Nokia usually has its finger on the pulse when it comes to new mobile phone designs that appeal to core markets, but we’re more than a little intrigued by the angular approach taken by the new X5-01.
Still, Motorola has already had a crack at this market with the FLIPOUT, and Microsoft’s KIN One isn’t entirely dissimilar in design, so perhaps the Finnish giant is simply covering its bases.
The X5-01 is a Symbian S60 (3rd gen) device that measures 74x66mm and is 17mm thick, so it certainly isn’t one for those who are shy of pocket. Its relatively cumbersome nature does allow it to sport a 2.3” (320x240) display, though, and the slide-out QWERTY keyboard means it’s not a million miles away from what could be described as a “micro-notebook."
Packing the interior is WiFi and 3G support, a 600Mhz ARM 11 processor and a 5MP camera with 4x digital zoom and LED flash. There’s only 200MB of memory inside, but a microSD card slot (and free 2GB card) makes this easy to expand up to 32GB.
Multimedia and social networking also seem key to the X5, which offers 24 hours of music playback (plus an alleged 16-day standby and 3.5 hour talk time), and a “spin the phone” option to select random tracks. It also offers support for Ovi Music and the “Comes with Music” service, that has become synonymous with the X-series phones.
Recently demoed at Nokia Connection, Singapore, the X5-01 will begin its travels in Indonesia in Q3 2010. While it seems likely that it will reach other markets, no dates are confirmed as yet. It should cost around €165 (US$202) before tax and subsidies.
