The Nokia X2 is a refined upgrade from its predecessor, featuring a 4.3-inch display, a dual-core Snapdragon 200 processor, and a 5MP autofocus camera. It runs a forked version of Android that lacks Google services and offers expandable storage, but struggles in low-light conditions and has average battery life. Priced around Rs 7,500, it competes with similar devices from brands like Xiaomi and Micromax, providing decent performance and a solid build quality.

1. Nokia X2
Review in pictures
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2. 2
It's plastic and it's glossy
Bigger than its predecessor, with a slightly larger screen size of 4.3-inches
A real embodiment of the term ‘fingerprint magnet’, thanks to its glossy piano black finish
Fits well in hands, although it’s bulky at 150g and quite thick with a 11.1mm frame
DESIGN

3. 3
Small changes in design go a long way
In contrast to the Nokia X, the X2 offers two capacitive navigation buttons,
providing the ability to go to home or return to the previous screen
Long-pressing the back key brings up the multitasking menu, which wasn’t available
on the Nokia X
Rear panel can be opened to access the removable battery, two SIM slots and a
microSD card slot
DESIGN

4. A clear display
Features a ClearBlack LCD display panel measuring 4.3-inches
While the resolution of 800 x 480 pixels seems to be on the lower side,
there’s no sign of pixelation
The display produces excellent colours and offers good brightness levels.
Protected by scratch-resistant glass
DISPLAY

5. Nokia’s take on Android…
The X series from Nokia
serves as a gateway to WP
devices and Microsoft
services
Hence, the OS is a forked
version of Android and
doesn’t come with Google
services
Runs Nokia X software
platform 2.0, which is
based on Android 4.3
Jelly Bean
Tackles many issues we
had with the previous
software version
USER INTERFACE

6. …is inspired by Windows Phone and Asha Platform
The homescreen UI is
similar to WP, with large
tiles, and apps listed
alphabetically on the next
screen
Fastlane interface
displays recent
notifications and
recently-opened apps,
similar to Nokia’s Asha
Platform
Unlike the original Nokia
X, you can access
notifications from the
notification panel
USER INTERFACE

7. Better shooting experience than before…
The Nokia X had a basic
3.2MP fixed-focus camera.
In comparison, the X2 bears a
5-megapixel autofocus
sensor at the back, supported
by an LED flash
There’s also a VGA camera at
the front
The rear camera can shoot
videos in 720p
The camera app’s interface is
very minimal, and there are no
special modes like HDR and
panorama
However, you can adjust
image’s brightness, quality, etc.
CAMERA

8. … that’s quite good for social sharing
The rear camera takes decent
shots that offer good colour
variance and detail
However, they lose sharpness
once you start zooming in
The camera also struggles in
poorly-lit conditions, and the LED
flash tends to add to the noise
The VGA front snapper is good for
making video calls, but not so
much for capturing selfies
Overall, the camera serves the
purpose of sharing on social
networks, but not much else
Long shot
Close up
CAMERA

9. Fluid performance
There’s a considerable upgrade in the hardware department as compared to its
predecessor
The Nokia X2 is powered by a more efficient dual-core Snapdragon 200
processor ticking at 1.2GHz
It’s further supplemented by Adreno 302 GPU and a gigabyte of RAM
Delivers smooth performance, even while playing graphic-heavy games
PERFORMANCE

10. Stingy with storage
Comes with 4GB of
internal storage on
board
Users can access 2.2GB
out of this for installing
apps and storing content
The device supports
memory expansion up to
32GB via a microSD card
Unfortunately, there’s no
support for USB OTG to
attach a flash drive
PERFORMANCE

11. Average battery life
Gets juice from a
removable 1,800mAh
battery
With light usage, it can
accompany you for a full
working day
However, with the use of
3G and playing games, it
drains much faster
In our battery life test, it
played back a 720p video
on loop for close to six
hours and 30 minutes,
which is just about average
PERFORMANCE

12. At a glance…
4.3-inch display, 800 x 480 pixels
resolution
1.2GHz dual-core Qualcomm
Snapdragon 200 processor
1GB RAM
4GB onboard memory, expandable
up to 32GB
5-megapixel autofocus camera with
LED flash
VGA front camera
Dual-SIM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS
1,800mAh Li-ion battery
Nokia X software platform 2.0
(based on Android 4.3 AOSP)

13. Pros and cons
Nice display
Good performance
Decent performance
Glossy body
Old build of Android and no
access to Google services
Competition is much better in
terms of core specs

14. Pricing & verdict
“While the Nokia X felt like a beta product, the X2
comes across as a much more refined device. Not
only does it right the problems of its predecessor, it
also delivers a much better user experience.
However, it faces notable competition in the form
of Xiaomi Redmi 1s, Micromax Unite 2 and Huawei
Honor Holly, to name a few. Despite this, if you're
looking for a sturdy device from a trusted brand,
which offers the customisability of the Android
platform and delivers decent performance, the
Nokia X2 is a good bet.”
Price:
~Rs 7,500
(online price)