Nokia X10 vs Nokia G50: A Deep Dive into HMD's 5G Budget Options
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🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user prioritizing a slightly more refined build and potentially better software support, the Nokia X10 emerges as the winner. However, the G50's larger display and potentially lower price point make it a compelling alternative for media consumption and budget-constrained shoppers.
| PHONES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Phone Names | Nokia X10 | Nokia G50 |
| Network | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - EU, ROW, China |
| 4G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 39, 40, 41 - EU, ROW, China |
| 5G bands | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 31, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 | 1, 3, 5, 7, 28, 38, 40, 41, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - EU, ROW, China |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE, 5G | HSPA, LTE, 5G |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G | GSM / HSPA / LTE / 5G |
| Splash protection | 2, 5, 7, 38, 41, 66, 71, 78 SA/NSA/Sub6 - NA | |
| Launch | ||
|---|---|---|
| Announced | 2021, April 08 | 2021, September 22 |
| Status | Available. Released 2021, June 07 | Available. Released 2021, October 13 |
| Body | ||
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 168.9 x 79.7 x 9.1 mm (6.65 x 3.14 x 0.36 in) | 173.8 x 77.7 x 8.9 mm (6.84 x 3.06 x 0.35 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 210 g (7.41 oz) | 220 g (7.76 oz) |
| Display | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protection | Corning Gorilla Glass 3 | - |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~395 ppi density) | 720 x 1560 pixels, 19.5:9 ratio (~252 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.67 inches, 107.4 cm2 (~79.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.82 inches, 114.2 cm2 (~84.5% 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 14 | Android 11, upgradable to Android 13 |
| Memory | ||
|---|---|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) | microSDXC |
| Internal | 64GB 6GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera | ||
|---|---|---|
| Features | Zeiss optics, LED flash, HDR, panorama | 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, aptX HD | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GALILEO, BDS |
| 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, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band |
| 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 4470 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Forest, Snow | Midnight Sun, Ocean Blue |
| Models | TA-1350, TA-1332 | TA-1358, TA-1390, TA-1370, TA-1367, TA-1361 |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 180 EUR |
| SAR | - | 0.79 W/kg (head) 0.96 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.51 W/kg (head) 1.29 W/kg (body) | 1.15 W/kg (head) 1.13 W/kg (body) |
Nokia X10
- Potentially more durable build quality
- Slightly more compact form factor
- Likely better software update support
- May have a smaller battery capacity
- Potentially higher price point
Nokia G50
- Larger display for immersive viewing
- Potentially lower price point
- May have a larger battery capacity
- Larger and less pocketable design
- Potentially less durable build quality
Display Comparison
Both the Nokia X10 and G50 feature displays that prioritize affordability over cutting-edge technology. While specific panel details (like peak brightness in nits or color gamut coverage) are unavailable, the G50's larger 6.67-inch display compared to the X10's 6.67-inch screen will offer a more immersive viewing experience. However, a larger display can also impact battery life. The absence of high refresh rates on either device suggests a focus on power efficiency rather than fluid animations. Bezels are likely to be noticeable on both, consistent with their price bracket.
Camera Comparison
Camera performance is difficult to assess without detailed sensor specifications. Both phones likely feature a multi-camera setup, but the quality of the main sensor is the most critical factor. The absence of information regarding sensor size and aperture makes a direct comparison challenging. It's reasonable to assume both phones will struggle in low-light conditions. The inclusion of a 2MP macro camera on either device is likely more for marketing than practical use, offering limited detail and dynamic range. Image processing will play a significant role in the final image quality, and Nokia's software algorithms will determine the overall aesthetic.
Performance
The core performance of both devices is identical, powered by the Qualcomm SM4350 Snapdragon 480 5G (8 nm) with an octa-core CPU configuration (2x2.0 GHz Kryo 460 & 6x1.8 GHz Kryo 460). This means users can expect similar performance in everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and light gaming. The 8nm process node offers a reasonable balance between performance and power efficiency. However, the Snapdragon 480 5G is not a powerhouse, and demanding games may require reduced graphics settings. RAM configurations, which are not specified, will significantly impact multitasking capabilities. Thermal management will likely be adequate for typical use, but sustained heavy loads could lead to throttling.
Battery Life
Both the Nokia X10 and G50 support 18W wired charging, which is relatively slow compared to modern fast-charging standards. Actual charging times from 0-100% will likely be around 2-3 hours. Battery capacity is not specified, but the G50's larger size *could* accommodate a slightly larger battery. However, the larger display on the G50 will also consume more power. Real-world battery life will depend heavily on usage patterns, but both phones should be able to last a full day with moderate use. The 18W charging speed suggests a focus on longevity over quick top-ups.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia X10 if you need a phone with a more compact form factor and appreciate a potentially more durable build quality. It's ideal for users who value a balanced experience and prefer a phone that's easier to handle. Buy the Nokia G50 if you prioritize a larger screen for media viewing and gaming, and are looking for the absolute lowest price point for 5G connectivity. It's a good choice for those who don't mind a larger device and are less concerned with premium materials.