The new Nokia X3 has now been launched in its red and black color on the T-Mobile network, originally launched as a SIM free phone and more recently on the Orange network on pay monthly contract deals, the Nokia X3 is the second model which comes from the new X range of music phones from Nokia.
Joining the existing Nokia X6 in blue and silver, the X3 takes the same great Nokia music playback software and packs it into a new, more affordable slider case with some ‘lighter’ features to keep the cost down.
Instead of offering a full touch screen like the one found on the X6 model, the Nokia X3 opts for a pocket-sized slide-out keyboard that keeps the keys protected when not in use. (Don’t worry about scratching a touch screen here!)
The black and red edition of the Nokia X3 also offers a 3.2 megapixel camera to take sharp shots at your friends before allowing you to upload directly to your favorite social network or send to others via Bluetooth, SMS or email.
Also included is a 3.5mm audio jack that lets you use your own standard pair of headphones, access to the Ovi Store to download new content and apps, Nokia Maps for satellite navigation, and up to 16GB of expandable memory for store thousands of music tracks. , photos and videos using a MicroSD card.
Although there isn’t a huge variety of music-oriented devices available on the market and many people opt for a separate iPod or similar stand-alone MP3 player, there is stiff competition from some of the more well-known manufacturers.
The Nokia X3 faces competition from Sony Ericsson’s Walkman range of music-oriented phones, in particular the Sony Ericsson W995, although this is a more expensive model, and the Sony W705, which is more similar in features.
Samsung also has a couple of standout music phones, including the Samsung Beat DJ, which offers additional functionality for users to really interact with their music through DJ settings and a unique scratch feature. LG has just released its budget LG GM205, which features a handy stereo speaker. system with bass boost, while Nokia’s own Nokia 5230, which has recently been launched in pink and purple color schemes, also offers competition for those on a budget.
The Nokia X3 is now available in Orange and T-Mobile contract packages as well as a SIM-free phone with no additional ongoing line rental costs, this latest Nokia music phone will also launch as a Pay As You phone Go in the next few days that will please many who struggle to pass network credit checks and do not want to pay the higher price of the SIM Free version.