Nokia 235 4G Review
A modern-looking bar phone at a friendly price
With a large 2.8-inch display, USB-C, and clean modern styling, the 235 4G is the practical choice among HMD's Series 30+ bar phones.
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Nokia 235 4G · $64.99We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
Quick Verdict
The Nokia 235 4G is the contemporary sibling of the 3210: same guts, bigger screen, sleeker look, lower price. A great first phone or backup phone.
Overview
The 235 4G offers the largest display of HMD's 2024 bar phones and a design that looks more like a slim modern handset than a retro throwback.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big 2.8-inch screen for a bar phone
- USB-C
- Modern slim design
- Dual SIM
- Under $70
Cons
- No Wi-Fi or GPS
- T-Mobile only in the US
- Small internal storage
Design
Flat sides and a matte finish give it an understated, current look. The keypad is roomy thanks to the taller body.
Display
At 2.8 inches it is noticeably more comfortable for reading texts and contact lists than the typical 2.4-inch feature phone panel.
Battery
The removable 1450 mAh cell delivers weeks of standby and up to 11 hours of talk time, charged over USB-C.
Connectivity
4G VoLTE, Bluetooth 5.0, FM radio, dual SIM. No Wi-Fi, GPS, or hotspot — and US support is effectively T-Mobile only.
Privacy
Series 30+ has no app ecosystem and no account requirements, making the 235 4G effectively tracking-free.
Performance
Everything is instant. The 2MP camera manages passable daylight snapshots for documentation purposes.
Who Should Buy the Nokia 235 4G
Kids, minimalists, and anyone who wants an inexpensive, modern-looking phone that only calls and texts.
Alternatives
The Nokia 3210 4G is the same phone with more personality; the 2780 Flip adds KaiOS features and full US carrier support.
Nokia 235 4G FAQs
›What is the difference between the Nokia 235 4G and 3210 4G?
They share the same platform. The 235 4G has a larger 2.8-inch screen and a more modern design; the 3210 4G has the iconic retro styling.
›Does the Nokia 235 4G have internet?
It has a very basic browser over 4G but no Wi-Fi. In practice it is not usable for modern web browsing, which is part of the appeal.
›Is it good as a first phone for a child?
Yes — calls, texts, an alarm, and Snake, with no social media, app store, or usable web browser.
Buy the Nokia 235 4G
Nokia 235 4G · $64.99We may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no cost to you.
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