Nokia X2 for T-Mobile Review

Introduction:

In this continuing volatile world economy, which has yet to prove itself in stabilizing any time soon, people from all corners of the world are still fastening their belts very tightly when it comes down to their spending budget. With that in mind, Nokia aims to appease those who don’t quite have an unlimited disposable income with their messaging friendly Nokia X2. Rightfully so, this device sports a $79.99 price point on T-Mobile’s prepaid lineup, but just because they’re targeting this segment, does it mean that potential buyers will be greeted with an inferior product?

The package contains:

• Nokia X2
• Battery
• Wall Charger
• Stereo Headset
• User Manual
• Terms & Conditions

Design:

Interestingly enough, the Nokia X2 exudes a design that’s favorable despite its affinity for being regarded as an entry-level device. From afar, it closely resembles some of the Finnish company’s more respected portrait QWERTY devices, like the E72, but upon holding it, we’re presented with a completely plastic device that’s normal sized (0.56” thick) and extremely lightweight (3.79 oz.). On the whole, we’re particularly content with its well-rounded construction that tastefully retains some of the elements employed by its higher-end counterparts, but of course, resorts to using lower quality materials instead.



You can compare the Nokia X2 with many other phones using our Size Visualization Tool.

Notching down things just a little bit, the Nokia X2 boasts a low quality 2.4” QVGA (320 x 240) TFT display with support for 262k colors. Even though its size might seem proportionate, we’re not all that impressed with its bland color production and egregious viewing angles. Additionally, the display becomes blatantly difficult to view outdoors under the sun. Moreover, there is no option under the settings menu to modify its brightness output.


Beneath the display, there are some decently sized dedicated buttons, such as the soft, send, and end keys, which exhibit a clicky response when pressed down. Additionally, the directional pad is prominently placed squarely in the middle, and is comfortable enough to feel out with our thumbs.

And of course, it’s hard to miss its distinguishable 4-row portrait style keyboard that’s probably the centerpiece of the entire device. Buttons might look deceptively small and crunched up against one another, but since they’re rounded towards the middle, they provide an exceptionally solid tactile response when pressed. Overall, we soon found ourselves quickly speed typing away without much falter in accuracy – thus strengthening its position of being a suitable messaging phone.


Strangely, the X2 omits a dedicated volume rocker and relies on the d-pad to act as one when you’re either on a phone call or playing audio. On the left side, we find the microUSB and microSD card slot hidden behind a difficult to remove plastic cover. Although we initially thought that the microUSB port would supply power, it in fact does not – and requires you to charge via the proprietary port on the top side of the handset. Furthermore, the top edge is also home to the handset’s 3.5mm headset jack.


Turning things around, the paltry 0.3-megapixel camera is located towards the top with the notches for the speakerphone next to it. Removing the plastic cover is easily accomplished by prying it off from the bottom edge – thus giving you access to its battery and SIM card slot.