Nokia 105 Review: The Ultimate Simple Phone

Nokia 105 Review: The Ultimate Simple Phone for Calls and Texts

If you’re searching for a no-frills, budget-friendly mobile phone that focuses on what really matters—calls and texts—then the Nokia 105 2023 might be exactly what you’re looking for.

A Quick Look at the Nokia 105 2023

The Nokia 105 2023 is a solid, budget option if you’re in need of a simple phone. Priced at around 25 Euros (about $30), it’s definitely not meant to compete with high-end smartphones, but that’s not its goal. The focus here is on basic functionality, solid build quality, and excellent battery life.

The Nokia 105 2023 is not compatible with U.S. networks, but it works great in Europe. So if you’re traveling or living outside of the United States, this could be a fantastic option for basic communication needs.

Key Features of the Nokia 105 2023

Here’s a tour of the device’s features:

• Micro USB Charging: Yes, this device uses a micro USB port for charging, which is a bit dated by today’s standards but still functional.
• 3.5mm Headphone Jack: It’s nice to see that Nokia has kept the 3.5mm headphone jack, which is becoming rarer in modern smartphones.
• Flashlight: A simple yet welcome addition, especially if you find yourself in a pinch.
• S30+ Operating System: The device runs Nokia’s ThreadX-based S30+ OS. It’s a simple, no-nonsense platform that focuses on calls, texts, and a few extra features like basic games and utilities.

In terms of software, the device offers all the basics:

• Call Logs: You can check missed calls, received calls, and call duration.
• Contacts: Add, search, and delete contacts with ease.
• Messages: It has an inbox system for text messages, but it doesn’t support threaded conversations or group texting.
• Alarm: You can set basic alarms, with customizable alarm tones.
• FM Radio: Works only with the wired headset connected, but it’s a nice touch for a simple device.
• Games: It comes with a few classic games like Snake, Tetris, and even some casual ones like Crossy Road and Blackjack.
• Calendar: A basic calendar to keep track of events, though it only holds about two weeks’ worth of appointments.

Simplicity at Its Core

The Nokia 105 2023 excels in its simplicity. There’s no bloatware, no unnecessary features to distract you, and no internet browser. This phone is perfect for anyone who wants to step away from the constant distractions of modern smartphones. You won’t be checking social media or browsing the web, but it does exactly what it’s supposed to do: make calls and send texts.

The menu is easy to navigate, and you can customize basic settings like ringtones, display settings, and even choose from several different sound profiles (Loud, Silent, Discrete). You’ll also find language options in a variety of European languages, which is great if you’re using the phone while traveling or living abroad.

Performance and Battery Life

In my testing, the Nokia 105 2023 performed reliably for calls and text messaging. I used it across multiple networks in Germany, including Aldi Talk, Vodafone, and Telecom, and it worked flawlessly. The call quality was decent—I’d rate it about 7 to 7.5 out of 10. Conversations were clear on both ends, and there are multiple network modes (2G, 3G, 4G LTE) that you can toggle depending on your location and network availability.

Battery life was also impressive. With moderate use, including a few phone calls, text messages, and some light gaming, the phone lasted me up to five days without any issues. The battery performance is excellent if you keep the phone in 2G or 3G mode, as these networks consume less power than 4G LTE. Even with 4G LTE enabled, you can still expect two to three days of use.

Durability and Build Quality

The build quality of the Nokia 105 2023 feels solid. The materials are a bit rubbery, but the phone is still durable and sturdy. The buttons have a nice clickiness to them, and overall, it’s easy to use, even with larger hands. It’s not the most premium-feeling device, but considering the price, it’s built to last and handle basic day-to-day tasks without any issues.