The new Nokia X500 Pro 5G has officially landed in South Africa, and it’s making waves for all the right reasons. Packed with high-end hardware like a quad 200MP camera setup, a massive 6700mAh battery, and the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, it’s hard to believe that this phone is priced at just around R7,300.
If you’re someone looking for raw power, excellent battery life, and a clean Android experience – all without spending a fortune – the X500 Pro 5G might just be the dark horse of 2025’s smartphone race.
A Big Comeback from Nokia?
Nokia has been steadily rebuilding its position in the smartphone world, and the X500 Pro 5G feels like a statement device. Unlike many budget or mid-range offerings, this model is aimed at users who want flagship-level performance but aren’t willing to pay over R15,000 for a phone.
It combines classic Nokia durability with modern design and competitive specs – a combination that South African buyers have long been waiting for.
Key Features at a Glance
- 6.9-inch QHD+ AMOLED Display with 144Hz Refresh Rate
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Processor
- Quad Rear Camera Setup (200MP + 50MP Ultra-Wide + 12MP Telephoto + 5MP Macro)
- 32MP Front Camera
- 6700mAh Battery with 80W Fast Charging
- 12GB RAM, 256GB Storage (Expandable)
- Android 14 with Stock UI
- 5G Connectivity with Dual SIM Support
- In-Display Fingerprint Sensor
- Aluminium Frame and Gorilla Glass Protection
200MP Camera Powerhouse
The standout feature of the X500 Pro is undoubtedly its 200MP main sensor. With advanced AI enhancements and optical image stabilization, this camera delivers exceptional detail whether you’re shooting in daylight or low light. The additional ultra-wide, telephoto, and macro lenses offer flexibility for all kinds of photography – from sweeping landscapes to detailed close-ups.
The 32MP selfie camera is also no slouch, making it ideal for content creators and frequent video callers.
Flagship-Level Performance
Under the hood, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip ensures the phone runs smoothly even under heavy use. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or editing 4K videos, the X500 Pro holds its own. With 12GB of RAM and UFS 3.1 storage, everything feels fast and responsive.
This is a level of performance rarely seen in smartphones around this price range.
Battery That Lasts and Charges Fast
A 6700mAh battery means you’re getting more than just a full day’s use – even with high screen brightness and 5G usage. Whether you’re working, travelling, or streaming, the battery life won’t leave you stranded.
The 80W fast charging ensures you’re back up to 100% in about 35 minutes, which is especially useful for those always on the move.
Clean Android Experience
Like many recent Nokia phones, the X500 Pro comes with a clean, bloatware-free Android 14 interface. That means no unnecessary apps, regular security updates, and an interface that’s fast and easy to navigate.
For users who prefer a minimal and secure smartphone experience, this is a huge plus.
Build and Design
Despite its large battery, the Nokia X500 Pro is surprisingly sleek. It features an aluminium frame with a glass back and a slightly curved edge display. It’s designed to look premium while still feeling tough – classic Nokia DNA.
The phone is available in two colours at launch: Midnight Black and Nordic Blue.
Price in South Africa
The Nokia X500 Pro 5G is now available in select South African markets and online stores for around R7,300. Considering the specs, this price puts it well below similarly equipped flagship phones from Samsung, Apple, or Huawei.
Expect it to be available through major platforms like:
- Takealot
- Incredible Connection
- MTN and Vodacom device plans
- Nokia’s official distributor channels
Some retailers may bundle it with data or accessory deals for early buyers.
Final Thoughts
For South African smartphone buyers who want the latest technology at a reasonable price, the Nokia X500 Pro 5G is a surprising and exciting addition. It brings top-tier camera specs, long battery life, and flagship performance into a price bracket that was previously dominated by mid-range phones.
If you’re ready for a device that does it all – and does it well – without draining your wallet, the Nokia X500 Pro 5G should be at the top of your list in 2025.