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Nokia XL
Nokia XL
Nokia XL
Nokia XL
Nokia XL
...


6/10
Informr score
The Nokia XL currently has an Informr score of 6 out of 10. This score is based on our evaluation of 7 sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

What's good

  • Good battery life
  • Sturdy build
  • Large screen size

What's bad

  • Poor screen resolution
  • Overall slow performance
  • No Google Play store
  • Poor user interface/experience

As the XL in its name suggests, the Nokia XL is the largest handset in the Finnish company's Android lineup. Measuring in at 5.6 x 3.1 x 0.4 inches, it is just slightly larger than the Lumia 630 but even this slight size increase made it difficult for reviewers to handle comfortably. India Times describes it as, "big, bulky and quite a bother…" Other critics agree with the assessment noting that the sharp edges and weight of 190 grams makes it bulkier than they prefer. Still, they add that it is well-built and solid.

The XL's 5-inch WVGA display might be the largest among Nokia Android phones, but it certainly isn't the best. It only supports a resolution of 800x480 pixels and 187ppi pixel density. This can't even compete with other phones in the same price range such as the Moto G or even the smaller Nokia X. Experts noticed issues with pixilation immediately and were able to see individual pixels while reading or watching a video. They also had issues with bright light legibility as the low peak brightness combined with the high reflectivity of the screen made it difficult to see anything. The only bright side that critics found was its vivid colors and deep blacks. Phone Arena states, "It's among the best screens on an affordable phone we've seen so far – it's not too cold…and while it's just a bit off in terms of color, it looks great."

In terms of specs, the XL is no powerhouse with only a 1GHz dual-core processor and 768MB of RAM. As to be expected, critics experienced delays when swiping through the home screen and when launching apps. On occasion, they even experienced some crashes when using apps due to memory errors. It also has a disappointing 4GB of internal storage, though only 1.2GB is available to users. Luckily, users can expand upon this via microSD cards of up to 32GB. Battery life is one of the phone's few saving graces as the 2,000mAh battery lasted reviewers well over a day of moderate usage. Besides the internal specs, the phone also comes with a rear and front camera, both of which reviewers experts describe as average.

Like the Nokia X, the XL presents Nokia's "forked" version of Android. This means that the phone runs on Google's code but with a Windows phone interface. Instead of the standard Google apps, the X offers their own apps like Bing search. Users that want to download Google APKs will have to root their device. These small changes had a drastic impact on critics' user experience. They could not automatically sync their music, calendar and contacts nor could they download any Google Play purchases they made in the past as the X does not have Google Play store access.

In general, experts were unimpressed with what the Nokia XL had to offer. CNET states, "…while it's the best Nokia phone on the X platform, that's not good enough…if you need an affordable Android phone, you're better off with a rival device." Phone Arena adds, "…our recommendation at the moment is to look at slightly pricier devices that deliver a full and satisfying Android experience."


Custom
Operating system
Operating system
Custom
1 GHz
Processor
Processor
1 GHz
5"
Screen Size
Screen Size
5"
5+ MP
Camera
Camera
5+ MP
2000 mAh
Battery


What the Critics Are Saying...


Gadgets 360
Gadgets 360

In terms of features and specifications, the XL is at a disadvantage in a market already crowded with relatively modern Android and even Windows Phone devices.

- Jamshed Avari, Gadgets 360
Digital Versus
Digital Versus

Although we weren't expecting much after the clunky Nokia X, the XL managed to win us round. At this price, it obviously isn't the best out there, but it has a decent screen, nice photo capture and a much better set-up than the Nokia X. However, the handset isn't without fault, and it's certainly no...

- Sofian Nouira, Digital Versus
Fone Arena
Fone Arena

The Nokia XL is the best of the bunch when it comes to Nokia / Microsoft’s Android offerings but it isn’t enough to be a threat to their Lumia line. Is this what the company intended? Hard to say but looking at competing Android devices, it is quite difficult to recommend the device.The...

- Dhruv Bhutani, Fone Arena
PhoneArena
PhoneArena

With an off-contract price of around $165 (€140 in Europe), the Nokia XL is an affordable device that stands out with a display larger than most of its competitors in this price range. Needless to say, this large and also gorgeous display is its biggest advantage. The 5-megapixel camera is also...

- Victor H., PhoneArena
Cnet
Cnet

Despite having the best specs of Nokia's Android phones, the XL's poor performance and confusing OS denies users Android's' full potential and a true Windows Phone experience.

- Juan Garzon, Cnet


Prices (Where to Buy)




Common Questions


Nokia backs up the XL with a 1 Year parts & labour warranty.


If your XL has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Nokia support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Nokia's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.




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Quick view

Screen Size
5"

The Nokia XL's screen size is 5 inches with x pixels resolution.

Processor
1 GHz

There is a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Dual core 1 GHz processor (CPU).

OS

The phone runs on the Custom Nokia X Software Platform operating system (OS).

Camera
5+ MP

You can take photos or capture video with the phone's onboard 5+ MP camera.

There is also a secondary front facing camera with 2+ megapixels resolution.

Storage
4 GB

Internal memory is 4 GB. An external, MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB) expansion slot is available for increased storage capacity.

Battery
2000mAh

The phone is powered by a Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion), 2000 mAh battery. Nokia's performance ratings are 30 days standby time, 960 minutes, 360 minutes Wi-Fi surfing.

Nokia XL Specs

Overview
Release Date May 8, 2014
Regions Available USA
Operating System Custom Nokia X Software Platform

Compare Custom Smartphones

Processor Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Dual core 1 GHz
Internal Storage 4 GB
RAM 768 MB
Hearing Aid Compatible No
TTY/TDD No
Noise Cancellation No
SAR Unknown
Manufacturer Warranty 1 Year
Accessories Included AC Charger, Manual, Standard Battery
Cellular
Networks
GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA 7.2, HSUPA
Mobile / Cellular Data
Push-to-talk (PTT) No
Wi-Fi Calling No
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) No
SIM card size
Yes
Dual SIM Yes
Connectivity
USB Micro-USB 2.0
USB OTG Support No
GPS Type A-GPS
Infrared No
Bluetooth 3.0
Bluetooth Profiles A2DP, AVRCP, DUN, OPP/FTP, HFP, HSP, PAN
Bluetooth Audio Codecs SBC
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n
Mobile Hotspot Yes
Memory Expansion Slot Yes
Expansion Slot Info MicroSD, MicroSDHC (up to 32 GB)
NFC No
Data Tethering Compatibility Yes
Camera
Main Camera
Resolution / Aperture
5+ Megapixels
Zoom
4x digital
Flash
Yes (LED)
Additional Rear Camera Info
Auto focus, Face detection, ISO, Panorama, White balance, Auto exposure
Video Recording Formats
3GP / 3GPP, H.264 / AVC, MPEG-4
Video Recording Parameters
30 fps
Front Camera
Resolution / Aperture
2+ Megapixels
Additional Front Camera Info
No
Video Recording Parameters
Display / Screen
Type Color
Technology LCD (IPS)
Colors 16.7 million
Resolution x pixels
Pixel Density 187 pixels
Size 5 inches
Secondary Display No
Sensors Ambient Light, Proximity, Motion / Accelerometer, Digital Compass
Multi-Touch Yes
Fingerprint-Resistant Coating No
Additional Display Features Capacitive touch screen
Power & Battery
Battery Type Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion)
Battery Capacity 2000 mAh
Removable Battery Yes
Wireless Charging No
Fast Charging No
Video Playback Time Up to 388 minutes
Internet Use (Wi-Fi) Up to 360 minutes
Internet Use (Cellular) Unknown
Talk Time Up to 960 minutes
Standby Time Up to 30 days
Mixed Usage
Physical Characteristics
Design Type Bar
Material Plastic
Colors Green, Black, White, Blue, Yellow, Orange
Dimensions [H x W x D] 14.1 x 7.8 x 1.1 cm (5.6 x 3.1 x 0.4 in)
Weight 190 grams
Water Resistant / Waterproof Unknown
Rugged design No
IP Rating No
Headset Jack 3.5mm
External Speakers Yes
Input / Navigation
Sleep / Wake Key Yes
Home Key No
Input / Keyboard Type Touchscreen
Navigation Type Touchscreen
External Volume Control Yes
Fingerprint Sensor No
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Additional Information Other Names (AKA):
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