Microsoft unveils the Nokia X2: a little more of the same

Exactly four months after the first Android-powered Nokia smartphone – the Nokia X - saw the light of day, Microsoft unveiled a successor to the pioneer – say a big, hearty "Hello!" to the entry-level, dual-SIM Nokia X2, which is the first Android smartphone that is coming straight from Redmond.

Just like its predecessor, the Nokia X2 is running a forked version of Google's OS, which means that the device will not ship with any of the search giant's apps or services preinstalled – Gmail, YouTube, Maps, Hangouts, and Google Play are out of the question here. Instead, Microsoft has equipped its first Android smartphone with a wide range of its own apps and services. Instead, owners of the X2 will be able to download apps from the curated Nokia Store app market. Of course, this store can't rival Google Play in the amount of apps that are available. Still, users can sideload Android apps form APK files to their heartfelt content.

On top of Android, the Nokia X2 runs tiled interface, reminding us about the looks of Windows Phone's interface. The smartphone also features the same Fastlane user interface, which comes straight from the Asha family of devices. It provides users with a timeline of your activities, which provides you with a list of your recently-accessed apps, upcoming events, tasks, and more. Microsoft has also equipped the Nokia X2 with a number of its own services and apps – Skype, Outlook.com, OneDrive (with 15GB of available cloud storage), OneNote, HERE Maps, MixRadio, etc. Additionally, some of the more popular Android apps, such as Facebook, Facebook Messenger, Line, WeChat, and others are already available on Nokia Store.

Hardware-wise, the Nokia X2 is nothing to write home about. It packs a dual-core Snapdragon 200 SoC, which is running at no more or less than 1.2GHz. The amount of on-board RAM has doubled in comparison with the Nokia X – the Nokia X2 sports a hefty 1GB of RAM, which is an altogether a substantial increase. However, the 4GB of available internal storage aren't, but the microSD card slot should the trick, as it supports memory cards of up to 32GB in size. A removable 1800mAh battery at the back of the X2 keeps the lights on.

The display of the Nokia X2 is a tad larger than the one of the Nokia X, yet it retains the same resolution – Microsoft's new affordable device comes with a 4.3-inch ClearBlack LCD display with a resolution of 480 x 800. This means that the Nokia X2 has a display pixel density of roughly 217 ppi, which is a little lower and less sharper than the pixel density of Nokia X's display.

Unlike the Nokia X, the X2 comes with a VGA front-facing camera. Additionally, the 5MP rear snapper comes with a flash and autofocus – as you might remember, the Nokia X was devoid of these. The Nokia X2 also totes a duo of capacitive buttons on its front - a back and a home button for easy multitasking. That's another improvement in comparison with the Nokia X, which only packed a back button. Better late than never, we guess.

The Nokia X2 has also grown in comparison with the Nokia X. Microsoft's new affordable device has dimensions of 4.79 x 2.68 x 0.43 inches (121.7 x 68.3 x 11.1mm) and tips the scales at 5.29 oz (150 g). Microsoft is especially proud with the outer layer of the X2, which sports a shiny "brand-new cool translucent outer layer" of plastic.

Connectivity-wise, the Nokia X2 supports 3G with downlink speeds of up to 21.1Mbps. Of course, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (4.0) are also on board.

Microsoft says that the Nokia X2 will be immediately available in select markets and will retail for around $134 (EUR 99) before taxes and subsidies. It will be available in glossy green, orange, and black. Additional color options, such as glossy yellow, white, and matt dark grey will follow soon.

With all being said, the Nokia X2 will probably give the entry-level Motorola Moto E a run for its money, as both devices are almost on par in terms of on-board hardware and price. So, how do you feel about the Nokia X2? Is it a worthy successor to the Nokia X, or just a timely refreshment? Drop a line and share your thoughts below!




source: Nokia (1), (2)