The sustainability motto ‘recycle, reuse, and reduce’ may need to be updated to include a fourth ‘r’: repair. Nokia is leading the way in the telecommunications industry with its new G22 smartphone, designed to be fixed at home by its user
Since March 2020, we’ve witnessed an upsurge in DIY. Even now that Covid restrictions have been lifted and shops have reopened, the trend is far from over.. In terms of sustainability, it’s great news. Knowing how to repair objects can lead to a massive reduction in waste and resource consumption.
The Finnish telecommunications brand Nokia has decided to target this trend and develop a phone that can be repaired by users.
Research conducted by YouGov in May 2020 found that 70% of British smartphone owners replace their phone within four years; 28% buy a new phone every one to two years; and 45% would rather replace it than repair it.
The research also found that one of the main reasons for this behaviour is cost. Although it might seem counter intuitive, replacing your smartphone with a new one is often not much more expensive than repairing it. Sometimes, it might even be cheaper.
On a mission
Nokia is on a mission to tackle this excessive consumption and encourage users to repair their devices before buying new ones. Thanks to a collaboration with iFixit, the company is offering affordable repairs and easy access to parts.
The Nokia G22 was not only designed to allow users to repair it, but also to last longer in the first place. To add extra durability, the phone features a two-tone colour recycled plastic back with a high-gloss finish and a sturdy matte metal camera base and front glass developed by Corning Gorilla.
“People value sustainable, quality devices and they shouldn’t have to compromise on price to get it,” says Adam Ferguson, head of marketing at HMD Global, Nokia’s exclusive licensee.
“We are continuing our journey towards more sustainable and longer lasting devices. The new Nokia G22 is purposefully built with a repairable design and is packed with features that improve performance and longevity without extra cost,” he goes on.
Nokia says the aim is to offer a sustainable option without having to compromise on quality or access to the latest technologies. This is why it made audio and image quality a priority.
Whether users like to use headphones or the phone’s speaker, Nokia promises high quality, and with OZO Playback, the phone should deliver enhanced bass and clearer sound.
Additionally, the Audio Boost should allow users to increase the volume when listening in noisy environments.
The 50MP camera of the Nokia G22 is supported by high-end imaging algorithms that should produce excellent pictures. It features Night and Quick Night modes, which should help balance highlights and shadows for the perfect night-time shot using both front and rear cameras. The 6.52-inch HD+ display of the phone should allow users to appreciate every detail of their photos and videos.
“Nokia G22 is a step in the right direction, and we need more companies to follow their lead and prioritise sustainability in their product design,” says iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens.
“Battery issues, screen damage and charging port problems are some of the most common issues that smartphone users face, so having the ability to easily replace these parts can save consumers time and money in the long run.”
With its new G22, Nokia not only promises device longevity but also longer battery life, which should last up to three days and should maintain over 80% of its original capacity even after 800 full charging cycles.
To make self-repair accessible, Nokia and iFixit provide users with step-by-step manuals, videos, and guidance via a website.
The repair kits include both iFixit tools and approved spare parts, so that DIY experts and beginners alike can save money and contribute to reducing e-waste.
This article first appeared in DEVELOP3D Magazine
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