Nokia has long held a special place in the hearts of many consumers. The brand is synonymous with durability, reliability, and a commitment to a clean software experience, especially through its partnership with Android One. The nokia 5.4, upon its release, was positioned as a budget-friendly phone that delivered a great camera, a large display, and a promise of timely software updates. It was a solid contender in a crowded market.
But in the fast-paced world of technology, a lot can change in a few years. For someone today who is considering purchasing a nokia 5.4—perhaps from a retailer that still has new old stock—a critical question arises: is this phone still relevant? Can it hold its own against the modern budget smartphones that have flooded the market? This comprehensive Nokia 5.4 review will provide an honest, in-depth analysis of the phone from a 2025 perspective, taking into account its hardware, software, and, most importantly, its value proposition today. We’ll help you determine if this phone is a hidden gem or a purchase you should avoid.
Design & Display: A Sign of Its Time
The design of the nokia 5.4 is a clear product of its time. The phone features a plastic build, which is not uncommon in this price category. While it may not feel as premium as a metal or glass phone, the plastic body is lightweight and durable. The back has a subtle, circular texture that helps with grip and gives it a distinct look. The circular camera module on the back is also a signature design element of this era of Nokia phones.
However, the phone’s display reveals its age. The Nokia 5.4 features a 6.39-inch HD+ LCD screen. While the screen gets reasonably bright and the colors are decent, it falls short of the modern standard. Today, even budget phones often come with Full HD+ resolution displays, and many are starting to offer high refresh rates (90Hz or 120Hz) and AMOLED technology. The HD+ resolution on the Nokia 5.4 means that text and images may not look as sharp as they do on a more modern device. The lack of a high refresh rate also means that the user experience will feel less smooth and responsive compared to a newer phone.
In short, while the phone's design is robust, its display is a significant compromise by today's standards.
Performance & The Android One Promise
Under the hood, the nokia 5.4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 processor, paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM. The Snapdragon 662 was a capable mid-range chip at the time of its release, and it can still handle everyday tasks like Browse, social media, and light multitasking with ease. Apps open at a decent speed, and the overall user interface feels responsive enough. However, the phone will struggle with demanding tasks like graphically intensive games or heavy video editing. The Nokia 5.4 performance is functional, but it’s not fast by any modern metric.
The biggest selling point of the nokia 5.4 was its software. As an Android One phone, it came with a clean, near-stock version of Android, free of bloatware and unnecessary customizations. This was a major advantage, as it meant the phone received timely security updates and guaranteed major OS updates for a certain period. However, this is also where the phone's age becomes a critical drawback.
As of today, the Nokia 5.4 is at the very end of its software update cycle. This means it will no longer receive new major versions of Android, and more importantly, it will soon stop receiving crucial security patches. A phone that doesn't receive security updates is a risky purchase. It can become vulnerable to new malware and security threats, and many apps may eventually stop supporting the outdated operating system. The promise of Android One, which was a major reason to buy this phone in the past, no longer applies to its future.
The Camera & Battery: A Look Back
The nokia 5.4 came with a quad-camera setup on the back, headlined by a 48-megapixel main sensor. The other lenses included a 5-megapixel ultrawide, a 2-megapixel depth sensor, and a 2-megapixel macro lens. While the high megapixel count might seem impressive, our detailed look at the Nokia 5.4 camera reveals that the results are a mixed bag.
In good lighting conditions, the 48-megapixel main sensor captures decent photos with a good amount of detail and accurate colors. However, the images often lack the sharpness and dynamic range of modern budget phones. In low-light situations, the camera struggles, and the images are often noisy and lack detail. The ultrawide lens is a nice addition, but its low resolution means the images are often soft and lack sharpness.
The battery is one of the phone's strengths. The Nokia 5.4 battery has a 4,000mAh capacity, which, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 662 and the HD+ display, can easily get you through a full day of use. For many, the phone could last for a day and a half on a single charge. This remains a solid feature, as great battery life is always a plus.
The Commercial Dilemma: The Nokia 5.4 Price and Value
The ultimate question for anyone considering a purchase is about the Nokia 5.4 price and its value in the current market. Why would someone choose this phone today? The answer is likely a combination of brand loyalty and a very low price tag from a retailer clearing out old stock.
However, a low price doesn't always equate to good value. The Nokia 5.4 is a classic example of a phone that was good in its time but is no longer a smart buy. When you look at the Nokia 5.4 vs competition today, the weaknesses become apparent.
Modern Budget Phones: For a similar price, you can find a modern budget phone from a brand like Samsung or Motorola that offers a better processor, a full HD+ display, and a camera system that, while not always 48 megapixels, is often more capable and better at low-light photography.
Software and Security: The biggest drawback of buying a nokia 5.4 today is its impending lack of software and security updates. This is a critical factor that can affect your phone's functionality and security in the very near future.
Performance: The Snapdragon 662, while functional, is a slow processor by today's standards. This will affect your phone's performance in almost every task, from opening apps to Browse the web.
Final Verdict: The Past is Not the Future
The nokia 5.4 was a decent phone that delivered a good user experience in its time. It had a nice design, a clean software experience, and a battery that could last all day. But in 2025, the phone's age has caught up with it. The outdated display, the slow processor, and, most importantly, the lack of future software and security updates make it an unsuitable purchase today.
While the low Nokia 5.4 price might be tempting, it is a false economy. The phone will quickly become a liability, both in terms of functionality and security. For a similar price, you can find a much more modern and capable phone that will provide you with a better user experience, a more secure operating system, and a longer lifespan. The Nokia 5.4 is a testament to Nokia's legacy, but it's a legacy that should be admired from afar, not purchased today.