Nokia X10 Review: A Solid Mid-Ranger with 5G and Clean Android

The Nokia X10 is a mid-range smartphone that aims to deliver a clean Android experience alongside reliable hardware. Positioned as an affordable 5G option, it caters to users who want modern connectivity without breaking the bank. While it may not compete with flagship devices in terms of raw power, it offers a balanced package for everyday use. Let’s dive deeper into what makes the Nokia X10 stand out—or fall short—in a crowded market.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia X10 follows the brand’s minimalist design philosophy, with a plastic back and a sturdy frame that feels durable in hand. The matte finish resists fingerprints, a small but appreciated detail for those who dislike smudged devices. The phone is available in subtle colors like Forest and Snow, giving it a distinct yet understated look. At 210g, it’s slightly heavier than some competitors, but the weight distribution ensures it doesn’t feel unwieldy. The rear-mounted fingerprint sensor is fast and accurate, though its placement might take some getting used to for those accustomed to in-display scanners.

Display and Multimedia

The 6.67-inch IPS LCD screen offers a Full HD+ resolution (1080 x 2400 pixels), which is sharp enough for most tasks. Colors are decently vibrant, though they lack the pop of an AMOLED panel. Brightness levels are adequate for indoor use but can struggle under direct sunlight. The 20:9 aspect ratio makes it great for streaming videos, and the single bottom-firing speaker delivers clear audio, albeit without much bass. A headphone jack is notably absent, so wireless or USB-C headphones are a must.

Performance and Software

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, the Nokia X10 handles day-to-day tasks smoothly but isn’t built for heavy gaming or multitasking. The octa-core processor, paired with 6GB of RAM (configurations may vary by region), ensures apps open quickly and run without major hiccups. Where the phone truly shines is its software: it runs Android 11 out of the box with a promise of three years of OS updates and monthly security patches. The near-stock Android experience is refreshingly bloatware-free, making it a great choice for purists.

Camera Capabilities

The quad-camera setup on the Nokia X10 includes a 48MP primary sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor. Daylight shots from the main camera are detailed with accurate colors, though dynamic range could be better. The ultra-wide lens is usable but suffers from distortion at the edges. The macro and depth sensors feel more like filler than functional additions. Low-light performance is mediocre, with noise creeping in quickly. The 8MP front camera handles selfies well but struggles in dim conditions. Video recording tops out at 1080p 30fps, which is underwhelming for a 2023 device.

Battery Life and Charging

With a 4470mAh battery, the Nokia X10 easily lasts a full day of moderate use, including browsing, social media, and light gaming. Heavy users might need a top-up by evening, but most will appreciate the endurance. The 18W fast charging is slower than many competitors, taking nearly two hours for a full charge. Wireless charging isn’t supported, which is expected at this price point but still a slight disappointment.

5G and Connectivity

As one of the more affordable 5G-enabled phones, the Nokia X10 future-proofs your connectivity without a hefty price tag. It supports sub-6GHz 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with most networks. Call quality is clear, and Wi-Fi 6 support provides faster wireless speeds where available. NFC is included for contactless payments, and Bluetooth 5.0 ensures stable connections with peripherals.

Final Verdict

The Nokia X10 is a pragmatic choice for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize software longevity and 5G readiness over cutting-edge specs. It won’t wow you with its camera or gaming performance, but it delivers a clean, reliable experience with excellent update support. If you’re after a no-nonsense Android phone that will stay relevant for years, the X10 is worth considering.

Nokia X10 Full Specifications:

General:

- Model: Nokia X10

- Dimensions: 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm

- Weight: 210g

- Build: Plastic back, polycarbonate frame

- Colors: Forest, Snow

- SIM: Dual Nano-SIM (some regions)

- IP Rating: None

Display:

- Type: IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)

- Size: 6.67 inches

- Resolution: 1080 x 2400 pixels (20:9 ratio)

- Protection: Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Platform:

- OS: Android 11 (upgradable)

- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G (8nm)

- CPU: Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)

- GPU: Adreno 619

Memory:

- RAM: 4GB/6GB

- Storage: 64GB/128GB (expandable via microSD up to 512GB)

Main Camera:

- 48MP, f/1.8 (wide), PDAF

- 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide)

- 2MP, f/2.4 (macro)

- 2MP, f/2.4 (depth)

- Features: LED flash, HDR, panorama

- Video: 1080p@30fps

Selfie Camera:

- 8MP, f/2.0 (wide)

- Video: 1080p@30fps

Battery:

- Capacity: 4470mAh

- Charging: 18W wired (no wireless)

Connectivity:

- 5G: Sub-6GHz

- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6

- Bluetooth: 5.0

- NFC: Yes

- USB: USB Type-C 2.0

Other Features:

- Fingerprint sensor (rear-mounted)

- 3.5mm jack: No

- Speakers: Single bottom-firing