5-inch Nokia XL blends Android, Asha, Windows Phone (pictures)

That largest in the Nokia X family of phones, the XL has a 5-inch screen, 5-megapixel camera, and moderate price tag.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

June 30, 2014 11:44 a.m. PT

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For Nokia, a third way

The largest of the Nokia X family of phones, the Nokia XL is an unusual mashup of Android, Asha, and Windows Phone operating systems.

2 of 6 Josh Miller/CNET

Size it up

At 5 inches, Nokia is positioning the XL as a larger-but-still-affordable handset for emerging markets.

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App philosophy

Although it runs on Android code, it does so invisibly. In other words, you'll download apps from the Nokia store, rather than from Google Play.

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Camera

The XL's 5-megapixel camera trumps the smaller Nokia X's 3-megapixel shooter, and also adds a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. Image quality is passable, but not terrific.

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Side view

A substantial handful of a phone, the XL also lacks the physical camera shutter on the right spine of most Nokia-branded Windows phones. A slightly curved back makes it more comfortable to hold.