The monster Nokia XL has been on the market for quite a long time and in general, judging by the reviews, many of its owners are pleased with this device. At least, the audience liked the manufacturer's focus with Android, combined with an unusually voluminous screen for the current smartphones of the brand. Of course, there is no need to talk about a barrel of honey yet, but nevertheless ... But you can already talk about a fly in the ointment, or rather, about five spoons at once.
Users report that problems with Nokia XL also happen, different and in different ways.
However, the number of such messages is not yet so significant that all the owners of this model without exception could begin to panic.
In addition, for many of the most common questions regarding the operation of Nokia XL, quite meaningful answers have already appeared. This is what we'll talk about.
So, The most common Nokia XL smartphone problems and how to fix them.
No response to double tap
A double tap on the Nokia XL display should activate it, but sometimes the device ignores such a user action. So far, no one has been able to find out the exact cause of this trouble, but there is an opinion that the problem lies in the software.
They say that Nokia has already informed who it is necessary to know, so we can hope that in the near future the company will take the necessary measures and with the update on duty the trouble will be eliminated forever.
But until this very update came out, some users overcome the problem with the reaction to the double tap in their XL as follows:
1. Click on the screen not twice, but three times.
2. Press twice, but with an additional light pressure.
3. When it is necessary to activate the “sleeping” screen, they tap on it not with a fingertip, but with its harder side part.
Vertical stripes on the screen
The screen of this smartphone is large (“x-el”, after all), so you need to treat it with care. Clearly, a Nokia XL case is needed (by the way, here's the new iPhone X case). But if, despite all the care about the device, you suddenly saw incomprehensible vertical stripes on its display, this does not mean that you managed to damage something.
The reason for their appearance may be a defect in certain components, which in itself is not good. But maybe not. In any case, Nokia claims that before getting upset and carrying a smartphone in service center, you must first perform a full reboot of it (with a preliminary backup data, of course).
Now, if after you returned the device to the factory settings, the strip problem reappeared, then there are no options.
Battery level freezes
Simply put, while the battery is charging, the charge level indicator stops at one indicator. Why? Haven't figured it out yet either. But those users who have already encountered such a problem are advised to simply restart the smartphone, and then the indicator will again begin to show the correct charge level. The solution is temporary, but effective.
Photo quality
Some complain that in low light, the camera on their Nokia XL starts to shoot much worse, and as a result, “photo quality drops to the “Disgusting” mark (quote from the forum). In response, more experienced owners recommend changing the brightness settings from "Auto" to "2" or "3" when shooting with a Nokia XL camera in poor ambient light in order to improve the quality of the photo. You should also experiment with other camera settings to find the best settings for your shooting conditions.
Volume
Infrequently, but XL also has problems with sound volume during telephone conversations, moreover, regardless of whether it is an incoming or outgoing call. They write that the trouble appears even at the maximum volume level. Unfortunately, an effective way to fix this problem has not yet been found. Sometimes rebooting the smartphone helps, but not always.
This year, Nokia introduced a new line of smartphones using the Android platform, albeit in a radically redesigned form. We tested the largest representative of this new cohort - Nokia XL.
Characteristics:
Communication: GSM/EDGE/UMTS (DualSIM)
Screen: IPS, 5 inches, 800 x 480
OS: Nokia X 1.0 (based on Android 4.1.2)
Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (MSM8225), Adreno 203
RAM: 768 MB
User Memory: 4 GB, microSD expansion slot
Connectors: microUSB, audio output 3.5 mm
Wireless modules: Bluetooth 3.0, Wi-Fi
Camera: front - 2 MP, main - 5 MP
Dimensions: 141.4x77.7x10.9 mm
Weight: 190 g.
Battery: 2000 mAh
Extras: GPS, FM radio
Price: 1999 UAH
Despite the fact that the Nokia X series stands apart from other devices from the company, in terms of design it still uses the same combination of bright colors and classic shapes. As a result, the model is outwardly easy to confuse with more expensive Lumia smartphones. Well, the hero of our review is only good.
The manufacturer, apparently, did not set a goal to make Nokia XL thin or light. If we are to make a 5-inch smartphone, then there is no point in trifles. Calling the device thin by modern standards will not work, and its weight exceeds even some 6-inch devices.
On the other hand, how could it be otherwise, because you are buying a thing with the abbreviation XL in the title. Nevertheless, the device looks and feels solid and well-assembled in the hands.
Despite the large diagonal, the screen resolution is not very high - 800 x 480 pixels. In general, the picture is bright and contrasting, the viewing angles will not disappoint either, but there is moderate pixelation here. But the low screen resolution has a positive effect on the autonomy of the gadget.
Special thanks to the manufacturer for supporting two SIM-cards. In Nokia smartphones, this is perceived as a pleasant innovation, while in the CIS countries the function is incredibly popular.
Both cards are connected at the same time. But when one of them receives a call, the second remains without communication until the conversation is over. Without support for 3G technology UMTS is also not done.
The Nokia XL uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 (MSM8225) dual-core processor and 768MB of RAM. In AnTuTu Benchmark, the device scored about 8000 points, which is not very much, but typical for a state employee. The interface seems to be well optimized, so there are no slowdowns in everyday tasks. But counting on dynamic 3D games, of course, is not worth it.
The operating system uses a modified version of Android 4.1.2, which the manufacturer calls Nokia X Platform. Interface changes compared to stock Android are so significant that, indeed, there is a feeling that we have a completely different platform.
Literally everything has been redesigned, from the icon design to the menu organization scheme itself. There are certain similarities with Windows Phone - the same "tiles" on the main screen. Obviously, the company is trying to make it easy for a user who has tried Nokia X to switch to, for example, Lumia.
But the main advantage of the platform, perhaps, is that it is compatible with Android applications. True, not without reservations. So, the device does not have the usual Google services, like the Play Market. Therefore, applications are suggested to be installed from the Nokia store or other alternative “markets”.
It may be difficult for the user to find a specific game or a familiar mailing program for this smartphone. By the way, if you are looking for such software or service, we can recommend the Prosto.email solution (prostoemail.ru), which works directly in the browser. This is a popular mailing system, highly effective and, importantly, quite affordable. In general, unlike specialized software, the user will have all the basic software for Nokia XL. Of the preinstalled Nokia services, I would especially like to mention the Here navigation, which also works offline.
The resolution of the built-in camera is only 5 megapixels. However, to say that she is here for show would be unfair. Apparently, the camera copes with its task as well as possible, given the hardware used.
In general, making a good shot during daylight hours and in good weather is not a problem at all. For shooting at dusk and indoors, you can use the built-in flash, which, by the way, is not in the younger model - Nokia X.
The large dimensions of the body made it possible to install a fairly capacious 2000 mAh battery in Nokia XL. In combination with a low-resolution display and an economical processor, it provides good autonomy. In our case, this is about two days of active work.
Summary
Nokia XL is a relatively inexpensive smartphone with a nice design, dual SIM support and pre-installed Nokia services. First of all, it can be recommended to fans of the brand. For example, those who used to use ordinary push-button telephones, but are now “ripe” for something more functional. However, there are quite a few alternatives on Android, which sometimes offer more powerful hardware and familiar features for the same price. Google services- the same Play Market. True, Nokia XL is clearly more interesting in appearance - inexpensive Android smartphones rarely boast a bright design. The choice is yours.
Remember, I said that Rostislav should write a review about our today's hero - Nokia XL Dual SIM. So, Rostislav is still on a drinking binge, and the review passed to me - as to the most responsible (of the two of us).
Before us is one of the heroes of the Nokia line, running on the Android system. What is the uniqueness of Nokia XL Dual SIM, what are the pros and cons of the smartphone - you can learn about this from our review.
Yes, a review of an "old" device, and we understand and know this.
Specifications
- Type, form factor: Smartphone, monoblock
- Communication standards: 2G (GSM), 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz, 3G (WCDMA), 900 / 2100 MHz, GPRS (up to 85.6 kbps), EDGE (236.8 kbps), HSUPA ( up to 5.76 Mbps), HSDPA (up to 7.2 Mbps)
- Number of SIM cards: 2
- SIM card type: Micro-SIM
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play (MSM8225): 2x Cortex A5 (ARMv5), 1GHz, 512KB L2 Cache, 45nm process
- Graphics adapter: Qualcomm Adreno 203: up to 245 MHz, support for OpenGL ES 2.0, OpenVG 1.1 and Direct3D Mobile
- Display: 5", 800 x 480 dots (187 ppi), LCD IPS, 16.78 million colors, touch (capacitive), multi-touch up to 5 touches, scratch-resistant protective glass with anti-reflective coating
- RAM: 768 MB
- Memory: 4 GB
- Memory card support: microSD (up to 32 GB)
- Connectors: 1 x micro-USB 2.0, 1 x 3.5mm mini-jack audio jack
- Camera: 5 MP, autofocus, HDR, flash, video recording with a resolution of 864 x 480 pixels at 30 fps, Front: 2 MP
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth V3.0
- Navigation: A-GPS, HERE Drive, HERE Maps
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyroscope, light and proximity sensors
- Battery: Li-Ion, removable: 2000 mAh, 7.4 Wh, 3.7 V
- Dimensions: 141.4 x 77.7 x 10.9mm
- Weight: 190 g
- Operating system: Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean
Equipment
The smartphone arrived to us in a small box made of thick cardboard, with a consistent Nokia style: yellow-orange-green.
The package includes a smartphone, Charger, headset and accompanying documentation, unfortunately, the microUSB cable is missing.
Appearance
The polycarbonate body is made in bright colors typical for the Nokia Lumia series, the corners are slightly rounded.
For its size: 141.4x77.7x10.9, the smartphone weighs quite a lot - 190 grams. And although the case can not be called thick, the gadget itself seems rather bulky.
The front side of the smartphone is completely covered with protective glass. In addition to it, the screen protects the body from scratches, which extends slightly beyond the edges, thereby preventing the display from touching the surface on which it can be placed.
Above the display is the Nokia logo, speaker, front camera lens and light/proximity sensor.
At the bottom of the screen is one touch button: tap on it - "Back", hold - "Home".
On the rear panel, there is a main camera lens and an LED flash on top, and a speaker at the bottom.
Under the removable panel is a removable battery, slots for microSIM-cards and microSD.
On the right side of the smartphone are the power button, volume rocker. Above is the headphone jack, below is the microUSB port.
The build quality is excellent, the case does not creak or flex, there are no gaps, and at first it even seems that the smartphone is monolithic.
Display
The smartphone received a 5-inch display with a small (even for a budget) resolution of 800x480 and a pixel density of 187 ppi.
The IPS-matrix provides wide viewing angles, but also conveys its inherent flaws, namely small shades of yellow and purple. In addition, the display has a small air gap between the matrix and the protective glass, from which the picture deteriorates a little, but this is not so critical and almost imperceptible.
But a significant and main disadvantage is the lack of an oleophobic coating. Fingerprints are instantaneous and hard to wipe off.
Of the advantages of the screen, it is worth noting the high level of brightness, sufficient to read information from the screen in bright sunlight; and comfortable reading in the dark at a minimum level.
Excellent color reproduction, high contrast, good sensor sensitivity, multi-touch technology that supports up to 5 simultaneous touches - all this complements the positive impression of working with the display.
Sound
Nokia XL Dual SIM uses only a mono speaker located on the back of the smartphone. The sound is good, quite loud, but you can't expect much from a mono speaker. You definitely won't miss a call.
The sound is slightly better in headphones, so for watching videos or playing games, I advise you to use them.
As for the conversational dynamics - there are no complaints. The interlocutor is heard loudly and clearly, even when talking in a noisy place.
Camera
Nokia XL Dual SIM received two cameras at once - a 5 megapixel main camera with autofocus and flash, and a 2 megapixel front camera. Let's consider each separately.
Pictures on the main camera are of average quality, but when shooting on the street they look quite good. You can use the HDR function, set the white balance and ISO in the settings.
The video is shot in 864x480 resolution.
The front camera is best used for video calls only.
As mentioned earlier, the settings of the Camera app are quite wide. In addition to white balance and ISO, you can choose the level of sharpness, auto exposure, noise reduction, saturation, and more.
Interface
Since we have already described Nokia smartphones running under Android control, for us, such a turn is not a surprise.Nokia XL Dual SIM received Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean with Nokia X proprietary shell version 1.1.1.0, which visually equates Android to WP 8. That is, here you will not see the usual desktops with application icons and widgets. No, you still have the same tiles, only on Android.
Working with the interface is quite simple and intuitive: notifications are displayed at the bottom, on the lock screen.
To unlock the screen - swipe on a free area of the screen or double there on the screen. To go to the current notification - swipe to the right.
In order to go to the "Recent" page, which displays recent activities, you need to swipe to the right on the desktop.
In the notification panel, you can perform standard actions: turn on / off wireless networks, go to settings, etc.
The strangest and most inconvenient thing about the Nokia XL Dual SIM interface is that it lacks Google services. Instead of Google Play you are invited to work with Nokia and Yandex stores.
There are quite a few pre-installed applications: HERE Maps, HERE Drive, Alarm Clock, Music Player, FM Radio, etc.
Iron
As a processor, the smartphone received a dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Play (MSM8225) with a clock speed of 1 GHz. Volume random access memory- 768 MB, built-in - 4 GB; Qualcomm Adreno 203 is responsible for the graphics.
The main disadvantage of the Nokia XL Dual SIM hardware platform is the inability to install the application on a memory card. That is, you cannot automatically download a heavy application or game to your smartphone. It's upsetting.