Nokia X6 Unboxing And First Impressions

We got our hands on one of the best smartphones made by HMD Global in Q3 2018. This deice is not just any other Nokia-branded device, it is a “special one”. Asides from being one of the best Android One smartphones you can buy in 2019, the Nokia X6 (also called the Nokia 6.1 Plus) is the first-ever device from the company to come with a display notch.

We unboxed the Nokia X6 and this is what we think about the device.

NOTE : A full in-depth review of the device will be published at a later date; very soon. In the review, we’ll dive deep into the hardware and software of the device, subject it to a couple of tests and give a verdict: is it worth your money or not. Stay tuned.

Nokia X6: What’s in the box?

First off, I really loved the packaging of the device. The Nokia X6 comes in a small rectangular box that weighed next to nothing; almost felt like there was no phone in the box when I picked it up to unbox. The design of the box is also minimalistic. The picture of the device takes about 60% of the box’s design while the blue background, NOKIA logo and two individuals holding hands –an abstract representation of Nokia’s famous tagline: Connecting people– take up the remaining space on the box.

Opening the box reveals the device and a box containing accessories. Remove the Nokia X6 from the box and you’ll find the SIM card ejector, a clear TPU case, and the phone’s instruction manual. The rectangular box next to the phone, on the other hand, contained the charging brick and a USB-C cable.

By the way, the major specifications and features of the device were clearly inscribed at the back of the box. That’s pretty much everything in the box:

• 1 x Nokia X6 smartphone
• 1 x USB-C cable
• 1 x Charging adapter
• 1 x TPU case
• 1 x SIM card ejector
• User manual

The device doesn’t come with earphones or any audio accessory. Now, let’s talk about the device.

Nokia X6: Design & Display

Taking the wrap off the device left me in awe. The Nokia X6 comes with glossy and reflective Corning Gorilla glass 3 covering both on the front and on the rear. This unit we’re reviewing is the Black color variant but the Nokia X6 is also available in Blue and White colors. The glossy front and rear really add some aesthetic points to the device but on the downside, it is a fingerprint magnet. Fingerprint smears on the device “dull out” the beauty of the device’s glossy body. Using a protective case, on the other hand, prevents fingerprint smears but covers the beauty of the device glossiness.

Did I mention that the device is ultra slim and lightweight? At 8mm thickness level and 151 grams, the Nokia X6 feels comfortable in the hands. It is compct and you can use it for hours without wanting to drop it.

There is a notched 5.8-inch IPS LCD display with Full HD+ (2280 x 1080 pixels) resolution on the front of the device. The display is in 19:9 aspect ratio and the side bezels are reasonably slim. The bottom bezel is a bit chunky as it carries a NOKIA logo but the notch is lovely. It’s not as wide as the conventional type of notches and it doesn’t take too much space in the notification area.

The notch houses the front-facing selfie camera, earpiece, and proximity sensor. The SIM card and SD card tray is on the left-hand side of Nokia X6 while the volume adjustment key, as well as the power/lock button, are on the right-hand side. At the bottom, a USB-C port and the device’s loudspeaker grill are embedded. While the USB-C port doubles as an earphone jack (I’m yet to test this; I will do that in the full review), you can also use the traditional headphone jack at the top of the Nokia 6.1 Plus for audio.

Setting up

The entire booting process on the Nokia X6 is a pretty fast one. The device is also easy to set up. Power on the device using the power button and follow the prompt. Set up your SIM card and other system settings. As part of the set-up process, you’ll be prompted to download the latest system update.

The Nokia 6.1 Plus comes pre-installed with the Android Oreo v8.1 out-of-the-box but it can be updated to the Android 9 Pie operating system. Also, since the device is an Android One device, it’d be among the early smartphone to receive the Android Q update when the final version of the OS is available. Updating the Nokia X6 from Oreo to Pie took about 20 minutes. This may vary though as download and installation duration greatly depends on internet speed.

There’s a variant of the Nokia X6 with 4GB RAM but this review unit comes with 6GB of RAM. Operations are smooth and fluid, apps are launched instantly as soon as you touch them, multitasking is great too. The Snapdragon 636 processor also has a part to play in the smooth running of the device.

We’ll subject the Nokia X6 to heavy apps and games in the full review and give a detailed report on its performance.

Camera

This is another area of the Nokia X6 I was impressed with. The device comes with a dual 16MP and 5MP camera setup on the rear and a single 16MP on the front. Both cameras come with impressive features like Live Bokeh/Portrait mode, Professional mode, Slow motion, Panorama and more.

Both the front and rear cameras also take decent pictures outdoors, indoors, and in conditions of low light. The Bokeh effect is also decent enough, but not as advanced as you’d find in premium flagships like the iPhone X, Pixel 3, Galaxy S10, etc. Check out some sample images from the Nokia X6 camera.

FUN FACT : The Nokia X6 is compatible with Google camera app (aka GCAM). This means you can install the camera that powers the Pixel flagships on the Nokia X6 and get to use Google’s native image processing software to get the best out of the camera. I’ve tested it out on the device and it’s amazing!? I’ll attach images in the full review.

Battery

The Nokia X6 has a built-in Lithium-Ion battery with 3,060mAh capacity. The device also charges fast enough as it supports 18W Quick Charge 3.0. I’ll use the device extensively for a day or two to examine the battery performance.

Price

Being an Android One device, the Nokia X6 is a mid-range smartphone that you can buy at a budget. The 4GB RAM/32GB ROM variant of the Nokia X6 costs about $150 while the 6GB RAM variant with 64GB storage sells for about $180.

You can purchase the Nokia X6/Nokia 6.1 Plus on Jumia Uganda , Jumia Nigeria , Jumia Kenya or any smartphone retail store near you.

Nokia X6 Key Specifications

• Design : Aluminum frame, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 front and back
• Display : 5.8-inch FHD+ (2280 x 1080 pixels), 19:9 IPS LCD with notch
• Rear Camera : 16MP f/2.0 + 5MP f/2.4 depth sensor, two tone LED flash, 4K30 video, EIS (1080p only)
• Front Camera : 16MP f/2.0 fixed focus, 1080p video
• OS : Android 8.1 Oreo (Android One), upgradeable to Android 9 and Android Q
• Chipset : Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, 1.8GHz 8x Kryo CPU, Adreno 509 GPU
• Memory : 4GB LPDDR4X, 64GB eMMC 5.1, microSD support (up to 400GB)
• Battery : 3060mAh, Quick Charge support
• Connectivity : Dual SIM (hybrid), LTE Cat. 4, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS/GLONASS, USB 2.0 Type-C, headphone jack

Sodiq Olamide is a tech writer based in Nigeria, covering the latest reviews, how-tos, and news on consumer tech trends with a unique African perspective. Whether analyzing emerging technologies or offering practical guides, Sodiq brings a deep understanding of how technology shapes lives across the continent.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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