Nokia 5230

Editor's Review of the 5230

Oozing with style, the Nokia 5230 is clad in either a glossy black casing with interchangeable battery covers in red or dark silver colours, or a neat white casing with pink, red, yellow, dark silver or blue battery covers. It is fairly handy with its total weight of 115 grams and full measurements of 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 millimetres.

A physical highlight of this mobile phone is its touch-sensitive screen that measures 81.28 millimetres and displays images and graphics in 16.7 million colours on 640 x 360 pixels. This handset comes with a touch screen stylus that allows users to navigate through its onscreen applications and make accurate selections.

The Nokia 5230 is powered by Symbian v9.4 operating system and runs on Series 60 software. Ideal for frequently traveling users, this mobile phone offers the flight mode option. More notably, it has wide coverage with its quad band support. It functions over GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 and GSM 1900, as well as HSDPA 900 and HSDPA 2100 networks. However, its network reach may be dependent on its user's service provider.

This mobile phone keeps users up-to-date with what the World Wide Web offers. Through its built-in HTML, XHTML and WML Internet browser, users may land on their favourite Web sites or do online transactions. Additionally, users may carry out file transfers with other compatible devices such as laptops, printers, scanners, personal computers or other handsets using the Nokia 5230's microUSB support. Its Bluetooth A2DP facility, on the other hand, allows data sharing minus the cables and wires that often get entangled. The Bluetooth option supports file transfers between compatible gadgets that are, at most, 10 metres apart. This handset is equipped with EDGE technology that boosts data transfer rates. As a 3G HSDPA handset, this mobile phone is highly effective at multi-tasking.

This handset supports SMS or text messaging with Predictive Text option as well as MMS or multimedia messaging. Its Internet connectivity allows users to access their e-mail accounts. It comes complete with organiser tools to assist busy users, consisting of phone book, calendar, calculator, digital and analogue clock, alarm clock and currency converter. The A-GPS navigation system with Nokia Maps 2.0 support has also been integrated in this handset. For ease in taking and making calls, this mobile phone is equipped with a speaker phone and a call log option to record its user's dialed, missed and received calls.

Nokia endowed its 5230 handset with a wide selection of entertainment facilities. This mobile phone has an integrated 2-Megapixel camera with 3x digital zoom to allow users to capture moments in vivid still photos. For precision in every shot, this camera is equipped with advanced imaging features that include White Balance and Colour Tone. As a versatile imaging device, this camera also works as a video recorder that comes with 4x video zoom and offers video settings, as well as auto and night scene mode options. It also plays videos in MPEG4, WMV and 3GP formats. Users may tweak their pictures and videos using the photo and video editor to come up with their desired output effects. A dedicated camera key makes each moment-capturing session hassle-free.

The Nokia 5230 also makes a good companion for users who enjoy quality music listening. This versatile handset functions as a music player that supports MP3, AAC, MP4, eAAC+ and WMA formats. A speaker has been built in this mobile phone to allow users to enjoy their favourite tunes. As an alternative, an FM radio facility is also available through which users may tune in to their favourite radio stations and listen to songs played on-air. Dedicated music buttons and a volume key make every music listening experience on this phone a breeze. Users who enjoy mobile gaming will also be hooked on this handset's pre-installed Java games. It also allows users to play games that have been downloaded online.

Approximately 70 Megabytes of data may be stored in this handset's internal memory. This storage capacity may also be expanded to support up to 16 Gigabytes of data through a microSD memory card. When working on a fully charged standard battery, this handset allows users to speak with their contacts for a maximum of 7 hours. It offers 438 hours of standby time.

According to unsatisfied users, this mobile phone also has its share of downsides, including its average-performing 2-Megapixel camera. To some, this mobile phone should have had Wi-Fi capabilities. Other users, however, are satisfied with this handset's functionalities, including its music player that is accessible through its front screen. Some users also applaud the Nokia 5230 for the speedy Internet connectivity it offers.