The Nokia 5.4 is an entry phone to the mid-range universe. Its main features are a quad camera, a 4,000 mAh battery, a 6.39-inch HD+ screen and the promise that it will be updated to Android 11, in addition to three years of security patches. Without further ado, we tell you our first impressions of this smartphone.
As with the Nokia 5.3, HMD Global – the company in charge of the legendary brand – decided to put a configuration of four lenses for the rear optics of its new phone (48-megapixel primary sensor), which are inside a module circular. The fingerprint sensor is also on its “back”; it is unobtrusive and responds quickly when unlocking the unit.
On the right side, when the mobile is seen from the front, there are the buttons to adjust the volume and the one that allows you to turn it on or off; at the other end, the one activates the Google Assistant.
At the top is the 3.5-millimetre wired headphones jack– a piece is included in the box – while the USB Type-C charging port and the audio channel are at the bottom.
In general, the polycarbonate-bodied phone feels “safe” in the hands: there is no feeling that it will fall quickly. For whatever reason, HMD Global decided to include a case in the packaging of this smartphone.
Performance and autonomy
First impressions of the Nokia 5.4 saw a good response when running apps, from those to do with video to those more dedicated to productivity. It remains to be seen how it responds as time passes and the workload increases.
Nokia 5.4
The manufacturer put a Snapdragon 662 processor in this mobile, the same one that comes in the Moto G9 Power, and 4 GB RAM. It is “the minimum” that could be expected from a mid-range entry.
Regarding storage, HMD Global placed 128 GB expandable up to 512 through a microSD. Factory capacity is acceptable to install favourite apps and save content, such as videos and images.
Its battery is 4,000 mAh, which, although it can give up to two days of autonomy, does not stand out for its load (10 watts). Early tests took around 140 minutes to go from 10 to 100 percent of their level. It would have to be left charging at night to have it fully available over a day.
overall experience
What I like a lot about Nokia phones or at least this new model, is that the user interface is relatively “clean,” without unnecessary applications or layers of customization. When you start it for the first time, you will find the already classic Google developments, from Gmail to Drive, and the My Phone app has functions such as technical support or mobile monitoring.
Nokia 5.4
For the rest, the client is free to download their favourite social networks and entertainment platforms.
We must be patient when the Nokia 5.4 receives Android 11 (it comes with Android 10 from the factory). The representation of HMD Global for Latin America assures that it will happen “soon” however, it is known in advance that several factors are involved in the issue of updates, not only the manufacturer.
As for the camera interface – an element that the company highlights – there are different modes for still photography, such as Night and Portrait. In the video, Cinema stands out, in which it is possible to activate the H-Log format “to capture a high dynamic range and more detail in the highlights and shadows.”
Nokia 5.4
Both in still photos and video, it is possible to expect acceptable content, just as any cell phone located at the entrance to the mid-range can offer. In other words, neither the photos nor the video will go crazy.
By the way, the selfie camera, located in a circular notch in the upper left corner of the screen, is 16 megapixels.
Curious about what happens with the Nokia 5.4: it does not seem like an evolution of the Nokia 5.3. Outside of the processor, which is the Snapdragon 665, it could be said that it looks like the same smartphone. There is not a big difference between one and the other.
It only matches the Moto G9 Power for around $300, except that the Motorola part is equipped with a 6.8-inch screen, 6,000 mAh battery and 20-watt fast charge.
Although the Nokia 5.4 is a phone that responds well in most situations, it was able to separate itself more from its predecessor and the competition itself. That is, there is a little to owe.
Media Section
It has already been mentioned in previous reviews: that HD+ resolution should be in the low-end realm. However, the Nokia 5.4 includes it on its 6.39-inch display.
In this sense, an outstanding playback experience should not be expected. It would need to catch up on your favourite series or play all kinds of online videos. The colours are not the most vivid, although the contrast level does stand out a bit, as does the brightness.
Nokia 5.4
When the headphones are forgotten, not to mention that there is no stereo sound in the equipment, the audio power is enough to place it on a base and play an episode on Netflix.
Regarding the display of other types of content, users can read any informative article and view photographs without problems, with a good level of detail and with the advantages offered by a panel more significant than 6 inches.