Nokia's budget 5G offerings, the G50 and X10, offer compelling value. Both pack the Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, but subtle differences in design, camera features, and software experience can make a big difference. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you choose the right one for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia X10 edges out the G50 thanks to its slightly better camera system and potentially more consistent software updates. However, the G50 often presents a more attractive price point, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious buyers seeking 5G connectivity.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU, ROW, China | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - EU, ROW, China | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - EU, ROW, China | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 31, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| | 2, 5, 7, 38, 41, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - NA | Splash protection |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2021, September 22 | 2021, April 08 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, October 13 | Available. Released 2021, June 07 |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 173.8 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.84 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 220 g (7.76 oz) | 210 g (7.41 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
| Resolution | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~252 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.82 inches, 114.2 cm2 (~84.5% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) | IPS LCD, 450 nits (typ) |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460) |
| Chipset | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) | Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 619 |
| OS | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 14 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Quad | - | 48 MP, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro)
Auxiliary lens |
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Triple | 48 MP, f/1.8, (wide), PDAF
5 MP, (ultrawide)
Auxiliary lens | - |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | 8 MP, (wide) | 8 MP, (wide) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.0, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes |
| Positioning | GPS, GALILEO, BDS | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | FM radio |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG | USB Type-C 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 18W wired | 18W wired |
| Type | Li-Po 5000 mAh | Li-Po 4470 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Midnight Sun, Ocean Blue | Forest, Snow |
| Models | TA-1358, TA-1390, TA-1370, TA-1367, TA-1361 | TA-1350, TA-1332 |
| Price | About 180 EUR | About 150 EUR |
| SAR | 0.79 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) | - |
| SAR EU | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) |
Nokia G50
- More affordable
- Large display
- Decent 5G connectivity
- Clean Android experience
- Camera could be better
- Slower charging
- Plastic build feels less premium
Nokia X10
- Better camera system (especially zoom)
- Potentially longer software support
- Slightly more premium design
- Good overall performance
- Higher price
- Charging speed still slow
- Display not as vibrant as some competitors
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 6.67-inch display, but the X10 typically boasts a slightly higher peak brightness and potentially better color accuracy. The G50 might have a more vibrant, though less accurate, display. Resolution is generally FHD+ on both.
Camera Comparison
The X10 generally has a more versatile camera system, often including a dedicated telephoto lens for improved zoom capabilities. The G50 typically focuses on a main wide-angle lens and an ultrawide. Image processing and low-light performance are areas where the X10 often shows an advantage.
Performance
Performance is largely identical due to the shared Snapdragon 480 5G chipset. Expect smooth everyday tasks and decent gaming performance at lower settings. Differences in RAM and storage configurations (often varying by region) could impact multitasking slightly.
Battery Life
Both phones have a 4470mAh battery, offering all-day battery life for moderate usage. Charging speeds are identical at 18W wired, which is relatively slow by modern standards.
Buying Guide
The Nokia G50 is ideal for users prioritizing affordability and a large display for media consumption. The Nokia X10 is a better choice for those who value a slightly improved camera experience and potentially longer software support.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone has better software support?
Nokia generally provides timely Android updates, but the X10 often receives updates for a slightly longer period compared to the G50.
❓ Is the Snapdragon 480 5G chipset powerful enough for gaming?
It's sufficient for casual gaming and less demanding titles. For more graphically intensive games, you'll need to lower the settings for smooth performance.
