Look, phones costing under 20k are usually a gamble. You expect corners to be cut and compromises galore. So when I grabbed this Nokia G50 5G in that slick Ocean Blue (128GB storage, naturally) for testing, my expectations were firmly parked in “meh” territory. Been using it as my backup burner – and honestly? It’s spent more time in my pocket over the last few weeks than some flashier flagships. Let’s talk about why.
First Impressions: That Blue Though.
Nokia still knows how to make a phone feel solid. It’s not feather-light, no. There’s a reassuring heft, that classic polycarbonate build Nokia’s known for. The Ocean Blue finish? Surprisingly classy. Catches the light nicely without screaming “cheap plastic.” Feels good in the hand, survives the inevitable Mumbai commute tumble from pocket to auto-rickshaw seat. No shattered dreams here.
Performance: Don’t Expect Miracles, But…
Powered by the Snapdragon 480 5G. It’s an older chip now, sure. Launching apps isn’t instant, and heavy gaming like BGMI on higher settings will make it sweat. But yaar, for the price this thing is selling at now? It’s perfectly adequate. Scrolling through Instagram, blasting music on YouTube, juggling ten WhatsApp groups – it handles the daily jugaad smoothly. The clean Android One experience (promised updates are a plus!) helps. No bloatware nonsense dragging it down. 4GB RAM is the bare minimum these days, but with light use, it manages. Just don’t be a tab hoarder.
Camera: Daylight Hero, Low-Light Zero
The 48MP main sensor? In decent daylight, it punches way above its weight class. Photos are crisp, colours are pleasantly natural, not that oversaturated nonsense some brands push. The 5MP ultrawide is usable in a pinch, but expect softer edges. The selfie cam? Basic. Video is… okay for quick clips. Now, the bad news: low-light performance is rough. Like, “grab a torch” rough. Shots get grainy and lack detail fast. If night photography is your jam, look elsewhere. But for sunlit chai breaks and family pics? More than serviceable.
Battery? Absolute Unit.
5000mAh. Need I say more? This is where the G50 shines. Even with moderate 5G use (Jio network, decent signal), I easily squeezed out two full days. Heavy users will comfortably hit bedtime on day two. It’s liberating, honestly. Not worrying about finding a charger by 6 PM is a genuine luxury. Supports 18W charging, but the included adapter? Nah, slow boat. Buy a faster one separately.
Where It Stumbles (Besides Low Light):
The screen is just… fine. 720p LCD. It’s bright enough outdoors, mostly, colours are okay, but it’s not vibrant. Coming from an AMOLED? You’ll notice. The single speaker is tinny – headphones are your friend. And yeah, that processor shows its age with demanding tasks.
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The Verdict? A Steal at the Right Price.
Here’s the real kicker, the thing that makes this review matter now: the street price. When this launched, it was a harder sell. But right now? Snagging the Nokia G50 5G Blue 128GB for around 15k or even less? That changes everything.
Who’s it for? Your parents are upgrading from a 4-year-old phone. A student needs a reliable, long-lasting device for classes and chats. Anyone who wants a clean Android experience, solid build, incredible battery life, and basic 5G… without burning cash. If you’re a camera fiend or a mobile gamer, nah. But if you value no-nonsense durability and a battery that laughs at your usage? Seriously, check the current price. You might be shocked at how much phone you get for the rupee. Nokia quietly delivered a budget workhorse that’s aging surprisingly well, especially in that lovely blue. Just manage those camera expectations after sunset!
Hi, I’m Ricky, the founder of OKSociety.in. I’m a tech enthusiast with a deep passion for smartphones, mobile technology, and everything that makes our digital lives smarter. I started OKSociety to share honest reviews, the latest phone updates, and practical buying guides to help people make better choices in this fast-paced tech world.