Nokia X30 5G review, the company’s most sustainable smartphone arrives on the market in the most balanced way possible, let’s find out together
Complete review of the latest smartphone from the historic Nokia brand, since December 2016 under the brand HMD Globalwhich demonstrates a certain maturity and a truly remarkable general balance. Nokia X30 5Gin fact, embodies all the experience of Android One with some small hardware and software additions. However, there are some flaws, mostly due to a software still to be optimized, but which do not affect the general quality of the product.
Technical sheet | Nokia X30 5G review
- Display: 6,43″ AMOLED, 90Hz, 450 nits, 700 nits (max), 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
- SoC: Qualcomm SM6375 Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm), Octa-core (2×2.2 GHz Kryo 660 Gold & 6×1.7 GHz Kryo 660 Silver)
- GPU: Adreno 619
- RAM: 6/8GB
- Internal memory: 128GB UFS 2.2 – 256GB UFS 3.0
- Rear cameras: 50 MP, f/1.9, (wide), 1/1.56″, 1.0µm, PDAF, OIS – 13 MP, f/2.4, 123˚ (ultrawide), 1/3.06″
- Front camera: 16 MP, f/2.4, (wide), 1/3.06″, 1.0µm
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/6, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 5.1, A2DP, LE, aptX HD, GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, NFC, FM radio, RDS, USB Type-C 2.0
- Battery: 4,200 mAh with support for 33W wired fast charging
- Dimensions: 158.9 x 73.9 x 8 mm
- Weight: 185g
- Other: IP67 certification, fingerprint reader under the display, dual-sim
- Operating system: Android 12 con Android One
Packaging, build quality and materials | Nokia X30 5G review
Let’s start with considerations about design, one of the strengths of the smartphone, at least from our point of view. Yes, because every detail has been carefully studied without leaving anything to chance, such as the finished and opaque polycarbonate shell above which the elegant and resistant camera module stands. The aluminum frames it then gives further strength to the whole, interrupted only by the volume rocker and the power button. Frontally we then find some very well optimized frames, albeit not symmetrical, which enclose the generous 6.43 inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Protection. The latter houses the biometric fingerprint sensor, precise but not instantaneous, which will accompany the comfortable 2D facial unlock (don’t worry, it will not unlock with a photo). Finally, the certification against water and dust completes the picture IP67always welcome.
Despite the not exaggerated dimensions and a very well distributed weight, the smartphone integrates a large one 4200mAh battery, which as we will see a little later works wonders. Among the sore points we mention the decidedly sparse sales package (no power supply included) and the absence of the 3.5mm audio jack.
Hardware, connectivity and displays | Nokia X30 5G review
The beating heart of this Nokia X30 5G is the SoC Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G assisted by GPU Adreno 619, 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of ROM with memory support UFS 3.0. Although the processor does not make you cry out for a miracle, the user experience is still fluid and satisfying, thanks also to a lean software and without particular bloatware. Temperature and consumption management are also excellent, in both cases no anomalous peak was recorded. Finally, there is no lack of NFC, support for the 5G network, dual band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.1 and (more unique than rare) the radio FM.
The telephone sector of this Nokia X30 5G only reconfirms Nokia’s undoubted experience in the sector, thanks to excellent reception and call quality. Turning to multimedia, the smartphone offers a panel from 6,43″ OLED with resolution FullHD+ e refresh rate a 90Hz. The quality can be seen throughout and, despite a not excessive peak of nits, the display can be read comfortably even in direct sunlight. Small hint at feedback aptico, really good and accurate. Note instead of demerit for the audio sector, since the only speaker present manages to guarantee good power, but with a fluctuating qualityin fact it is possible to perceive distortions both at lower and higher volumes.
Cameras | Nokia X30 5G review
Contrary to what usually happens, Nokia has equipped this X30 with only 2 sensors, but it did it the smart way (no unnecessary 2MP Macros). We find here on board a main sensor from 50MP optically stabilized and a sensor from 13MP ultra wide. Too bad for the videos, since due to hardware limitations imposed by Qualcomm itself it will not be possible to record in 4K. In any case, for the latter, various methods come to the rescue, especially stabilization.
So how does this Nokia X30 shoot? Well, the 50 Megapixel main sensor gives shots crisp and clean in good light conditions, ergo: you won’t have problems outdoors or in lighted environments. The color gamut isn’t bad either, con natural colors and believable. The situation changes slightly at night or in dark interiors where noise starts to become noticeable. But it is precisely in these situations that the night mode which, thanks to a well-calibrated algorithm, will bring out respectable shots, almost completely eliminating noise and highlighting the subject with a strong contrast, perhaps at the cost of sacrificing a little color and white balance.
Ultra-Wide e Video
the lens ultra wide angle behaves similarly to the main one, despite gods more saturated colors but with a respectable detail in good light conditions. The 16 Megapixel front camera is also good, more than enough for video calls or selfies. Too bad for the zoom, digital only. Moving on to the conversation instead videothe smartphone can record up to 1080p 60FPS, remaining in line with the quality of the shots. As mentioned just above, this Nokia X30 then offers 2 different ones stabilization mode: the first performs a crop of the image on the main sensor, while the second uses the ultra-wide angle sensor (not suitable for shooting at night). Small mention of the camera software, complete but with some translations to review, nothing that can’t be fixed via an update.
Software and autonomy | Nokia X30 5G review
Here we are now on autonomy and software, certainly among the most convincing aspects. Indeed on board this Nokia X30 5G we find Android in versione 12 without customizations and a 4200 mAh battery. A pairing that will allow you to get through the first day in peace, and perhaps even part of the second. As it is possible to see from the images below, I managed to get to the end of the day with still 40% of residual autonomy and almost 7 hours of screen on. Charging is wired only and takes place at a maximum of 33W (remember that the power supply is not included in the package).
Stock software will guarantee you instead always impeccable performance, net of some stuttering due to software still to be refined, and unparalleled ease of use. To this they add up well 3 years of software and security updatesfactor absolutely not taken for granted.
Price and final considerations
As the title suggests, this Nokia X30 5G is absolutely a smartphone valid and balanced, which has performance, software and autonomy among its strengths. It has no particular flaws except for a few small flaws such as the absence of the power supply, the speaker not up to par or some missing translation. So a smartphone efficient and that aims to the point, by choosing it you will not get lost in heavy software or complex menus.
The price list starts from 539€a little high considering the current market but which at the right price can give great satisfaction, above all bearing in mind the still long-lasting support from the parent company with updates always on the piece. You can buy it on Amazon through the box below or on the official website of HMD Global. Before saying goodbye, we invite you to follow the mobile section of TechGameWorld.com for further news and video reviews. Soon!
Plus points
- Build quality
- Display
- Performance
- Autonomy
Points against
- Speaker
- No power supply included
- Above average price