The X3, with its sleek new look and basic multi-tasking features, is a bold take on music phones; but does the risk pay off?
The X3 is Nokia’s second offering in the Xseries of mobile phones — after the X6 touch phone — and its latest addition to the XpressMusic Series 40 (S40) slider phones. In light of the success that the XpressMusic series has enjoyed since it first came out, and the variety of feature-rich mobile phones currently available in the market, a lot was expected from the X3. Spider tested the new music phone to see whether it rocks or is just another rocky ride.
Nokia X3
Model number: Nokia X3-O0
Input type: Alphanumeric keypad
Features
Messaging: SMS (threaded view). MMS, e-mail
Radio: Stereo FM radio with RDS + built-in antenna
Games: Built-in + downloadable
Music player: MP4, WMV, MP3 + WMA player
Memory: 46MB internal, MicroSO up to 16GB
Camera: 3.2 megapixel, 4X digital zoom
Video: 320×240 pixels at 15 frames per second
Connectivity: GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth, USB
Battery: lasted 3 days on average use; 1 day on excessive use
Charging time: Approximately 70 minutes
Package components
Nokia X3 handset, AC-8 Nokia battery charger, BL-4CT 860 mAh Li-Ion standard battery, microUSS cable, 3.5mm headset, 2GB microSD memory card
Physical specifications
Dimensions: 96×49.3×14.1 mm, 65.8 cc Display: 240×320 pixels, 2.2 inches Weight: 103g
First Impression
At first glance, the X3 strikes as a strong contender among music phones. Its solid colours, shiny top chassis and matte-dotted finish of the lower chassis definitely make a style statement — but is looking pretty enough to warranty a purchase?
Design and display
The Nokia X3 is a compact slider and unlike others in the XpressMusic series, it has straighter edges, reinforcing the boldness of the handset. The dedicated media playback control keys, next to the display screen, are a constant reminder of its XpressMusic roots. Just below the display are the Send and End keys along with the centre navigation keypad, which is clean and compact. The lower chassis is occupied entirely by a brushed metallic alphanumeric keypad, the keys of which are distinguishable only by ridges between each number. Unfortunately, the product’s design disappoints in the most significant area – its slider. Most vertical slider phones have a tendency to accidentally slide open or close. The X3’s slider is flimsy and too sensitive — this often results in phone calls unceremoniously ending mid-conversation, which is very frustrating for the user.
User Interface and Performance
The user interface is similar to most XpressMusic phones, especially the Nokia 5300. The home screen displays a horizontal shortcut bar on top and vertical shortcut list below. Standard key input on the centre key of the D-Pad leads to the main menu, which consists of 10 options in a grid (default view) — 11 if a SIM is inserted. One of the best features of the X3 is that it lets users customize various details of the phone’s user interface. For example, items in the shortcut list on the home screen, their sizes and colours can be conveniently customised. By default, the home screen shortcut list consists of the three new features that the handset is most proud of; its music player, radio and the Nokia Ovi store. However, the brightness of the screen cannot be customised, bringing us to another major issue with the X3 — its legibility in direct sunlight. It provides sensible backlighting in low-lit surroundings however; it is extremely unfortunate that the reflective design, compounded by the inability to customise the screen brightness, produces very poor viewing results in sunlight. Visibility at direct view is mediocre at best but impossible at angles. Another technical flaw in the handset lies in its slow response, where the action of a command follows the sound effect, rather than the two being perfectly in sync.
Nokia X3-Slider Keyboard
Calling and Messaging
The small and simple innovations in the X3’s phonebook are refreshing. One can customise phonebook options such as font sizes and display format without altering the number of contacts visible. Making calls and sending/receiving SMS/MMS is simple; none of the key inputs require too many adjustments if you are already a Nokia mobile phone user. On-call options such as Mute, Hold, Main Menu and Voice Clarity indicate the X3’s multitasking ability. The maximum ring volume is quite loud but the vibration, though effective, is unnecessarily prolonged. While call quality is adequate (improved upon activating Voice Clarity), the on-call recorder and the headset call quality are quite poor. On a positive note, the microphones on both the handset and the headset work quite well.
Besides SMS and MMS, other messaging options include e-mail, flash messages and audio messages — flash and audio messages appear directly on the phone’s screen, instead of being directed to the inbox; they can also be saved. The messaging editor is the same for SMS and MMS, which is very convenient. The attachment bar at the bottom of the editor is what separates SMS from MMS. Calendar events, business cards, photos, sound, video clips and streaming links are some of the attachment types. A useful feature is the threaded view for SMS conversations. In contrast to the standard inbox view, this viewing mode allows an entire chain of sent and received messages — to and from a single contact — to be viewed as a single conversation.
Entertainment
The gallery lets users browse through images, music, video and other files. An interesting new feature is the ability to view images in a timeline, sorted by date. The image editor features comprehensive editing options such as rotate, crop, effects, warp, brightness and contrast, add text/frame/clipart among others.
Considering the fact that the Nokia X3 is a music phone, the speakers work very well for music playback and the dedicated media keys have always been one of those “clever little things” from Nokia. Music files can be sorted by artists, albums or genres. A pleasant break from tradition is the radio that doesn’t require a headset to be connected; a secret wish harboured by many mobile phone users.
Applications consist of a file browser, games, a collection of familiar apps and the Ovi Store. The pre-installed games are a time-killer’s paradise & Addictive games, like City Bloxx and Guitar Rock Tour, shun any notions about the X3 being a dull phone. Unfortunately, the flat keypad, with indistinct separators, causes one to often press wrong keys in the heat of the game’s momentum, ruining its tempo. A variety of old applications have also received a face-lift —converters (basic and size), Ovi contacts, Messenger and World Clock among others.
Connectivity and Other Features:
The camera and the video recorder of the Nokia X3 are nothing to write home about. The 3.2MP camera does not perform too well and while it apparently captures moving objects well, the image quality, when viewed in full size, is average. Images taken at night are barely visible. The video recorder works similar to the camera but suffers from weaker results. At 15 frames per second, video playback produces pixelated quality footage, with poor audio.
Connectivity options include GPRS, EDGE, Bluetooth and USB. Bluetooth performance is mediocre as it takes a while to identify and connect with active devices. It is a pity that the phone comes without WLAN; this could have put the X3 at par with the Nokia N85, which still has a clear advantage over the former in terms of connectivity. The WAP browser is adequate, but Flash content often needs to be viewed separately via Flash Lite 3.0 instead of the browser. One complaint, at this point, is the positioning of Ovi in unassuming corners of the phone, which makes it difficult to escape an accidental connection. The Nokia Ovi Suite, which is the next level of the Nokia PC Suite, synchronizes data between a PC and the handset.
Nokia X3-Slider Phone
The verdict
The X3, though not groundbreaking, is Nokia’s step in the right direction. With its basic yet convenient multitasking functions, and small, refreshing perks, it is likeable. Hopefully, its flimsy slider and other technical glitches will not become its undoing. For a mid-range music phone, it’s a good purchase; if you’re looking for more — your search is not over yet.
Nokia X3 Price in India is approx 8k/- Indian Rupee (INR).
Popularity: 5% [?]
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
The phone lacks GPS & wi-fi like features which are essential nowdays. But anyway the looks of Nokia X3 is appealing and sexy one.
WHAT IS THE PRICE OF ROCKER NOKIA X3
Hello Rohit,
Nokia X3 Price in India is around Rs. 6,200/- Indian Rupee (INR)
browsing is fast and full feautred though it lack something. I have nokia x3 it is good to use. Best feautres are given within its price level
My sexy X3 been rocking for 1 year today & i must say its bold, however da slide seems not to roll smoothly, been thinking its coz it’s gathered dust over time, tried blowin it but to no avail..any X3 user out de with some ideas?..nevertheless, the Media feature offers great MUZIK listening.
how much is this x3 nokia phone in $(USD) currency? i want to have it as soon as possible after knowing the price.
The Nokia X3 is also well equipped with Stereo FM radio with RDS. The availability of radio facilitates music lovers to tune in to their favourite radio stations instantly.
The Nokia X3- is a device that is optimized for music and messaging. The device features a full QWERTY keyboard. As far the features and reliability of this phone is concerned, it very good. The screen size of this phone is pretty decent. This phone has 2.2 inches Screen with 240 x 320 pixels resolution.