The smartphone landscape continues to evolve at breakneck speed, and manufacturers are working closer than ever with carriers to deliver exclusive offerings to customers. In the sea of 5G-enabled smartphones that are showcased every year, the Nokia X100 5G stands out as a value-oriented device combining essential features, durability, and a price tag that’s easy on the wallet — all wrapped into a carrier-exclusive offering.
TLDR: Nokia X100 5G Review Summary
The Nokia X100 5G is a budget-friendly smartphone exclusive to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. It offers solid hardware, 5G connectivity, and a clean Android software experience at a competitive price point. While it doesn’t compete with flagship devices, it brings tremendous value for casual users, especially those who prioritize battery life and ease of use. Its biggest drawback lies in its exclusivity to one carrier, which may limit its appeal to some buyers.
Introduction to the Nokia X100 5G
Released in late 2021, the Nokia X100 5G was designed with a specific strategy in mind: offer solid performance and a modern smartphone experience at an affordable price for a mass audience. By partnering with T-Mobile for an exclusive launch, Nokia ensured that it could distribute the phone efficiently while optimizing LTE and 5G bands on that carrier’s network.
Built upon Nokia’s reputation for durable devices and clean Android implementation, the X100 sits in the lower mid-range tier of smartphones. It targets users who don’t necessarily need a flagship model but desire a modern, responsive, and 5G-enabled phone.
Design and Display
The Nokia X100 sports a relatively simple but elegant design. With its polycarbonate back and slim bezels, it manages to look more premium than it actually is. The device weighs in at about 217 grams and features a sturdy build that feels solid in the hand, true to Nokia’s legacy of durable phones.
The front of the phone is dominated by a 6.67-inch Full HD+ display, using LCD technology. Colors are decent, and viewing angles are wide given the phone’s price bracket. However, don’t expect AMOLED crispness or 120Hz refresh rates at this price level — the X100 makes no such promises, offering a standard 60Hz panel that gets the job done for web browsing, social media, and streaming.
Performance and Specifications
Under the hood, the Nokia X100 runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 480 5G processor, coupled with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. There’s also support for microSD cards up to 1TB, which is more expansive than many competitors offer, even at higher price points.
Everyday performance on the X100 is smooth for basic tasks like web browsing, app usage, and video streaming. While it won’t impress gamers or power users, casual users will find its performance acceptable, if not impressive. The 5G connectivity is notable at this price point, positioning the X100 as an option for budget-conscious users who still want access to modern mobile infrastructure.
Camera Capabilities
The Nokia X100 5G features a quad-camera setup on the back, anchored by a 48MP main sensor. Secondary sensors include a 5MP ultra-wide, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens — a familiar layout for budget and mid-level phones.
- Main Camera: 48MP f/1.8 – Good in daylight, with decent sharpness and color accuracy.
- Ultra-Wide: 5MP – Adequate for wide shots but lacks detail in low light.
- Macro & Depth: Both 2MP – More for versatility than real-world utility.
On the front, the device houses a 16MP shooter that performs well in good lighting conditions and is decent for video calls and selfies. Night photography is where the X100 struggles, revealing noise and limited detail — again, expected given the price range.
Software and User Experience
One of the more pleasant surprises with the X100 is its clean Android experience. The smartphone runs Android 11 out of the box with minimal bloatware and a stock-like interface. It’s not part of Google’s Android One initiative, but Nokia has managed to keep things lean and user-friendly.
That said, the phone is only guaranteed one major Android update (to Android 12), and two years of security patches — less than what many other current phones, including mid-range and premium devices, offer. This could be a sticking point for buyers who want longer-term software support.
Battery Life and Charging
A major strong point of the Nokia X100 is its battery life. The phone ships with a 4,470 mAh battery that comfortably gets through a full day of usage, sometimes stretching well into a second day for lighter users. Screen-on time easily reaches around 7-8 hours, and Nokia includes an 18W fast charger in the box.
There is no wireless charging, which is an acceptable omission at this price point. Charging from empty to 100% takes about two hours, making the included charger adequate, though not class-leading.
Carrier Exclusivity: The T-Mobile Factor
The Nokia X100 is exclusively available through T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile, which restricts its market potential. However, this tight integration also ensures that the phone is fully optimized for T-Mobile’s bands and 5G spectrum, delivering strong connectivity across urban and suburban areas.
For users already on T-Mobile or considering a switch, the X100 becomes an attractive option. For those using other carriers like Verizon or AT&T, though, it’s a deal-breaker unless future unlocked versions are released — which has not been confirmed by Nokia.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Solid battery life
- 5G support
- Clean Android software
- Expandable storage
- Cons:
- Locked to T-Mobile and Metro
- Limited Android update roadmap
- Average camera performance in low light
- No water resistance rating
Conclusion
The Nokia X100 5G is a compelling offering for a very specific audience: users on T-Mobile or Metro looking for solid performance without breaking the bank. It nails the essentials — decent performance, good display, excellent battery life, and reliable 5G coverage. However, its carrier exclusivity and limited software support make it less appealing for users on other networks or those who plan to keep their devices for multiple years.
All things considered, if you’re in the market for a cost-effective phone with proper 5G connectivity and have no plans to switch carriers, the X100 is well worth a look.
FAQ: Nokia X100 5G
- Q: Is the Nokia X100 5G unlocked?
A: No, the Nokia X100 5G is locked to T-Mobile and Metro by T-Mobile. There is no officially supported unlocked version as of now. - Q: How long will the Nokia X100 receive software updates?
A: The phone is expected to receive one major Android update (to Android 12) and two years of security updates. - Q: Does it support wireless charging?
A: No, the Nokia X100 does not support wireless charging. It does come with an 18W fast charger in the box. - Q: Can I use this phone with other carriers via unlocking?
A: Theoretically, once the device is unlocked, it may be compatible with some carriers. However, full compatibility (especially for 5G) is not guaranteed outside of T-Mobile’s network. - Q: Is this phone good for gaming?
A: It can handle casual gaming, but it is not built for high-end gaming due to its Snapdragon 480 chipset and 60Hz display.
