Nokia X10 and X20 announced: 5G support and 3 years of software updates and warranty

2021-04-08

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.

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.