Nokia’s return to sustainability reaches a new milestone with the Nokia G22: the brand Can be disassembled by anyone to replace main parts including battery. And this had to be proven: I had the opportunity to get down to business, screwdrivers included.

Disassembling a smartphone is not very easy, at least in theory: freeing each of the layers includes some skills, knowledge and special tools. I say theoretically because things could be much simpler, brands like FairPhone show that you can make a phone that can be easily repaired. Nokia gets good marks with its new Nokia G22 model.

Not only easy to repair, but also fun

Complete disassembly of Nokia G22

Taking advantage of an event where Nokia was showing off the repairable features of its smartphones, I had to go closer to see the entire process in first person. And not only did I see it, they invited me to participate in the contest as well. Nokia G22 disassembly put it back together to replace the battery and check that I didn’t break the phone in the process.

It turned out well, I didn’t have to pay.

The Nokia G22 is a mid-range mobile phone made of plastic with a nice, soft-touch exterior. It doesn’t mean it can be disassembled by anyone in less than five minutes.. It has no visible screws, no more holes than regular ones, and no tabs to suggest a simple repair. But it is, I can confirm that.

Armed with an iFixit tool kit consisting of plastic picks, metal punches, and Phillips (Philips) screwdrivers, I began removing the back cover by prying the removed SIM tray area with a pick, and after moving the tool plastic along the entire back contour, Ensure that the mobile phone case comes off without difficulty. This cover is attached to the plate with a much longer than usual flex cable (flexible) to prevent the user from breaking the cover during disassembly. Obviously you need to be careful, but it seemed to me that everything was 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 removal guide, also tools and spare parts.

iFixit Tool and Spare Parts Kit

The battery replacement process didn’t even take five minutes:

• After removing the case and separating the flex from the fingerprint reader by removing one screw, I removed another screw to free up the space where the flex battery cable was attached.
• I freed the flexible fitting by prying it up with a stapler.
• I pulled the battery tab until it came out. This point was not difficult for me because the Nokia G22 test had already been disassembled several times: the iFixit expert told me: you should use some force regularly.
• I inserted the new battery and connected the flexible part to the plate.
• I screwed the mount, inserted the fingerprint reader cable (the one connected to the case) and tightened the corresponding screw.
• I replaced the cover, pressed it until it was seated on the phone, and placed it in the SIM tray. Ready.

I’ve repaired many phones throughout my life. I also broke more than once in this process.. And I’ve never seen such simplicity when it comes to making repairs easy: literally anyone can do it. No suction cups, no hot air guns, no struggling with half-peeled adhesives all the time: the Nokia G22 presents no hassle. And it maintains IP52 splash protection, which is not bad at all.

With hardware the situation is quite fair, not everything is beautiful. In return, offers sustainable components and easy repairs: Those who value this last feature will find the Nokia G22 more attractive. I enjoyed changing the battery.

Cover image | Ivan Linares

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