Nokia 5800 Review

by user on March 2nd, 2009

Over the past month, I have been using the Nokia 5800.

The 5800 uses a touchscreen interface with a very simple design. It’s quite lightweight and I have found the interface very easy to use. The handset (right) has a large screen that takes over most of the front and 3 buttons at the bottom. The front of the 5800 also includes a dedicated touch key to bring up the media functions, a camera and 2 sensors.

The top and sides of the phone contain a micro USB port, standard headphone jack and slots for a sim and memory card. The side also contains a spring loaded lock key and volume control along with a button for capturing images.

The back hosts a 3.2mp camera, 2 LED assist lights and a stylus in the bottom corner. Although the stylus is included, I haven’t really had the need to use it as most of the phones functionality is accessible when I use my thumb.

Regarding the functionality of the phone - There are 2 views to choose from on the home screen. Display 4 contacts you use most or you can also display shortcuts to any application along with your tasks. I found the tasks and shortcuts to be of more use however if you use four particular contacts a lot, then this option could be of more use.

I was also able to choose from 2 displays by holding the handset vertically (portrait) or horizontally (landscape). This function can be turned off but is useful when viewing images or writing long messages. I found writing a message is also very simple in that there are 4 different styles available in the message editor - mini and large keyboard, alphanumeric keyboard and handwriting! As most of my work in college is done on computers, I found the large keyboard to be most productive, however with the availability of the T9 dictionary in alphanumeric mode, this may be more suitable for most people.  As everyone has a different style of handwriting, the handset also includes a handwriting training function.

For those familiar with the higher end Nokia models, the menu uses a standard looking S60 interface similar to that of the 6110 or the N95. Included as standard in the 5800 is Nokia Maps, a mapping tool that enables users to pinpoint their exact location and find directions to any location. I found this application very useful on many occasions. Last weekend, for example, I needed to find my way from Croke Park to Pearse Street in Dublin. I would probably still be trying to navigate my way through Dublin’s streets had it not been for Nokia maps!

Regarding internet access, the handset will also recognise wireless networks and can access the web. The 5800 pulls websites very quickly and can easily zoom. Again, pages can be viewed in portrait or landscape and in normal or mobile format. Personally I found the stylus to be very useful when navigating through the web but again it was possible to browse using my thumb. Amazingly, you can also plug the 5800 into your computer using the micro USB connection and use as a mobile broadband connection for your laptop!

The phone also supports many applications such as a Paint application similar to Microsoft Paint, Touch Guitar, Touch Piano and Quickoffice, an application that allows users to view Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents on the handset! Users can also download games such as ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’ and ‘Sonic and Crash 2′. Standard games include Bounce and RT GR, a racing game that enables the user to steer by moving the position of the handset. Amazingly the 5800 can also support an application that enables it to be used as a Nintendo Wii controller!

The Music player  on the 5800 is also very simple to use and with an 8gb memory card, it has also served as an alternative to my iPod which I don’t need to carry around anymore.

Overall, I have been extremely impressed with the Nokia 5800’s functionality along with it’s attractive design. Prices vary from operator to operator but start from as low as €49 on post pay packages. A bargain when you consider the handset will serve a your music player, web browser, GPS/Sat Nav device and of course your phone! Again the Nokia 5800 is due to be released in Ireland in March so I would advise anyone to go out and get one!