The Nokia X name has been associated with many different kinds of phones in the past – multimedia ones, a Microsoft-backed Android phone, then an HMD-made Android for China and now it is all about sustainable 5G smartphones. The new series debuts with two models, the Nokia X10 and X20. HMD has pledged full support for three years – this means three years of OS and security updates, but also three-year warranty. As part of HMD’s green initiative, the phones come with an included case that is 100% compostable.
The two phones are nearly identical,
differing mainly in the camera department. So, let’s focus on the common
features first. The Nokia X10 and X20 are both powered by the Snapdragon 480 5G
chipset – an 8nm chip with 2x Kryo 460 Gold cores (A76) and 6x small cores,
plus an Adreno 619 GPU. That’s the same GPU as the S750G, so the chip actually
punches above its 400-series branding.
The X20 gets the more spacious memory
configurations, 6/128GB and 8/128GB. The X10 also has a 6/128GB option, plus
two others – 6/64GB and 4/128GB. You may want to pick RAM over storage as both
models can equip microSD cards up to 512GB (but note that it’s a hybrid
dual-SIM slot). Both X-phones have 6.67” LCDs with 1,080 x 2,400 px resolution.
These have average brightness (450 nits) and color gamut coverage (82% NTSC)
and lack any fancy stuff like a high refresh rate or even strengthened glass.
At least you get a screen protector with the retail package.
The camera section is the highlight of the
Nokia X20. It has a 64MP main camera on the rear – complete with ZEISS optics,
of course, plus tools to color grade photos. The S480 chip tops out at 1080p
video capture, so don’t expect anything more from this cam. Next up is the 5MP
ultrawide-angle camera. With the Dual Sight feature you can snap photos and
record videos using two cameras simultaneously. The viewfinder can be
configured as split screen or Picture-in-Picture. All kinds of combos are
possible, e.g. the main + ultra wide cameras or even front + macro. The final
two modules on the back are a 2MP macro camera and a 2MP depth sensor. The
front camera with its 32MP sensor (and a fixed focus lens) is another high
mark.
The Nokia X10 loses some ground here. Its
main cam is based on a 48MP sensor, though it still gets the ZEISS treatment.
The remaining three cams on the back are the same, including the 5MP ultrawide.
The selfie camera has been demoted, however, down to an 8MP sensor. In terms of
connectivity, both phones feature 5G, of course (dual-SIM), plus Wi-Fi 5,
Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD/Adaptive and NFC. Wired connectivity includes USB-C
(USB 2.0) plus a 3.5 mm headphone jack, complete with an FM radio receiver.
The Nokia X10 is very similar to the X20,
save for switching to a 48 MP main and 8 MP selfie camerasThe Nokia X10 is very
similar to the X20, save for switching to a 48 MP main and 8 MP selfie cameras
Both phones use the same 4,470 mAh battery, which comes with HMD’s standard
promise of two-day battery life. For charging they both support 18W. In some
regions the X20 will get a charger in its retail package, the X10 will always
come with a USB-C cable only.
Here are a few final details. The two
handsets will launch with close to stock Android 11 out of the box and you
won't have to worry about updates anytime soon. On their sides there are a
fingerprint reader and a Google Assistant Button. The X10 has basic water
resistance (IP52, i.e. you can take it out in the rain).
The Nokia X20 will be available in May at
a price of € 350. The Nokia X10 is scheduled to arrive a month later in June
with a € 310 price tag. Before you gasp at the price, consider you will have
peace of mind with 3 years of full support.
