One of the stand-out successes for Nokia over the years would undoubtedly be handsets running on the S40 operating system. This is found on the majority of mid range Nokia devices, and has always proven to be dependable and reliable, with a high level of customisation options available.
In recent times, one thing that has been lacking in a S40 device is the availability of a touchscreen display, which the recently announced Nokia X3 Touch and Type resolves. Part of the X Series range of handsets, the X3 Touch and Type delivers a strong feature set as well as touch capability, in a very small device. We’re going to take a more detailed look at this handset, and see if it has what it takes to compete in a very solid mid market section, that is already crowded with touch enabled handsets.
The actual display on the X3 Touch and Type isn’t actually that big, with a standard Nokia QVGA resolution, and measuring just 2.4 inches. The display supports up to 256,000 colours, and uses TFT resistive technology, which means you will be able to use a stylus with the device. Overall the Nokia X3 Touch and Type measures in at just 106 x 48 x 10mm, and weighs a very lightweight 78g.
The Nokia X3 is a well connected handset, offering a strong range of data connection technology. A quad band GSM device, the Touch and Type also has 3G with both HSDPA and HSUPA enabled, backed up with Class 10 GPRS and EDGE. The handset also brings the latest version of WiFi, with the inclusion of WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, whilst local wireless connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 2.1, with A2DP support. There is also a Micro USB port, for connecting the device to a PC or laptop, so you can transfer content to/from the device.
Memory storage shouldn’t be a problem, as the Touch and Type supports memory expansion via Micro SD memory cards, officially supporting cards up to 16 GB in size. This should be ample for most people, allowing storage of thousands of music tracks, images and videos. A full media player is included, with support for various digital audio and video formats, plus we also find on board a stereo FM radio with RDS support. The handset includes a 3.5mm audio output jack, and there is a dedicated music key, which enables fast launching of the last used media player on the phone.
A 5.0 megapixel camera is included on the X3, which is enabled for video recording, and there is full integration with all the popular social networks, and thanks to the support for high speed data transfer uploading content from your handset to Facebook or Twitter should be a straight forward and quick process. The X3 Touch and Type also features a multitude of messaging features, including support for Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and GTalk, plus the usual SMS, MMS, and Email, with the option to create multiple accounts on the phone.
Ultimately, you get the impression with the Nokia X3 Touch and Type that it isn’t really a handset that you would buy for the touchscreen, but the fact it has a touchscreen at all is a real bonus. Most often you will use the main keypad for interacting with the device, but for the times you would need a touch enabled display it is good to have it there. In comparison to many other touchscreen phones, the Nokia X3 offers something different, and with its small size, light weight and low price, it should sell in good numbers.
The Nokia X3 Touch and Type is scheduled for a Q3 2010 release, and will be available in a variety of colour options including White Silver, Dark Metal, Petrol Blue, Pink and Lilac.
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5:34 pm
I've just bought a Nokia X3 and would recommend one to anyone, as far as i can tell it has no issues and is fast and easy to use, only one bad point is the battery is limited if you use the phone online alot.
6:56 pm
Hi Jason, is it true that the Nokia X3 touch and type doesn't charge properly? I've heard reports that the screen goes white and won't charge! Thanks!