NokiaX

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-• 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

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.”