Nokia X2-02 review: Two in one

Introduction

Another dual-SIM phone by Nokia should be about as surprising as snow in Finland. And while we can understand it if you don't exactly brace yourselves for a shocker, being prepared won't hurt. The Nokia X2-02 has some real nice treats for all of you who like surprises.

It's been nothing short of an invasion. Nokia's dual-SIMs cover every step of the entry-level segment. You can learn the ropes on the most basic S30 phones, before moving on to Touch and Type. Dual-SIM has a prominent place in the fresh Asha series too.

Nokia X2-02 official pictures

It's a respectable lineup, in which the X2-02 stands out. It's not about being the best-equipped phone of the bunch. With 3G completely out of the question and cameras never crossing the 2MP mark, there's a tight limit on how much extra luggage dual-SIM phones can carry. The X2-02 gets around it by focusing on a single skill and really going the distance with it.

Key features

• Dual-SIM, dual-standby phone
• SIM manager with dedicated settings for up to five SIM cards
• Dual-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
• 2.2" 256K-color TFT QVGA display
• S40 6th edition
• 2 megapixel fixed-focus camera
• QCIF video recording at 15fps
• Stereo FM radio with RDS, Built-in antenna, radio recording
• FM transmitter
• Facebook and Twitter apps
• Bluetooth v2.1 (with A2DP)
• Standard microUSB port
• microSD card slot (32 GB supported)
• 3.5mm audio jack

Main disadvantages

• No 3G
• Basic still camera and video
• Doesn't charge off USB
• No screen brightness control
• No smart dialing
• No flashlight

Phones like the Nokia X2-02 are at the bottom of the food chain. Most of the time, a flashlight is all the extra functionality one can hope for. A 2MP fixed focus camera and blurry choppy videos are the closest to luxury you can get at this price. Dual-SIM telephony is the main course, but in the X2-02 the side dish may be just as tasty.

Nokia X2-02 live shots

The Nokia X2-02 inherits the dedicated music controls (and the vibrant paintjobs) of the X1-01, but takes music playback to a whole new level. The built-in FM antenna lets you blast the tune playing on the radio through the powerful loudspeaker without having to plug the headphones first. The side-mounted microSD card slot is always ready to take a huge music collection, which the FM transmitter will broadcast to every radio around you.

There couldn't have been more for the X1-01 to hope for. But the upgrades don't end with the added features. Take the jump to our hardware chapter, where we discover a side-mounted, hot-swappable SIM slot and a better keypad.