Nokia X10, X20, and 4 More Budget Phones Launched?
Yes, Nokia X10 and X20 were launched in April 2021 as mid-range 5G phones, and four more budget models (Nokia G10, G20, C10, and C20) were announced alongside them. This article explains what each phone offers, how they compare, and whether they are worth buying in 2024.
Background: Nokia’s Return to the Budget and Mid-Range Market
After selling its phone business to Microsoft in 2014, Nokia re-entered the smartphone market in 2017 under license to HMD Global. Since then, HMD has focused on affordable devices, often emphasizing clean Android software and long battery life rather than flagship specs. The X10, X20, G10, G20, C10, and C20 were part of a 2021 lineup that aimed to cover every price point from about $100 to $400. The X series was positioned as the most premium of the group, while the C series was the entry-level option.
Nokia X10 and X20: 5G on a Budget
The Nokia X10 and X20 were the first Nokia phones to bring 5G to the budget segment. Both are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G chipset, which was designed to make 5G affordable. The X10 has a 6.67-inch Full HD+ LCD display, 4GB or 6GB of RAM, and 64GB or 128GB of storage. The X20 has the same display but starts at 6GB RAM and 128GB storage. Both have a 48-megapixel main camera, a 5-megapixel ultra-wide, a 2-megapixel macro, and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. The X20 adds a 32-megapixel front camera (vs. 8MP on the X10) and a dedicated “Power Button” that can be assigned to Google Assistant or other shortcuts. Both phones have a 4,470 mAh battery and support 18W fast charging.
The Four Budget Phones: G10, G20, C10, and C20
Alongside the X series, Nokia launched four budget models:
- Nokia G10 – 6.52-inch HD+ display, MediaTek Helio G25 chipset, 3GB/32GB or 4GB/64GB, 13MP main camera, 5,050 mAh battery, 10W charging.
- Nokia G20 – Same display and chipset as G10, but with 4GB/64GB or 4GB/128GB, 48MP main camera, and 5,050 mAh battery.
- Nokia C10 – 6.52-inch HD+ display, Unisoc SC7331e chipset, 1GB/16GB or 2GB/32GB, 5MP main camera, 3,000 mAh battery, Android 11 Go Edition.
- Nokia C20 – Same as C10 but with 2GB/32GB, 6.5-inch display, 5MP camera, and Android 11 Go Edition.
All four phones have plastic bodies, rear-mounted fingerprint sensors (except C10/C20 which have none), and headphone jacks. They were positioned for users who prioritize battery life and simple software over performance.
How to Choose Between Them
Your choice depends on your budget and needs:
- Need 5G? Choose X10 or X20. The X20 is worth the extra money if you want a better front camera and more storage.
- Want the best battery life? G10 and G20 have 5,050 mAh batteries that can last two days on a single charge with light use.
- Want the cheapest Nokia? C10 is the least expensive, but its 1GB RAM and Go Edition software limit multitasking.
- Want a better camera? G20 and X20 have 48MP sensors, which produce sharper photos in good light than the 13MP or 5MP cameras on other models.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that all Nokia phones are durable and have great build quality. While the X and G series feel solid, the C10 and C20 are noticeably cheaper in hand. Another issue is that the Snapdragon 480 and Helio G25 chips are not powerful enough for heavy gaming. Users often complain about lag when switching apps or scrolling through social media on the C series. Also, Nokia promises two years of OS upgrades and three years of security patches for the X series, but the G and C series only get one OS upgrade and two years of security patches. Check the update policy before buying if software longevity matters to you.
Comparisons: X10 vs. G20 vs. C20
Here’s a quick comparison of the three most distinct models:
- X10 vs. G20: X10 has 5G, a better chipset (Snapdragon 480 vs. Helio G25), and a higher-resolution display (Full HD+ vs. HD+). G20 has a larger battery (5,050 vs. 4,470 mAh) and a slightly better main camera (48MP vs. 48MP, but G20 has a dedicated night mode).
- G20 vs. C20: G20 has twice the RAM (4GB vs. 2GB), a much better camera (48MP vs. 5MP), and a bigger battery (5,050 vs. 3,000 mAh). C20 is lighter and cheaper.
- X20 vs. X10: X20 has 6GB RAM (vs. 4GB), 128GB storage (vs. 64GB), a 32MP front camera (vs. 8MP), and a customizable power button. Otherwise, they are identical.
Are They Still Worth Buying in 2024?
As of 2024, these phones are no longer current. They have not received major Android updates beyond Android 13 (X series) or Android 12 (G and C series). If you can find them heavily discounted, the X10 or X20 can still serve as a basic 5G phone, but the G10/G20 and C10/C20 are outperformed by newer budget phones from other brands. For a similar price, you can often find a phone with a faster processor, better screen, and longer software support. If you are buying one, make sure the price reflects its age—do not pay more than $150 for an X10 or $100 for a G20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do the Nokia X10 and X20 support wireless charging?
No. Both phones only support wired charging up to 18W. There is no wireless charging coil inside.
Can the Nokia C10 run regular WhatsApp?
Yes, but it may be slow. The C10 runs Android 11 Go Edition, which is optimized for low-end hardware, but WhatsApp can still be sluggish when opening large chats or sending media.
Do these Nokia phones have NFC for Google Pay?
No. None of the six phones (X10, X20, G10, G20, C10, C20) have NFC, so you cannot use them for contactless payments.
Will the Nokia X10 get Android 14?
No. Nokia promised two years of OS upgrades for the X series, so the X10 and X20 received Android 12 and Android 13, but not Android 14.
Which of these phones has the best battery life?
The G10 and G20 have the largest batteries (5,050 mAh) and the least power-hungry processors, so they typically last two days on a charge with light use. The C10 and C20 have smaller batteries (3,000 mAh) but also last a day due to their low-power chips.
Are these phones waterproof?
No. None of them have an official IP rating. They have a nano-coating that repels light splashes, but they are not designed to be submerged in water.
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