The Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition is a feature phone with a surprisingly modern idea: keep the physical keypad and simple S30+ experience, but add 4G, video calling, an AI assistant and USB-C.
This PhonesGate review is an editorial evaluation based on HMD's published specifications and feature set rather than a claim of long-term laboratory testing.
Design: familiar Nokia DNA
At 128.85 × 55.8 × 12.86 mm and 106 g, it is dramatically smaller and lighter than a modern smartphone. The physical keypad remains the defining interface, while the removable battery is increasingly unusual in 2026.
Key takeaway
Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition keeps the keypad but adds 4G, video calling, AI assistance, USB-C and a removable battery.
2.8-inch display and physical keypad
HMD specifies a 2.8-inch IPS QVGA display. By smartphone standards it is tiny; for menus, messaging and basic connected features it is appropriate. Physical number keys are the real attraction for users who prefer tactile controls.
The big 2026 upgrade: video calling and AI
HMD added a front-facing VGA camera and promotes video calling through Xpress Chat, including communication with Xpress Chat users on smartphones. A dedicated button activates a voice-based AI assistant that HMD says can turn on the torch, open the camera, initiate calls and answer basic questions. HMD notes that the AI service has a 180-day free trial, after which fees apply, and availability varies by market.
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PhonesGate coverage from PhonesGate. Published Aug 25, 2026.
4G connectivity without smartphone complexity
The phone supports 2G, 3G and 4G networks, dual Nano-SIM, Bluetooth 5.0, a 3.5 mm headphone jack and USB Type-C. Wired and wireless FM radio are also supported.
Cameras: utility, not photography
The rear camera is 2 MP with LED flash and the front camera is VGA. Treat them as communication and basic snapshot tools, not replacements for modern smartphone cameras.
Battery: removable is the feature that matters
The 1,450mAh battery sounds small next to modern smartphones, but HMD rates up to 10 hours of talk time and up to 12 days of standby. More importantly, it is removable, which is valuable for long-term ownership and backup-phone use.
Storage and software
S30+ runs with 64 MB RAM and 128 MB internal storage, with microSD support up to 32 GB. This is not an Android substitute. Its limitations are also part of the appeal for anyone trying to reduce apps and notifications.
Who should buy it?
It makes the most sense as a secondary phone, travel handset, emergency device, digital-detox phone or straightforward communication device for someone who actively prefers physical buttons.
What we like
- Compact 106 g body and physical keypad
- 4G and dual Nano-SIM
- USB-C and 3.5 mm jack
- Removable 1,450mAh battery
- Front camera and Xpress Chat video calling
- Voice AI assistant
- MicroSD and FM radio
What you give up
- No modern smartphone app ecosystem
- Very limited cameras
- Basic QVGA display
- Extremely limited RAM and storage
- AI availability varies and can require payment after the trial
PhonesGate verdict
The Nokia 235 4G 2nd Edition succeeds because it does not try to compete with an iPhone or Galaxy. It adds just enough 2026 connectivity—4G, USB-C, video chat and voice AI—to the classic keypad-phone formula.
For most users it will not replace a smartphone. As a secondary handset, travel phone or deliberate escape from app-heavy mobile life, however, it has a clear purpose.
PhonesGate rating: 8.0/10 for its intended category.