Nokia X10 vs. Nokia 8.3 5G: A Deep Dive into Performance and Value

The Nokia X10 and 8.3 5G represent HMD Global's efforts in bringing affordable 5G connectivity to a wider audience. While both devices share a similar aesthetic and Nokia's commitment to software updates, they diverge significantly in their underlying hardware, particularly in their chipsets. This comparison dissects those differences to determine which phone delivers the best experience for your needs.
Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

For most users, the Nokia 8.3 5G is the superior choice. Its Snapdragon 765G chipset, built on a more efficient 7nm process, provides a noticeable performance uplift in demanding tasks and gaming, justifying the potential price premium. However, the X10 remains a viable option for those prioritizing extreme budget constraints.

PHONES
Phone Names Nokia X10 Nokia 8.3 5G
Network
2G bandsGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bandsHSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100
4G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 411, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, 38, 39, 40, 41, 66, 71
5G bands1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 31, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub61, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 28, 38, 40, 41, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA
SpeedHSPA, LTE, 5GHSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE (4CA) Cat18 1200/150 Mbps, 5G 2.4/1.2 Gbps
TechnologyGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5GGSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G
 Splash protection-
Launch
Announced2021, April 082020, March 19. Released 2020, September 15
StatusAvailable. Released 2021, June 07Discontinued
Body
Build-Glass front, plastic frame, glass back
Dimensions168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in)171.9 x 78.6 x 9 mm (6.77 x 3.09 x 0.35 in)
SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM
Weight210 g (7.41 oz)220 g (7.76 oz)
Display
ProtectionCorning Gorilla Glass 3-
Resolution1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density)1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~386 ppi density)
Size6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio)6.81 inches, 112.0 cm2 (~82.9% screen-to-body ratio)
TypeIPS LCD, 450 nits (typ)IPS LCD
Platform
CPUOcta-core (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460)Octa-core (1x2.4 GHz Kryo 475 Prime & 1x2.2 GHz Kryo 475 Gold & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 475 Silver)
ChipsetQualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm)Qualcomm SM7250 Snapdragon 765G 5G (7 nm)
GPUAdreno 619Adreno 620
OSAndroid 11, upgradable to Android 14Android 10, upgradable to Android 12, Android One
Memory
Card slotmicroSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot)
Internal64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM64GB 6GB RAM, 64GB 8GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM
Main Camera
FeaturesZeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panoramaZeiss optics, Dual-LED flash, panorama, HDR
Quad48 MP, (wide), PDAF 5 MP, (ultrawide) 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens64 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.72", 0.8µm, PDAF 12 MP, f/2.2, 120˚ (ultrawide), 1/2.43", 1.4µm, AF 2 MP (macro) Auxiliary lens
Single8 MP, (wide)-
Video1080p@30fps4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30/240fps, 720p@960fps, gyro-EIS
Selfie camera
Features-Zeiss optics, HDR
Single8 MP, (wide)24 MP, f/2.0, (wide), 1/2.8", 0.9µm
Video1080p@30fps1080p@30fps
Sound
3.5mm jack YesYes
35mm jackYesYes
Loudspeaker YesYes
Comms
Bluetooth5.0, A2DP, LE, aptX HD5.0, A2DP, EDR, LE
NFCYesYes
PositioningGPS, GLONASS, GALILEOGPS, GLONASS, BDS
RadioFM radioFM radio
USBUSB Type-C 2.0, OTGUSB Type-C 2.0, OTG
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi DirectWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct
Features
SensorsFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compassFingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
Battery
Charging18W wired18W wired
TypeLi-Po 4470 mAhLi-Po 4500 mAh
Misc
ColorsForest, SnowPolar Night
ModelsTA-1350, TA-1332TA-1243, TA-1251
PriceAbout 150 EURAbout 470 EUR
SAR-0.96 W/kg (head)     1.41 W/kg (body)
SAR EU0.51 W/kg (head)     1.29 W/kg (body)0.96 W/kg (head)     1.41 W/kg (body)

Nokia X10

  • Most affordable 5G Nokia phone
  • Decent performance for basic tasks
  • Clean Android experience with guaranteed updates

  • Noticeably slower performance than the 8.3 5G
  • Less capable camera system
  • 8nm chipset less power efficient

Nokia 8.3 5G

  • Superior performance with Snapdragon 765G
  • More efficient 7nm chipset for better battery life
  • Improved camera image processing

  • Higher price point than the X10
  • May be harder to find in stock
  • Still uses an LCD panel

Display Comparison

Both phones likely feature similar LCD panels, given their market positioning. However, detailed display specs (resolution, brightness) are missing. The key difference lies in the processing power driving them. The 765G in the 8.3 5G will handle UI animations and video playback more fluidly. While neither is expected to boast high refresh rates, the 8.3 5G’s chipset will be less strained by the display, potentially leading to slightly better battery life during video consumption.

Camera Comparison

Without detailed camera sensor information, a direct comparison is limited. However, the image signal processor (ISP) within the Snapdragon 765G is more advanced than that of the 480. This means the 8.3 5G will likely exhibit better dynamic range, noise reduction, and overall image quality, particularly in challenging lighting conditions. While both phones may feature similar megapixel counts for their main sensors, the 765G’s superior processing power will result in more detailed and visually appealing photos. The X10’s ISP will struggle to extract the same level of detail.

Performance

The core distinction between these devices is the chipset. The Nokia 8.3 5G’s Snapdragon 765G, fabricated on a 7nm process, offers a significant advantage over the X10’s Snapdragon 480 (8nm). The 765G’s Kryo 475 Prime core, clocked at 2.4 GHz, provides a substantial boost in single-core performance, crucial for app launch speeds and general responsiveness. The 480’s Kryo 460 cores, while octa-core, operate at lower frequencies. This translates to a more noticeable lag when switching between apps or running demanding applications on the X10. Gamers will find the 765G’s Adreno 620 GPU far more capable of handling graphically intensive titles at playable frame rates.

Battery Life

Both devices feature 18W wired charging, suggesting similar charging speeds. The actual battery capacity isn't specified, but the Snapdragon 765G’s 7nm process is more power-efficient than the 480’s 8nm node. This means the 8.3 5G will likely achieve comparable or even better battery life despite potentially having a similar capacity battery. The more efficient chipset reduces power draw during everyday tasks, extending usage time between charges.

Buying Guide

Buy the Nokia X10 if you need a truly budget-friendly 5G phone for basic tasks like browsing, social media, and light communication, and are willing to accept compromises in performance. Buy the Nokia 8.3 5G if you prioritize smoother multitasking, a more responsive gaming experience, and a generally more future-proof device, even if it means spending a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Will the Snapdragon 480 in the Nokia X10 struggle with demanding games like Call of Duty Mobile?
Yes, the Snapdragon 480 is likely to struggle with graphically intensive games like Call of Duty Mobile. You'll likely need to lower graphics settings significantly to achieve playable frame rates, and even then, expect occasional stuttering. The 8.3 5G’s Snapdragon 765G is far better suited for gaming.
❓ How does the software update commitment differ between the Nokia X10 and 8.3 5G?
Both the Nokia X10 and 8.3 5G are part of Nokia’s Android One program, guaranteeing at least 3 years of security updates and 2 major Android OS upgrades. This is a significant advantage over many competitors in this price range, ensuring long-term software support for both devices.
❓ Is the 18W charging on either phone considered fast charging in 2024?
No, 18W charging is relatively slow by 2024 standards. Expect a full charge to take around 2-3 hours. While not a dealbreaker, it's a noticeable drawback compared to phones offering 30W or higher charging speeds.