Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Nokias X2,X3 and X6 music phones may leave you humming a new tune.
X2: The new entrant
While we didnt get a chance to review this cousin of the X3 and the X6,the X2,released last week,promises a lot of amazing options for a price tag of Rs 6,579.
Nokias offer of a 5 mega pixel full focus camera with flash,background processing and 4x smooth zoom definitely caught our fancy. Other features include stereo output speakers,dedicated music keys,FM RDS radio with antenna,a 3.5-mm AV connector,Nokia music Ovi Player,and also the various options of downloading applications from the Ovi store along with email,IM messaging and Facebook access.
X3: Only music
The no-nonsense angular shape signifies the changing look of the XpressMusic phones. Now,there is the X3,which is also solid to hold. The phone features the Series 40 sixth edition operating system that allows basic level multitasking.
The phone has music keys on the right edge of the screen,while the other keys are feather touch. The D-pad too is very responsive. But a bigger screen would have been better. Plus,the slider felt very tacky and the keys reminded us of the Motorola MotoRazrnot something for people with thick fingers.
But,it scores in its USPas a music phone. In fact,if music is the only reason you are buying it,then we recommend it,as the small price tag will not leave you disappointed. The music player not only includes support for a large number of music formats,but also lets you share the song and artist you are listening to through social networks.
While the volume might not be high enough for lovers of hard rock,the phones stereo speakers are sufficiently good. Plus,there is a built-in antenna and you dont need to plug on the headset to listen to FM. Nokia claims the phone has 26-hour playback.
The real disappointments were the camera and the bad video recording. Probably on a very bright sunny day the 3.2 MP camera might give good pictures. Then there is no 3G connectivity,accelerometer,smart dialing or office document viewer. On the other hand,the integration of the Ovi Store,Ovi Maps and Ovi Share and support for up to 16 GB memory are definite positives.
Overall,a good phone for college goers,or people who are not in need of heavy duty multitasking,but wish to listen to long hours of music playback. Price Rs 6,200.
X6: Touch and feel
The X6 comes with the Symbian Series 60 operating system,an old software no matter how good the phone is. However,the touchscreen phone,which boasts of a 3.2 screen,does feel nice even with the S60 on board. The screen is undoubtedly one of the better ones that we have seen. It requires only a gentle touch,rather than a push for a click to be registered,but that has its flip side too. Another sore point is the bad legibility under sunlight.
But the first high-end XpressMusic handset has a music section that will make you happy. The set comes packed with the Nokia WH-500 headset,which can cost as much as an entry level phone,which has a smart integrated remote.
The phone also comes with music subscription that promises unlimited free downloads. The FM radio can automatically scan and save stations,and switch frequencies while you are roaming.
The phone does boast of excellent connectivity options,like tri-band 3G with HSDPA support,Wi-Fi,built in GPS receiver,an accelerometer,a proximity sensor Ovi Maps 3.0,Ovi and MySpace services. The 5mp camera features a dual LED flash and a Carl Zeiss lens. While we have never found the cameras on Nokia to be exceptionally good,this one can click pictures and videos that are nice. The image gallery,however,is sluggish and so is the UI. Nokia could have thrown in a micro SD card slot and the option to charge from a micro USB port.
The X6 costs Rs 12,000 for the 8GB model,Rs 15,500 for 16 GB and a steep Rs 31,000 for the 32 GB model. Buy it if you are a music junkie,otherwise think twice before taking the plunge.l
