HMD Global has kept things simple. And simplicity has a unique power. In the same way, the Android One programme aims at keeping things simple and elegant. The Nokia 5.3 is one such smartphone. It is an integral part of the Android One programme. I know what you are thinking- ‘Is stock android the only positive in Nokia 5.3?’ Certainly not!
Let us take a closer look at one of the best budget android smartphones of 2020:
NOKIA 5.3 SPECS:
| Screen size | 6.55 inches |
| RAM | 3 GB, 4 GB, 6GB |
| Internal storage | 64 GB |
| Battery capacity | 4000 mAh |
| OS | Android 10 |
| Rear camera | 13 + 5 + 2 + 2 MP |
| Front camera | 8 MP |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 |
Like I said earlier, the Nokia 5.3 has a lot to offer other than stock Android. Firstly, I like the fact that HMD Global offers 3 RAM variants. This is certainly beneficial for a wide range of customers. Generally, customers who do not play games can opt for the 3GB variant. On the contrary, customers who prefer gaming and multitasking can select the 4GB or 6GB variant.
It is important to realize other parameters of the Nokia 5.3. From design to camera and OS to battery performance, we have it all covered!
DESIGN AND FIRST LOOK
Let me divide the design into two parts- Front and Rear.
- The Front aesthetics:
Importantly, Nokia 5.3 comes with a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection. Therefore, you can definitely stop worrying about minor scratches. The screen size is considerably gigantic. Hence, watching videos and playing games is an enjoying prospect.
Furthermore, the smartphone has a dewdrop notch. Hence, the front design of the Nokia 5.3 is simple. Even though, it is pretty elegant.
- The rear aesthetics:
On one hand, you have a quad-camera setup and on the other hand a considerable battery. The rear quad-camera setup is in the form of a circular ring. Compared to other low to mid-range smartphones, this setup looks unique and beautiful. The phone does not feel bulky despite a 4000 mAh battery.
Finally, the notification light is in-built in the power button. Hence, this provides a fresh outlook. All in all, the Nokia 5.3 has a simple design with minimal modifications. Some might argue about the polycarbonate material. But, at this price range, many users should not be bothered.
CAMERAS
- Rear camera:
Now, this is important. Many customers want a good camera setup in mid-range smartphones. Although the 5.3 comes with a quad camera setup, there are certain pros and cons.
Close-up shots are good in terms of quality. Low light photography does not compete with the DSLR quality. In fact, many phones in this budget give satisfactory low light photography performance. On the whole, do not expect zero grain quality images.
- Front camera:
The front camera is significantly decent in performance. However, you might have to search some customer images if you prefer low light selfies. Nevertheless, many customers won’t bother themselves too much in this aspect.
OS AND PERFORMANCE
The UI runs on stock Android. Hence, you won’t get any bloatware in this smartphone. Furthermore, the Android One programme ensures steady updates for at least 2 years. Stock Android is a preferred option for users who like an incomplex interface.
Hence, if you are used to high customization and features, know that stock Android is limited in that aspect. On the positive side, stock Android is easy to use. Basically, it is a pure version of Google’s OS for smartphones.
Nokia 5.3 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor. Importantly, this processor is good for medium usage. You can choose a 4 GB or 6 GB RAM variant. Generally, the 6 GB variant might be a good option as it costs just ₹ 2K more than 4 GB variant.
In conclusion, the Nokia 5.3 is capable to handle your daily multi-tasking activities efficiently. Therefore, the performance aspect of this smartphone is, indeed, adequate.
BATTERY
It is important to realize that many smartphone providers constantly ramp up their battery capacity. At this time, some phones provide a 6000 mAh battery too. Hence, a 4000 mAh battery is decent but not extraordinary.
Battery backup usually depends on your usage. Hence, this is a subjective topic of discussion. However, people who do not use their smartphones regularly can expect a 2-3 days backup after 1 charge. Medium usage customers can expect the battery to last for approximately 1-2 days.
All in all, the 4000 mAh battery should be sufficient for regular users.
THE X-FACTOR
As I have said, low to mid-range smartphones do not have out of the world features. For example, you cannot expect a feature like ‘S Pen’ which is the X factor for Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra. Nevertheless, every smartphone is based on one unique positive point.
The USP of Nokia 5.3 is definitely stock android. The phone promises clean UI and regular updates at this time. Therefore, it will certainly have an audience of its own. Nowadays, many customers prefer the simplicity of stock android over other custom skins. Thus, Nokia 5.3 excels in the UI department.
IS THE NOKIA 5.3 A GOOD PHONE?
The Nokia 5.3 is a good stock android smartphone which hovers around the ₹ 15K mark. It has all the vital features of a mid-range smartphone. The cameras are handy and Nokia 5.3 specs are good overall. Hence, it is definitely a phone to consider.
THE FINAL VERDICT
Nokia 5.3 price and features complement each other. If you prefer a phone with many customization options and heavy features, explore other devices. On the other hand, if you value simplicity and desire a phone which can stay with you for a decent amount of time, the Nokia 5.3 is certainly a good option. In addition to the overall utility, Nokia 5.3 comes with interesting colour options too. Therefore, if you haven’t tried the new Nokia smartphones, this is a good one.
