Nokia 2.1 on sale September 4 for $199

HMD Global - the maker of Nokia branded smartphones - has another budget handset hitting Australia at the start of next month. The Nokia 2.1 will launch on September 4 for $199 outright, or $149 through Telstra prepaid.

Notably, the Nokia 2.1 runs Android Go, a version of Google's operating system tuned for faster and smoother performance on entry-level hardware. Apps start 15% faster, the entire OS is smaller so that phones have more available storage out of the box, and Google has redesigned many of its apps to be lighter and less data intensive.

Key specifications for the Nokia 2.1 include an extra-tall 5.5-inch 720p+ display, a Snapdragon 425 processor, 1GB of RAM, 8GB of expandable storage, an 8MP rear-facing camera, and a 4,000maH battery. It doesn't have a fingerprint reader.

Outright, you'll be able to get the Nokia 2.1 for $199 through JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman. You'll save $50 if you grab it as a prepaid device through Telstra.

If you get the Nokia 2.1 through Telstra, its prepaid status means the phone will be locked to the Telstra network. This means you won't be able to take it to another provider without forking out a bit of extra cash. If you want to unlock your shiny new handset within the first six months, you're looking at an $80 fee. If you're happy to wait, the fee gets cut to $25 after six months. After two years, you'll be able to unlock the phone for free.

Telstra's prepaid plans are as follows:

Mobile Phone Plans

Telstra

Telstra $44 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM Starter Kit 65GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Telstra 5G Network in selected areas with 5G devices Deal: Get the $44 Pre-Paid Mobile SIM for $13 online + 45GB activation bonus for first 3 recharges $13.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry Link not supplied

$13.00 Starter Pack 28 Day Expiry

Link not supplied

Sorted by price

See More Plans ~ Last Updated 6/11/2026

Powered By

How WhistleOut Works

The Nokia 2.1 launch comes hot off the heels of the Nokia 3.1, another budget option that's slightly pricier at $249.

Alex Choros

Managing Editor + Group Telco Editor | X | Instagram | Threads | LinkedIn

Alex Choros is the Managing Editor of WhistleOut Australia and an award-winning journalist. He's been writing about consumer technology for over a decade and is an expert on the Australian telco sector, to the point where he knows far too many phone and internet plans by heart. In addition to leading the WhistleOut editorial team, Alex is responsible for ruining the office Sonos with his troubled taste in music.

Read full bio