Nokia X InDepth Review of Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Nokia X

The Nokia X was announced in February 2014 and released soon after in March. It marked a significant departure for Nokia as it bridged the gap between the Windows Phone ecosystem and the Android platform. Designed to cater to the entry-level smartphone market, the Nokia X was a unique amalgamation, standing out with its affordability and design.

Design and Build

The Nokia X featured a compact design with dimensions of 115.5 x 63 x 10.4 mm and weighed in at 128.7 grams. Its weight and dimensions made it comfortable to hold and use with one hand. The device was available in a variety of vibrant colors including bright green, bright red, cyan, yellow, black, and white. The polycarbonate body of the Nokia X was designed to be both sturdy and attractive, catering to a younger audience looking for individuality in style.

Display

The smartphone boasted a 4.0-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels, translating to a pixel density of approximately 233 PPI. While the display specs might seem modest compared to modern standards, at the time it offered acceptable viewing angles and adequate brightness. The screen-to-body ratio of around 62.6% was one of its noticeable characteristics, pretty decent for its segment.

Hardware and Performance

Under its hood, the Nokia X was powered by the Qualcomm MSM8225 Snapdragon S4 Play chipset. The dual-core 1.0 GHz Cortex-A5 CPU coupled with the Adreno 203 GPU provided a basic but functional performance suitable for everyday tasks such as calling, texting, light browsing, and playing casual games. The device came with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which could be expanded via microSDHC card slot, addressing the storage needs despite the device’s low native storage capacity.

Software and User Interface

One of the defining features of the Nokia X was its software. It ran on a modified version of Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, branded as the Nokia X platform 1.1. Nokia smartly integrated elements of its Lumia Windows Phone design into the Android ecosystem, resulting in a tile-based UI reminiscent of the Metro design philosophy. This platform, however, did not include official Google Play services, which was a significant departure from typical Android devices and required users to rely on Nokia’s offerings and third-party app stores.

Camera

The phone was equipped with a 3.15 MP rear camera. Although it lacked advanced features or a front camera for selfies, the camera was technically sufficient for basic use like capturing quick snapshots or low-resolution videos at 480p@30fps. Given its price point, the camera capabilities were in line with consumer expectations for an entry-level device.

Battery Life

The Nokia X was powered by a removable Li-Ion 1500 mAh battery (BN-01). It offered a stand-by time of up to 408 hours and a talk time of up to 13 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and up to 10 hours and 30 minutes on 3G. The battery performance was designed to be efficient, supporting basic user needs such as phone calls, music playtime (up to 26 hours), and other essential functions without frequent recharging.

Connectivity Options

The Nokia X supported 2G and 3G networks. With its dual-SIM capability in certain models, it was an appealing option for users needing separate lines for personal and professional use. Connectivity features included Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, hotspot, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for wireless sharing, GPS navigation, and stereo FM radio. The omission of NFC was notable, but not a significant drawback for the target market at the time. It also featured a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer, complemented by a 3.5mm audio jack for audio needs.

Miscellaneous Features

The device came with basic sensors, including an accelerometer and proximity sensor, which facilitated basic motion detection and display functionalities. Priced around 100 EUR at launch, the Nokia X delivered a combination of design, functionality, and connectivity, which catered to the budget-conscious consumer who still desired the style and legacy associated with the Nokia brand.

Conclusion

The Nokia X, with its vibrant design and unique software blend, played a crucial role in Nokia’s strategic shift and attempted foothold into the Android market. While the fusion of Android OS with Nokia’s distinctive UI didn’t eclipse the success of more established Android devices, it represented an interesting experiment in the mid-2010s smartphone landscape. Though discontinued now, it remains a notable chapter in Nokia’s history and its enduring influence in the mobile industry.