XOLO Black 1X Complete Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Network and Connectivity

The XOLO Black 1X is equipped with versatile network capabilities, supporting GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies. This ensures that users have access to a wide range of mobile networks, enhancing connectivity options. The phone supports dual SIM functionality with a hybrid slot allowing one of the slots to function as either a second SIM or a memory card slot, covering a comprehensive array of 2G, 3G, and 4G bands. It is especially beneficial for users who travel frequently and need network flexibility. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps on HSPA and 150/50 Mbps on LTE Cat4, users can enjoy seamless browsing and streaming experiences.

Launch and Availability

The XOLO Black 1X was announced and released in October 2015. As with many electronic devices, its production has been discontinued. Despite this, it left a notable mark by appealing to budget-conscious consumers looking for a feature-rich smartphone at an affordable price point.

Design and Build

Designed with both functionality and style in mind, the XOLO Black 1X sports a sleek and slender build with dimensions of 144.6 x 72 x 7.6 mm. This makes for a comfortable grip and easy one-hand operation. It comes with a sturdy build featuring a glass front, Asahi Dragontrail Glass, which offers robustness against scratches and everyday wear and tear. Although the device's precise weight isn’t specified, it is lightweight enough to ensure portability without compromising on build quality. Available solely in black, it has a classic and professional appearance suitable for various occasions.

Display Quality

The 5.0-inch IPS LCD screen boasts impressive quality with a Full HD resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels. With a screen-to-body ratio of around 66.2% and a pixel density of approximately 441 ppi, the display is clear, vibrant, and crisp. This allows users to engage in media consumption and gaming with vivid visualization, bringing photos, videos, and games to life with striking detail and color accuracy. The additional protection from Asahi Dragontrail Glass ensures durability.

Processing and Performance

At the heart of the XOLO Black 1X is the MediaTek MT6753 chipset with a 28nm architecture, housing an Octa-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and Mali-T720MP3 GPU. This hardware configuration allows for efficient multitasking, decent graphics processing, and reliable performance for day-to-day tasks. Paired with 3GB of RAM, the smartphone provides smooth performance suitable for multiple applications running simultaneously without significant lag, making it a reliable choice for an average user.

Storage Capacity

With an internal storage capacity of 32GB, the XOLO Black 1X offers ample space for applications, photos, videos, and documents. For users requiring more space, the device supports microSDXC cards via the shared SIM slot, allowing expansion of storage capacity to accommodate more files and media.

Camera Performance

Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the XOLO Black 1X's 13MP primary camera. Equipped with Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), LED flash, HDR, and panorama modes, the phone is well-suited for capturing detailed and beautiful images across various lighting conditions. It also supports video recording at 1080p@30fps. The 5MP front-facing camera, complemented by an LED flash, is beneficial for selfies and video calls, ensuring clear and vivid images even in low light.

Audio and Multimedia

The XOLO Black 1X comes with a built-in loudspeaker and 3.5mm headphone jack, providing versatility in audio experiences. Whether utilizing the loudspeaker or headphones, audio output is adequate for media playback and calls. The presence of FM radio is an added advantage for users who enjoy listening to radio stations on the go.

Software and User Interface

Initially released with Android 5.1 Lollipop, the XOLO Black 1X is upgradable to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, along with the company’s proprietary HIVE Atlas UI. This allows for a personalized user experience with customizable themes and user-friendly features. Android Marshmallow introduces enhancements such as improved app permissions and battery management, contributing to a better user experience.

Battery Life

The non-removable Li-Po 2400 mAh battery provides a satisfactory power life for a moderate level of daily use. It supports up to 394 hours of standby time on 2G networks and 354 hours on 3G networks. Talk times are significant, with up to 27 hours on 2G and up to 12 hours on 3G, making the device reliable for users who engage in extensive voice calling.

Additional Features

Complementing its multimedia and connectivity features, the XOLO Black 1X is equipped with several sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, proximity, and compass, enriching the user's interaction with applications requiring such functionalities. While it lacks NFC support, the device compensates with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS, GLONASS for location services, and microUSB 2.0 for connectivity and data transfer.

Pricing and Value

Priced at approximately 140 EUR at launch, the XOLO Black 1X presented an enticing value proposition at the time, combining performance, style, and advanced features at a competitive price. Its affordability alongside its comprehensive feature set made it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers aiming for a smartphone experience without significant financial investment.