Nokia’s shift towards sustainability has taken a new step with the Nokia G22: the brand claims that the phone can be disassembled by anyone to change main parts including battery. And it had to be proven: I had the opportunity to get to work, screwdriver included.
Disassembling a smartphone is not really easy, at least in theory: release each of the layers involves specialized skills, knowledge and tools. And I say in theory because everything can be much simpler, brands like FairPhone show that you can build a phone by making it easily repairable. Nokia takes note of this with its recent Nokia G22.
Not only is it easy to fix, it’s also fun
Nokia G22 complete disassembly
Taking advantage of an event where Nokia showed off the repairable qualities of its smartphones, I had to get up close to see the whole process in first person. And not only did I see it, but they also invited me to participate in the disassembly of a Nokia G22 to change the battery, reassemble it and check if I hadn’t broken the phone during the process.
It went well, I didn’t have to pay for it.
The Nokia G22 is a mid-range mobile phone built from plastic and featuring a nice, soft-touch exterior that This does not suggest that it can be taken apart by anyone in less than five minutes.. It has no visible screws, it lacks more holes than the usual ones, nor tabs that anticipate a simple repair. But it is, I was able to verify it.
Armed with an iFixit tool kit of plastic picks, metal punches, and Phillips screwdrivers, I started by removing the back cover by prying the removed SIM tray area with a pick and, after moving the plastic tool over the entire rear contour, remove the cell phone case without difficulty. This cover was attached to the plate by a flexible cable much longer than usual to prevent the user from breaking it during disassembly. Obviously, you have to be careful, but everything seemed to me to be thought out to the tenth of a millimeter to make the task easier without damaging the components. iFixit and Nokia offer a step-by-step disassembly guide, also tools and spare parts.
iFixit Tool and Spare Parts Kit
The battery change process didn’t even take five minutes:
- After removing the case and disconnecting the fingerprint reader cable by removing one screw, I removed another screw to free up the space where the battery cable hangs.
- I released the flexible hitch by pulling it with the punch.
- I pulled on the battery tab until it came off. This point was not difficult for me because the Nokia G22 test had already been disassembled several times: the iFixit specialist told me that you need to use a little force regularly.
- I placed the new battery and hooked its cable to the plate.
- I screwed in the fixing, put in the fingerprint reader cable (the one attached to the case) and tightened its respective screw.
- I put the cover on, pressed until it fit the phone and put the SIM tray in. Ready.
I have repaired many phones throughout my life, I also broke more than one in the process. And I’ve never seen such simplicity in making repairs easier: anyone can really do it. No suction cups, no heat guns, no fighting with adhesives that always remain half-peeled: the Nokia G22 presents no difficulty. And it maintains IP52 splash protection, which isn’t bad at all.
On the hardware side, it’s pretty fair, not everything is pretty. In return, offers durable components and easy repairs: Those who appreciate the latter aspect will find the Nokia G22 more attractive. I liked changing the battery.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
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