In the world of smartphone gaming, it’s not always about having the most expensive device to play demanding games. Sometimes, you can get away with a budget-friendly option that still delivers a decent gaming experience. The Nokia G20 is one such device that has caught the attention of gamers who want to play their favorite titles without breaking the bank. But the question remains: is Nokia G20 good for gaming?
Hardware Specifications
Before we dive into the gaming performance, let’s take a look at the Nokia G20’s hardware specifications. The device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G35 processor, which is a budget-friendly chipset designed for entry-level to mid-range smartphones. The processor is paired with 3GB or 4GB of RAM, depending on the variant, and 32GB or 64GB of internal storage. The storage can be expanded up to 512GB via a microSD card.
The Nokia G20 also features a 6.52-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720×1600 pixels. While it’s not the most impressive display, it’s decent for a budget smartphone. The device also has a quad-camera setup, with a 48MP primary sensor, a 2MP macro lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and an LED flash. On the front, you get an 8MP selfie camera.
Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
The graphics processing unit (GPU) is an essential component when it comes to gaming. The Nokia G20 is equipped with a PowerVR GE8320 GPU, which is a mid-range GPU designed for budget-friendly devices. While it’s not as powerful as high-end GPUs like the Adreno 640 or Mali-G77, it’s still capable of handling casual gaming and some mid-range titles.
Gaming Performance
So, how does the Nokia G20 perform when it comes to gaming? We put the device through its paces, testing it with some popular games to see how it fares.
Casual Gaming
Casual games like Subway Surfers, Temple Run, and Candy Crush Saga are a breeze for the Nokia G20. The device handles these games with ease, providing a smooth and lag-free experience. You can expect high frame rates and responsive gameplay, making these games a joy to play.
Mid-Range Gaming
Mid-range games like Asphalt 9: Legends, PUBG Mobile, and Call of Duty: Mobile are where the Nokia G20 starts to show its limitations. While the device can run these games, you may experience some lag and framerate drops, especially in demanding scenes. However, the gameplay is still playable, and you can adjust the graphics settings to optimize performance.
Graphics-Intensive Gaming
Graphics-intensive games like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile with ultra-high graphics, and Asphalt 9: Legends with high graphics settings are where the Nokia G20 struggles. The device may not be able to handle these games smoothly, with significant framerate drops and lag. It’s best to avoid these games or reduce the graphics settings to make them playable.
Battery Life
One of the most significant advantages of the Nokia G20 is its impressive battery life. The device is equipped with a massive 5050mAh battery, which easily lasts a day and a half with moderate to heavy usage. This means you can play games for extended periods without worrying about running out of battery.
Power-Saving Features
The Nokia G20 also comes with power-saving features like Adaptive Battery, which learns your usage patterns to optimize battery life. There’s also a feature called “Background power saving,” which limits background data usage to conserve battery life.
Software Updates
The Nokia G20 runs on Android 11 out of the box, with a promise of two years of software updates and three years of security updates. This means you can expect regular security patches and feature updates, which will help improve the device’s gaming performance over time.
Partnership With Qualcomm
Nokia has partnered with Qualcomm to provide enhanced gaming performance on its budget-friendly devices, including the Nokia G20. This partnership brings features like Qualcomm’s Game Fastlane, which optimizes gaming performance by allocating system resources efficiently.
Verdict
So, is the Nokia G20 good for gaming? The answer is yes, but with some caveats. The device is perfect for casual gaming, and it can handle some mid-range titles with adjustments to the graphics settings. However, it’s not suitable for graphics-intensive games that require high-end hardware.
If you’re a casual gamer who wants to play games like Subway Surfers, Temple Run, or Candy Crush Saga, the Nokia G20 is an excellent choice.
On the other hand, if you’re a serious gamer who wants to play demanding titles like Fortnite or PUBG Mobile with ultra-high graphics, you may want to consider a more powerful device.
Alternatives
If you’re looking for alternative devices in the same budget range, consider the following options:
- Redmi 9: This device is powered by a MediaTek Helio G80 processor and offers a better gaming experience than the Nokia G20.
- Samsung Galaxy A12: This device features a larger 6.5-inch display and a quad-camera setup, making it a great option for those who want a bigger screen and better camera capabilities.
In conclusion, the Nokia G20 is a good option for casual gamers who want a budget-friendly device with a long-lasting battery. While it may not be suitable for graphics-intensive games, it’s still a great choice for those who want to play casual games on the go.
Is Nokia G20 Suitable For Gaming?
The Nokia G20 is an affordable smartphone that can handle casual gaming with ease. However, it may not be the best choice for heavy gamers who demand high-performance graphics and fast frame rates. The phone’s Helio G35 processor and 4GB of RAM provide decent performance, but they may struggle with demanding games.
That being said, the Nokia G20 can still run popular games like PUBG Mobile, Fortnite, and Asphalt 9, but you may need to adjust the graphics settings to achieve smoother performance. If you’re a casual gamer who only plays games occasionally, the Nokia G20 might be a good choice. But if you’re a serious gamer, you may want to consider a more powerful device.
Can I Play Graphics-intensive Games On Nokia G20?
As mentioned earlier, the Nokia G20’s Helio G35 processor and 4GB of RAM provide decent performance, but they may struggle with graphics-intensive games. Games like Call of Duty Mobile, Modern Combat, and other demanding titles may not run smoothly on the Nokia G20, especially at high graphics settings.
You may be able to play these games, but you’ll need to reduce the graphics settings to achieve better performance. This may compromise the overall gaming experience, and you may notice lag, stuttering, or lower frame rates. If you want to play graphics-intensive games, it’s better to consider a more powerful device with a better processor and more RAM.
How Is The Display Of Nokia G20 For Gaming?
The Nokia G20 features a 6.5-inch HD+ display with a resolution of 720×1600 pixels. While it’s not the sharpest or most vibrant display, it’s still decent for casual gaming. The screen size is large enough to provide an immersive gaming experience, and the display is bright enough to view games indoors.
However, the lower resolution may affect the gaming experience, especially when playing games with detailed graphics. You may notice some pixelation or lack of clarity, which can detract from the overall experience. Additionally, the display’s 60Hz refresh rate may not provide the smoothest experience, especially when compared to higher refresh rates found on more premium devices.
What About The Battery Life Of Nokia G20 For Gaming?
The Nokia G20 has a large 5050mAh battery, which is one of its strongest features. This battery can easily last a day or more with moderate use, including gaming. You can expect around 6-8 hours of gaming on a single charge, depending on the games you play and the brightness settings.
The battery life is impressive, and it’s one of the reasons why the Nokia G20 is suitable for casual gaming. You can play games without worrying about running out of battery quickly, and the phone’s power-saving features can help extend the battery life even further.
Can I Customize The Gaming Experience On Nokia G20?
The Nokia G20 runs on near-stock Android 11, which provides a clean and intuitive gaming experience. However, the phone doesn’t offer many customization options for gaming specifically. You can adjust the display settings, brightness, and volume, but there are no special gaming modes or features to enhance the experience.
That being said, you can install third-party apps to customize your gaming experience. For example, you can install apps to customize the screen’s brightness, saturation, or color temperature. You can also install game boosters or optimization apps to improve the phone’s performance during gaming.
Is Nokia G20 Worth Considering For Gaming On A Budget?
The Nokia G20 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers decent performance, a large display, and impressive battery life. While it may not be the best gaming device, it’s still a good choice for casual gamers who want a reliable phone for gaming on a budget.
If you’re looking for an affordable phone that can handle casual gaming, the Nokia G20 is worth considering. However, if you’re a serious gamer who demands high-performance gaming, you may want to consider other options in the budget segment that offer better performance and features specifically designed for gaming.
Are There Better Budget Gaming Phones Than Nokia G20?
Yes, there are other budget gaming phones that offer better performance and features than the Nokia G20. For example, phones like the Poco X3, Redmi 9, or Realme Narzo 30 offer more powerful processors, better displays, and more RAM, making them better suited for gaming.
These phones may not offer the same battery life as the Nokia G20, but they provide better performance and features specifically designed for gaming. If you’re a serious gamer, it’s worth considering these options, even if they may cost a bit more than the Nokia G20. However, if you’re a casual gamer who wants a reliable phone for general use, the Nokia G20 may still be a good choice.