Microsoft unveils Nokia X2 Android smartphone

MANILA, Philippines – It’s been barely 5 months and Microsoft has already named a successor to its Android-powered Nokia X smartphone. 

Announced on Tuesday, June 24, the Nokia X2 improves on its predecessor with an improved spec sheet, enhancements to its user interface, and closer integration with Microsoft services.  

The X2 also receives a slight redesign, while the phone sports the same matte finish, its sides now have a translucent outer layer reminiscent of a crystal case. The phone also gets a home button, positioned to the right of the original back button. 

The phone is also slightly bigger than its predecessor 4.3 inches (vs 4 on the original Nokia X) and with a much needed 5MP camera with autofocus. The camera on the original Nokia X had only fixed focus and was virtually unusable when we reviewed it. It also has a slightly faster processor, more RAM and a better battery.

While the phone is built on Android the Nokia X2 is very much a Microsoft Device – part of the company’s strategy at capturing the growing Android segment and bringing them over to Windows. 

Aside from Outlook, Skype and OneDrive integration, the X2 also includes One Note and Yammer. New users get 15 GB of free cloud storage on OneDrive and one month of free Skype calls to mobile phones and landlines.

Like its predecessor, the phone is crippled of Google services. While still an Android phone, users cannot download apps from the Play Store and must resort to 3rd party app markets or a technique called side loading.

Mirosoft says the Nokia X2 will be available initially as a dual-SIM device and will begin rolling out globally in July 2014 for 99 euros ($134).  – Rappler.com