GADGETSLAB: Nokia X2-01 Smartphone

I may be able to type without looking at the laptop keyboard but QWERTY phones are a different story. I knew the Nokia X2-01 would pose a bit of a challenge for me and my long nails. But then again, who was I to resist such a slim and sleek-looking phone with a high-gloss finish on the front and a red (or azure, grey, silver, and lilac) matte, smudge-free finish at the back? Its minimalist design also includes the battery charger and 3.5mm headphone jack on top, USB and microSD card slot on the right side and a rather small battery and SIM card slot just behind the back cover. And if you’re already familiar with Nokia’s usual buttons and icons, then using the X2-01 will be a breeze. Of course now, this phone allows for a much brighter screen and more intuitive icons. You can view photos and web pages on a wide 2.4-inch color display as well as customize your phone by changing themes and icons. You can also add shortcuts to your favorite contacts, social communities and apps onto your home screen for an easier and more personal experience. And with the Nokia Ovi Store, you can personalize as well as customize your X2-01 for free.

However, for a smartphone that’s going against a lot of others in the market, the Nokia X2-01 may seem sub-par especially to those familiar with what competition can offer. It may give off a lovely first impression but you may also begin to see some not-so-attractive qualities such as the flimsy plastic-ky back cover, VGA camera at the back, and yes, a tightly spaced QWERTY keyboard the kind that makes typing a chore despite the simple iconic designs and symbol placements. This phone also doesn’t include WiFi connectivity which really just dampens its potential to become a truly smart smartphone.

Yet for its price that less than Php 5,000, you still get a fairly decent smartphone that can keep you mobile and in-touch with friends through social networks plus a battery that can last a good 1½ to two days with normal use. It will also keep you entertained with music downloads and the one-click access to songs as well as your choice FM radio station. One-click access also applies to your email, chat, and social networks. But if you’re like me, who simply likes to talk and text with their phone, the Nokia X2-01 is a luxurious choice. Calls were clear and loud while the QWERTY keyboard became easier to use with time.

Specs:
FORM FACTOR: QWERTY Candybar
DISPLAY: 320 x 240 pixels
PHYSICAL DIMENSION: 119.4 x 59.8 x 14.3 mm
WEIGHT: (with battery) 107.5 g
BAND: Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
INTERNAL MEMORY: Combo 128 MB/64 MB; MicroSD memory card slot up to 16GB

What’s Hot:
-Light and stylish design
-One-click access to features and apps

What’s Not:
-VGA camera
-No WiFi capability

Bottomline:
A smartphone for beginners, the Nokia X2-01 gives you just what you need without breaking the bank.