side-mounted power button and a dedicated Google key.

Pricing and availability

In terms of pricing and availability, Nokia G50 is already up for pre-order as of this writing. Buyers can pick it up direct from Nokia in a deep blue dubbed “Ocean Blue” or a peachy-pink color dubbed “Midnight Sun.”

Pricing is set at $299.99.

Nokia G50