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Verdict
The STK X2 is one of the most expensive-looking phones you’ll find for £170 (around $210, AU$300). It’s metal and glass, and does have much of the character of a high-end phone in the way STK uses these materials.
It is also a reminder of quite how many important elements there are to a phone, and how a misstep in any sticks out. Its screen is unusually cool-looking, in terms of color temperature, and the handling of the camera is ham-fisted.
It’s much better than a phone like the Honor 7C, which has performance issues across the board. But when there are options like the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play around at a similar price, the X2 becomes at best a middle-weight contender. Still, it’s the best STK phone to date.
Who's this for?
The STK X2 is for people who like the OnePlus approach to phone design, but want to spend under £200/$250, rather than under £500/$600.
Should you buy it?
If you like the design and don't plan to take many photos then you shouldn't go too far wrong, but with competition from the Nokia 6.1, Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play to consider, it’s tough to give the STK X2 an outright recommendation.
Competition
There are lots of other budget options, such as the following three handsets.
Moto G6 Play
The Play version of the G6 does not have a glass back. It’s plastic. The STK X2 feels higher-end as a result. However, the Moto G6 Play lasts longer between charges and the camera, while not killer, has better software. The Play is also perhaps slightly better for gaming.
Read our full Moto G6 Play review
Moto G6
Motorola’s full-fat version of the G6 has a glass and metal design like the X2. And it’s better in a few other respects. The camera is more reliable, the screen has a more pleasant character and is much sharper. A better Snapdragon 450 chipset shouldn’t be sniffed at, either.
Read our full Moto G6 review
Nokia 6.1
We loved the Nokia 6.1 at review. But in one key respect it seems more dated than the STK X2. It has a squatter 16:9 screen, which we’d find hard to consider an 'upgrade' these days. That display is sharper, though.
The Nokia camera is also better all-round, and the chipset is much, much more powerful. Its back is aluminum, though, so not for those desperate for a glassy feel.
Read our full Nokia 6.1 review
First reviewed: December 2018
