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Nokia 105: Close-up with a $20 cell phone (pictures)

The cheap, cheerful Nokia 105 is so simple, it doesn't even have volume controls. But it's also ultra-affordable.

Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Jessica Dolcourt
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1 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Close-up with the $20 Nokia 105

It's bright blue and only costs the price of a couple of lattes. The Nokia 105 may not arrive with a U.S. carrier, but the ultra-affordable cell phone is a steal no matter where you live.
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2 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Navigating around

The tall and narrow 105 tucks easily into palms and pockets, and the rubbery keys rise above the surface. You navigate with a combination of the directional pad and soft keys, but you won't be able to use the D-pad to select, which takes some getting used to.
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3 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Ports and more

Strangely, the 105's only external features are the ports up top: one for the proprietary charger and one for the headset jack. There's also a flashlight, which is a helpful, but unexpected, addition.
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4 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Backing

The back panel is rich, matte, and smudge-free. It pulls off with ease, but leaves a gap when you snap it back on.
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5 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Bare sides

The phone's spines are completely bare, devoid even of a volume rocker. That's a little too extreme for my tastes.
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6 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

Under the panel

A peek at the 105's battery case. The Mini-SIM card slot is beneath this battery.
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7 of 7 Josh Miller/CNET

One final glance

You can text, get into the FM radio, and use essential apps like the calendar and text composition window.

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