With the Nokia X, the Finnish giant is offering users its world-class build with the power of the Android ecosystem. Does the device pull it off or are there a few compromises in this marriage, let's find out via a review in pictures.

1. Nokia
X
Review in
pictures

2. Brings the X factor
• The first device from
Nokia that runs Android
• Part of the Nokia X
family, with the X+ and
the XL as its siblings
• Available in a riot of
bright hues, along with
the staple black or
white
• Boasts the typically
solid Nokia build

3. Specs you wouldn’t like to flaunt
• Compact and easy to hold
• 4-inch, 480 x 800 display
• 1GHz dual-core
Snapdragon processor
• 512MB of RAM and 4GB
storage, microSD slot
• 3-megapixel fixed focus
shooter
• Dual-SIM support

4. Display isn’t too bad, really
• The 4-inch IPS screen offers a pixel density of 233ppi
• Good viewing angles but sunlight legibility isn’t its strong
point
• Produces crisp and vibrant colours
• Ample contrast and brightness levels

5. Let’s not talk about the cam
• 3-meg, fixed-focus
shooter takes you back
in time
• No front shooter for
selfies, bummer
• Camera app is basic, but
gives you control over
white balance and
exposure
• Usable results as long as
lighting is good, but
don’t expect wonders

6. Android? Where?
• Runs Android AOSP 4.1.2
• Custom interface with no
resemblance to Android
• Just one start screen where all
apps appear. It supports
widgets and custom folders
though
• Only a single key below the
screen, takes you one screen
back or jumps to the home
screen by long-pressing
• All notifications appear on the
FastLane screen, accessible by
swiping sideways

7. No Google on Android
• The Nokia X doesn’t
support Google services,
which means no Play Store,
no native Gmail app, no
Google maps, no Hangouts
and no Google Now
• Android apps are available
through Nokia’s Store
• You can use third-party app
stores like 1Mobile Market
or Aptoide in case you can’t
find what you’re looking for
• Sideloading Android APKs is
possible too

8. Microsoft and Nokia get to play instead
• Search powered by Bing
• Here Maps handle location
and navigation. Offline
navigation provided free for
one country
• Nokia’s MixRadio for music
streaming, allows four
offline mixes at a time, each
for a period of 30 days
• Preloaded apps include
BBM, Facebook, Twitter,
Opera and a host of games

9. Different in usage as compared to a regular ‘droid
• No proper
multitasking
• All notifications
displayed on the
FastLane screen
• If you’re an Android
user, you may miss
notifications
appearing on the
status bar

10. Hackery can get the job done
• Custom launchers easy
to install, but don’t
deliver notifications
• If you’re prepared to
risk voiding warranty
and possible bricking,
rooting allows you to
run the full suite of
Google services,
including the Play Store

11. Performance hiccups exist, but smooth for basics
• Dual-core Snapdragon chip running at 1GHz and 512MB of
RAM handle routine tasks well, though there’s a bit of lag,
and intensive games like Riptide GP2 stutter
• Basic connectivity options on board. No NFC or USB OTG, but
least you do get a memory expansion slot

12. Battery life is average too
• Removable 1,500mAh
battery keeps the Nokia
X going for a day with
light usage
• You may need to hunt
for a power socket by
the evening in case
your usage is heavy

13. At a glance
• 4-inch, 480 x 800 IPS screen
• 3MP fixed focus camera
• 1GHz dual-core Snapdragon
processor
• Adreno 203 GPU
• 512MB RAM, 4GB internal
storage, microSD card slot
• 1,500mAh battery
• Dual-SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3.0,
A-GPS
• FM Radio

14. -
• Middling specs
• No support for Google
services
• No proper multitasking
• Front shooter missing in
action
• 3MP fixed-focus shooter
delivers so-so results
• A few performance
hiccups
Pros and cons
+
• Nokia and Android
playing together for the
very first time
• Sturdy build and
standout colours
• Simple interface
• Most Android apps
supported, sideloading
possible too
• Nokia’s signature
services like Here Maps
and MixRadio

15. Rs 8,599
Pricing and verdict
“The Nokia X does pale in comparison to other Android devices
that offer a full-fledged Android experience (like the Xolo Q800 X-
edition), but may be worth a look for those upgrading from a
feature phone who need a simple UI along with peace of mind
that only a brand like Nokia can bring.”