Nokia X20 5G

The Nokia X20 5G is available in two variants in Qatar. The 6GB RAM and 128GB storage model is priced at QAR 999, while the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage variant is available for QAR 1,059. These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and any ongoing promotions.

The device is available in two color options: Midnight Sun (bronze) and Nordic Blue.

Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	6.67 inches, IPS LCD, 1080 x 2400 pixels
Processor	Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G
RAM	6GB / 8GB
Storage	128GB, expandable via microSD
Main Camera	64MP + 5MP + 2MP + 2MP
Front Camera	32MP
Battery	4470mAh
Operating System	Android 11, upgradable to Android 13
5G	Yes
Weight	220g
Dimensions	168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm

 

Release Date and Availability

The Nokia X20 5G was first announced on April 8, 2021, and became available for purchase on May 12, 2021. Since its release, the device has been widely available in Qatar through various authorized retailers and online stores. The phone’s availability in the Qatari market has been consistent, making it a popular choice for consumers looking for a mid-range 5G smartphone.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia X20 5G boasts a sleek and modern design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The device features a large 6.67-inch IPS LCD display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. The screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, offering improved durability against scratches and accidental drops.

With dimensions of 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm, the Nokia X20 5G is a relatively large smartphone, which may be a consideration for users with smaller hands. However, the device’s curved edges and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and use. Weighing 220g, it’s on the heavier side compared to some competitors, but this added weight contributes to its premium feel.

The phone’s build quality is impressive, with a sturdy plastic frame and a glass front. The rear panel features a unique textured finish that not only looks good but also provides a better grip. The circular camera module on the back adds a distinctive touch to the overall design.

Display and Performance

The 6.67-inch IPS LCD display of the Nokia X20 5G offers a pleasant viewing experience with good color reproduction and decent brightness levels. While it may not match the deep blacks and contrast ratios of AMOLED displays, it still provides satisfactory performance for everyday use, including web browsing, social media, and video consumption.

Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, the Nokia X20 5G delivers reliable performance for most tasks. The octa-core processor, coupled with either 6GB or 8GB of RAM, ensures smooth multitasking and app launches. While it may not be the most powerful chipset in its class, it offers a good balance between performance and energy efficiency, especially considering its 5G capabilities.

The device comes with 128GB of internal storage, which should be sufficient for most users. For those who need more space, the storage is expandable via a microSD card, providing flexibility for storing photos, videos, and apps.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Nokia X20 5G is its versatile camera system. The quad-camera setup on the rear consists of a 64MP main sensor, a 5MP ultra-wide lens, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro camera. This combination allows for a wide range of photography options, from detailed landscape shots to close-up macro images.

The main 64MP camera performs well in various lighting conditions, capturing sharp and detailed photos. The ultra-wide lens is useful for capturing expansive scenes or group photos, while the depth sensor aids in creating natural-looking bokeh effects in portrait mode. The macro lens, although limited in resolution, can be fun for close-up shots of small objects.

On the front, the 32MP selfie camera is housed in a punch-hole cutout and delivers impressive self-portraits. It also supports various AI-enhanced features and beauty modes to help users capture their best selfies.

Video recording capabilities are decent, with the rear camera supporting up to 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. While it may not offer 4K video recording like some higher-end models, the quality is more than adequate for casual video capture and social media sharing.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nokia X20 5G is equipped with a 4470mAh battery, which provides good endurance for a full day of moderate to heavy use. The energy-efficient Snapdragon 480 5G chipset helps in optimizing power consumption, especially when using 5G networks.

The device supports 18W fast charging, which, while not the fastest in its class, still offers reasonably quick top-ups. It’s worth noting that the phone does not support wireless charging, which may be a consideration for some users who prefer the convenience of cable-free charging.

Software and User Experience

Out of the box, the Nokia X20 5G runs on Android 11, with a clean and near-stock Android experience. Nokia has committed to providing three years of OS updates and four years of security patches for this device, which is a significant advantage in terms of long-term software support.

The clean Android interface, free from bloatware and unnecessary pre-installed apps, contributes to a smooth and intuitive user experience. Regular software updates ensure that the device remains secure and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.

5G Connectivity and Network Performance

As its name suggests, the Nokia X20 5G supports 5G connectivity, making it future-proof for the next generation of mobile networks. In areas with 5G coverage, users can expect significantly faster download and upload speeds compared to 4G LTE networks.

The device supports multiple 5G bands, ensuring compatibility with various 5G networks worldwide. This makes it a good choice for users who travel frequently or live in areas where 5G is being rolled out.

Comparison with Other Nokia Models

When compared to other Nokia models like the C12 Pro, C21, and C31, the Nokia X20 5G stands out as a more premium offering. While these other models are positioned in the budget to lower mid-range segment, the X20 5G offers superior specifications and features across the board.

The Nokia C12 Pro, for instance, features a smaller 6.3-inch display with lower resolution, a less powerful Unisoc SC9863A processor, and only 2GB or 3GB of RAM options. It also lacks 5G connectivity and has a much more basic camera setup.

The Nokia C21 and C31, while offering larger batteries (5050mAh in the C31), still fall short in terms of processing power, camera capabilities, and overall build quality compared to the X20 5G. These models are more suited for users with basic smartphone needs or those on a tighter budget.

Comparison with Similar Phones in the Market

In the mid-range 5G smartphone market, the Nokia X20 5G faces competition from various brands. Devices like the Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, OnePlus Nord N10 5G, and Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G offer similar price points and features.

The Samsung Galaxy A52 5G, for example, offers a Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which provides a smoother visual experience compared to the X20 5G’s 60Hz IPS LCD. It also features a more powerful Snapdragon 750G processor and an IP67 water resistance rating.

The OnePlus Nord N10 5G, while slightly older, offers a 90Hz refresh rate display and faster 30W charging. However, it falls short in terms of software support compared to Nokia’s commitment to long-term updates.

The Xiaomi Redmi Note 10 5G provides similar specifications to the Nokia X20 5G but at a lower price point. However, it lacks the clean Android experience and long-term software support that Nokia offers.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. 5G connectivity at a mid-range price point
2. Versatile quad-camera setup
3. Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates
4. Solid build quality and attractive design
5. Good battery life

Cons:

1. IPS LCD display instead of AMOLED
2. Relatively heavy at 220g
3. No wireless charging support
4. Processor may struggle with very demanding tasks or games

Who Should Buy the Nokia X20 5G?

The Nokia X20 5G is an excellent choice for users who:

1. Want a reliable 5G smartphone without breaking the bank
2. Prefer a clean Android experience with guaranteed long-term software support
3. Enjoy photography and want a versatile camera system
4. Value build quality and design
5. Need a phone that can last a full day on a single charge

It may not be the best choice for:

1. Heavy gamers or power users who need top-tier performance
2. Those who prioritize having the latest and most advanced display technology
3. Users who require wireless charging capabilities