Nokia X Review: The 'So-Called' Android Offering That Will Make Some Noise

The big news at the moment is that Nokia's first ever Android-powered phone has finally been launched. However, while this is already a big thing, it's still not really surprising since Nokia was already rumored to launch an Android based smartphone for over a year. Although, later the rumored sort of died down after Nokia was reported to have scrapped the project once Microsoft decided to take over their Devices and Services section.

However, it's been some six months since then, but the rumors have turned out to be true (as always in the smartphone business) as we have our first ever Nokia-branded Android smartphone. Nokia also made its arrival big by presenting it first at this year's previously held Mobile World Congress event held in Barcelona, Spain. However, while the device is indeed an Android-powered smartphone, it's still a stock Android known as Android Open Source Project - not you average Google-licensed Android offering.

The Nokia X has been launched to serve a single purpose: To engage with more buyers in the emerging or upcoming markets and introduce them to a low budget yet decent offering that will offer them all the functionalities that you also find in a mid or a high range flagship these days.

So what's the special thing about this new device? Can it withstand others in the market in the same price range (and there are lots)? We are currently sitting with a Nokia X unit at out disposal getting all up, close and personal with it. Let's see what this device has to offer.

Nokia X: Design and Display

The Nokia X is basically based on the Lumia and Asha-like designs that we have come to know off late. The device features a clean and minimalist look with an impressive build quality that's best delivered by Nokia. When you first see the device, you will feel like it's smartphone with a unibody construction. However, if you look closely, you will see that the device comes with a removable back cover, closing up the sides of the device leaving no unnecessary gaps in the smartphone. The Nokia X will be available for sale in Black, White, Red, Green and Cyan variants. The device's body sports a easy-to-the-fingers matte finish.

The Nokia X has been designed with the presence of a 4.0-inch IPS LCD screen, with the back side of the device featuring a 3 megapixel camera and a speaker grill that will act as a loudspeaker or for music. The phone's volume rocker is present on the right side of it, alongside the power/lock key. The left hand side of the phone, on the other hand, remains buttonless with a clean and refreshed look. The top half of the smartphone holds the 3.5mm headphone jack, while, as expected, the microUSB port for charging and data transfer sits at the bottom.

We would say that the Nokia X is slightly better than average. While you will find out that the polycarbonate body of the device is decently heavy, but once in your hand, it fits well with its small screen, and there's no real issue of feeling weighed down by the handset.

The device's 4.0-inch IPS LCD display seems quite good to the eye for viewing both indoors and outdoors, although it may look a bit dull when brightness levels go up, like when the device is being exposed to direct natural sunlight. However, the device's overall color reproduction capabilites aren't affected by that with the viewing angles also complimenting the device's display. Nokia has also played its cards right by offering high amount of contrast levels which suits the overall backdrop.

Recommended: Nokia X Dual SIM Android Smartphone: Top 10 Attractive Online Deals Now Available for Rs 8,499

And while some users may not be too inclined toward a device offering just 233 pixels per inch density since phones have come a long way since then, but considering the way the phone has been priced, it seems like that's a decent offering in this regard.

Sadly enough, we were expecting here a Nokia ClearBlack display that would really set the ball rolling, but the display that we have got here doesn't really disappoint. However, make a note when we tell you that the display is not made up of your regualar Gorilla glass offering and , on the contrary, is quite open to scratches as time goes by.