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December 5th, 2008, 19:50 GMT · By Cosmin Vasile
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic Review |
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Nokia's XpressMusic series received no less than four devices since the highly acclaimed Nokia 5700 made its way on the shelves. While most of these XpressMusic phones can be considered mid-level in technical features, there's one that surpassed all expectations – Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. Unfortunately, we won't be talking about the first Nokia phone featuring a touchscreen, instead we will test the rightful predecessor of the older 5700 model, Nokia 5320 XpressMusic. Targeting youngsters that prefer music quality over the phone's versatility, XpressMusic series make their life easier by offering a wide number of phones at a rather fast rate. Starting with Nokia 5220 XpressMusic, the Finnish giant gave up the swivel design that had been well-known since the 3250 and 5700 handsets were launched, and adopted a more traditional candy-bar form factor.
Announced in April 2008, Nokia 5320 XpressMusic handset was shipped three months later, in July 2008. At the moment, the phone can be acquired for the amount of $240 USD, unlocked and without any plan. Fans of XpressMusic series can choose from two available color versions: Blue and Red.
Design
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic looks and feels fresh and daring. It seems the right phone for those young trendsetters that are changing 3-4 handsets per year. Covered all in plastic, the pattern on the back and both sides makes users get a good grip. The classic bar form factor may look boring at a first glance, but upon close examination users will remain with a nice feeling, as the plastic used at manufacture is very well polished. The device measures 108 x 46 x 15 mm and weighs 90g (including battery). These numbers don’t make it neither small, nor too large.
Above the small 2 inch-display there's a secondary camera for video-calls, but also a special key called 'Own key.' Below the screen there's a standard Symbian keypad, with large buttons, which are a little too embedded, so typing fast on the phone is out of the question.
The big D-pad button is large enough for any finger, but I found it very weird to control. Nokia says the D-pad features 8-way control, especially created for playing N-Gage games. That means that you have to be very careful when using the Navi key. Besides the two soft-keys on both sides of the D-pad, there are the Symbian menu key, the two Accept/Reject calls keys, and the usual C (Delete) key.
The Power button has been placed strategically on top of the phone, and can be used for various functions, besides turning the device on/off (change profiles, lock keypad). Nokia 5320 is definitely a music phone, thus you'll find that it features three external keys, on the left side, which can be used to control the music player.
The keys are very large and users will be able to control the music without even looking at them, in a very short time. On the same side of the phone, Nokia placed a microSD slot for memory cards. The slot is covered with a plastic stripe, which is impossible to pull out, without removing the back cover first. The right side of the candy-bar features a dedicated camera key and a large dual volume key. The microUSB port, the charger port and the 3.5mm jack port have been cramped on the bottom side of the phone. The 2 Megapixel camera on the back features a dual LED flash, but lacks any protective cover.
Overall, Nokia 5320 XpressMusic is a good-looking phone, but without the 'swiveling' feature it seems that it lack the 'X' factor, specific to almost all XpressMusic series.
Display and Camera
Nokia 5320 features a 2 inch-TFT display, supporting 16 Million colors and 240x320 pixels resolution. Besides its small size, the screen is pretty good, in accordance with Nokia's standards. It's readable in the sunlight, and features good brightness and nice colors. For more in-depth info regarding performance, check out the benchmarks below.
The 2 Megapixel camera features a dual LED flash, which is somewhat useless, as quality of the pictures is very low, no matter if they're taken during the day or at night. Auto-focus capabilities are lacking, also some protective cover, thus leaving the lenses susceptible to scratches.
The maximum resolution that users can set to take pictures is that of 1600x1200 pixels. The maximum one that can be used for movie recording is of 176x144 pixels (15fps).
The interface is pretty much straightforward, with settings like Effects, White balance, Flash, Panorama mode. As you can see from the samples, the camera is not the best in its range, on the contrary, it can be easily taken as a sub-mediocre feature.
I also believe that this is the same module camera as the one used with the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic device, since it features the same problems. Tons of noise, color distortions, no focus, and awful contrast.
Menu and Software
Nokia 5320 runs Symbian 9.3 operating system, with S60 3rd Edition and Feature Pack 2 interface. Besides the usual improvements added by FP1, you'll now be able to choose from four different standby screen modes: Horizontal, Vertical, Basic, or Nokia default. Another new feature that has been introduced by FP2 is the availability of animation when browsing the menus.
Furthermore, users have quick access to the task manager, as the function appears now at the top of every pop-up menu. The Search utility has been improved with a new function called 'Say and Play.' Basically, you can pronounce any artist or song name by using the built-in speaker, and the phone will start playing the correct file, if the respective word is included in the song's metadata. The device only recognizes English language or English pronunciation, in case you thought of other language names. Nice features, but they didn't work too well.
The phone also supports the latest version of Adobe's Flash Lite 2.1, the interoperable platform that enables the accelerated development and delivery of rich graphical mobile content, and includes audio file playback and streaming capabilities that provide audio and music enhancements to both mobile gaming and multimedia experience.
The handset also includes some useful applications, such as Search, Alarm clock, Calendar, To-do list, Notes, Calculator, Countdown timer, World Clock, and Stopwatch. The menu is fully customizable and you can designate any MP3, MIDI or AAC file as ringtone.
Moreover, Nokia's integrated browser has not changed, but it offers great Web navigation experience. There's also a rich English dictionary, nevertheless other languages can be downloaded too.
The phonebook can store an unlimited number of contacts, as long as you have enough storage memory left. The fonts can be customized, though only those displayed when opening Contacts, Web browser and messaging sections.
Some Java games come preinstalled – Marble, Jelly Chase, Groove 2, and Guitar Rock. The phone is compatible with Java MIDP 2.1 applications, but also with any Symbian S60 3rd Edition software.
Communications
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic is a quad band GSM (850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900) handset, HSDPA (3.6 Mbps) compatible, which features GPRS class 32 (100 kbps), EDGE 32 class (296 kbps), High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data (57.6 kbps), but lacks Wi-Fi. Tested on the EDGE and 3G networks, the phone has performed a little bit above average, as you can also see in the screenshots.
When connecting the USB cable, you'll be able to choose among four modes: PC Suite, Mass storage, Media transfer, Image transfer. All four of them are intuitive and easy to use, so there's nothing more to add here. The process of synching is very fast, browsing and transfers are made very quickly between phone and PC.
Other connectivity tools include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and EDR support, and microUSB for PC synchronization (no charging). The Bluetooth connection reaches easily almost 126 KB/s, so you'll be able to transfer data fast.
In terms of messaging, the phone offers standard SMS and MMS messaging solutions accepting all available message types. The device also includes an audio message editor and e-mail support. The message client works with POP3, SMTP, and IMAP4 protocols, and supports more than one e-mail account. Additionally, it can download headers and supports attachments. The Push to talk service is also available for those who are looking to use it.
Processor and Memory
Nokia 5320 is powered by a single ARM11 family processor running at speeds of up to 369 Mhz.
This is one of the best CPU's embedded in Nokia's mobile phone, so it makes a nice addition to 5320's technical features.
I have found that using the embedded browser and another application in the background makes the phone almost stop responding. Especially if you load pages rich in graphics.
The handset embeds 140 MB user free internal storage memory, 128 MB SDRAM memory. Bear in mind that just 125 MB are free executable RAM memory. Anyway, storage space can be expanded up to 8GB through the hot-swappable microSD slot card. The sales package also contains a 512MB or 1GB microSD card. I found two drawbacks related to memory. The first was the fact that you could not open the plastic stripe covering the microSD slot, without pulling out the back cover. The second was the unpleasant surprise that I had when testing an 8GB microSD card and finding that it worked very slow. In fact, only after I stored more than half of the space on the memory card with various files did I notice that the memory card was read very slowly. The 4GB memory cards didn't have these problems.
Multimedia Instead of being a complete multimedia solution for those looking for the perfect music phone, Nokia 5320 XpressMusic only offers a glimpse of how might such a phone be. The product comes with Nokia Music Headset HS-45 with AD-57 remote that enables users to change the headphones with better ones.
Even without the remote, this could've been possible, as the phone features a 3.5mm jack port. Music player interface looks exactly like previous XpressMusic series music players, and supports an impressive number of file types (including MP3, WMA and eAAC+). Without impressing too much through its sound quality, Nokia 5320 could be a decent choice for those looking for a music phone with a high-battery autonomy. The music player features an Equalizer that includes a Bass-booster setting, Stereo widening, Loudness and Balance.
The FM radio has a standard interface, and can automatically scan and save the available stations. It features RDS support and Visual radio. The Visual radio application can download all the local stations and save them to the handset with their names. Both functions, radio and music player, respectively, can be ran in the background with no problems.
Nokia 5320 also includes Real player for playing video clips. The video player can be displayed in both normal and fullscreen modes. Unfortunately, the small screen makes the whole experience rather frustrating.
Battery
The 890 mAh Li-Ion (BL-5B) battery has an officially stated life expectancy of 250 hours in standby and of about 3 hours and 30 minutes in talk time mode. Also, Nokia states a music autonomy of almost 1 day (24 hours). Unfortunately, our test unit only managed to play music continuously for around 12 hours. Moreover, talk time was even lower, and we were forced to charge the unit every 2 days, without using it too much.
Impressions
The old Nokia 5700 XpressMusic needed a fresh disciple, and the 5320 might be the device that reinstates the XpressMusic series on top of the music phones market. Unfortunately, the standard bar form factor as well as mediocre multimedia capabilities may reduce its appeal to music phone fans.
The Good
One of the best features of the phone is the fact that it provides the latest Symbian package and one of the most powerful CPU's designed for mobile phone units. Added to HSDPA connectivity and somewhat nice design, Nokia 5320 makes a very good addition to the XpressMusic series.
The Bad
The most important letdowns of the phone are definitely the battery and the crappy 2 Megapixel camera. I'm pretty sure that they would've boosted the phone's sales, if they performed better. I have also discovered some software issues with the memory card, especially when it was almost full with files, which adds to the flaws of the device.
Sales package
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic handset;
890 mAh Li-Ion Nokia Battery BL-5B;
Nokia Travel Charger AC-8;
MicroSD card 512 MB or 1GB;
Nokia Music Headset HS-45 with AD-57;
User Guide;
CD-ROM;
Music Leaflet.
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READER COMMENTS: |
| Comment #1 by: ad3fa on 13 Dec 2008, 11:47 UTC |  reply to this comment | this phone is cool. I'd bought it yesterday.................... |
| Comment #2 by: dhiraj,v,karkera on 15 Dec 2008, 11:38 UTC | reply to this comment | good phonewith good sound and better camera |
| Comment #3 by: PIYUSH on 16 Dec 2008, 13:47 UTC | reply to this comment | THIS IS A VERY GUD PHONE. KEEPING IN MIND ITS FEATURES N PRICE ITS JUST EXCELLENT. IT COSTS ONLY RS 10200 IN INDIA (UPTILL NOV 2008). SO IF U LIVE IN INDIA AND SEARCHING FOR A FEATURED PACK PHONE AROUND RS10000, THEN THIS FOR U. GO GET IT BEFORE NOKIA STOP ITS PRODUCTION.. NOKIA 5320 XPRESSMUSIC ROCKSS..... |
| Comment #4 by: piyush on 16 Dec 2008, 13:49 UTC | reply to this comment | TALKING ABOUT ITS DRAWBACK IS ONLY ITS LOW QUALITY "LED FLASH"
AND MONO SPEAKERS. ELSE IT JUST ROCKS.. |
| Comment #6 by: Danish on 24 Jan 2009, 10:53 UTC | reply to this comment | I am using this phone from past a month it is good bt i still dun understand what navi keys are basically is there any sensor like its in n96 or we have to press
manually ? |
| Comment #7 by: Tharani RAaju on 31 Jan 2009, 10:05 UTC | reply to this comment | i got this phone on 01.01.2009 it made problem on 12.01.2009... |
| Comment #8 by: Faiz on 02 Feb 2009, 21:31 UTC | reply to this comment | Yeah...think that 5320 xpmusic is the best in performance due to the considerable price....so....i'll try this one....thanks 4 the review.... |
| Comment #9 by: hareen on 12 Feb 2009, 01:19 UTC | reply to this comment | yes.. the performance is perfectly it has a voice recognizer. use the voice command. ex. when you say message they appear a message. then you text |
| Comment #11 by: madan on 18 Mar 2009, 10:54 UTC | reply to this comment | it is a good fone but . i had a prob it hung up. several times. i updated software to 4.13 ver. lets see how it works. so var i dont regret.
it has single arm processor of 369 mhz. |
| Comment #12 by: jafar on 23 Mar 2009, 06:09 UTC | reply to this comment | we should not talk about its drawback rather we should talk about its good things. cool phone |
| Comment #13 by: madhubalan on 29 Mar 2009, 09:37 UTC | reply to this comment | hi , i bought this phone 0n 16feb2009. 3 days back i switchedOFF the phone within next second I switchedON the phone, like this i did 14 or 1 5 times. NOW i feel cpu performing slowly. i didnot remember cpu performed fast earlier. by doing this any problem will occur. y i did this because 5320N_Cage video sometime freezes but audio goes on. after i restart, video and audio sync and runs smoothly, and i also felt cpu running slowly. pls clear my doubt. i feel am not satisfied with this phone. i have no problem, mssg, gprs, video, audio, camera etc all working well. only thing is i feel cpu is running slowly |
| Comment #14 by: nivas on 03 Apr 2009, 15:11 UTC | reply to this comment | Everything is good expect battery backup. Need to charge the battery everyday. |
| Comment #15 by: nivas on 03 Apr 2009, 15:16 UTC | reply to this comment | I have upgraded the software version to 4.13 today. What is the additional feature it has?? I do not see N-Gage option in games folder after upgrading the SW. can u pls tell me y?? |
| Comment #16 by: Rishikesh on 03 May 2009, 10:16 UTC | reply to this comment | Except for the Speaker Sound..(Which sucks)...Evrything else rocks.....I love this Phone..The Interface is Very responsive..And Phone is fast at all applications..Even Multitasking is like a Breeze.. |
| Comment #17 by: monysh on 18 May 2009, 05:00 UTC | reply to this comment | really good phone.......
it works fasters than any other nokia phone tht i remember.......
m using it 4 past 1 month nd found no problem at all.......
i wud suggest this phone to all the youth generation........... |
| Comment #18 by: Francis on 03 Jun 2009, 17:25 UTC | reply to this comment | Great phone, but there's a problem in the battery life span, quite disappointing. |
| Comment #19 by: Nishant on 23 Jun 2009, 11:47 UTC | reply to this comment | i want to buy this cellphne............is it available in INDIA and wats the current price |
| Comment #20 by: Siddhartha on 02 Jul 2009, 20:34 UTC | reply to this comment | A great phone! The best mobile phone in this price range. The camera is great in daylight, though grainy in artificial light. Sound is 8 out of 10. Using for last 8 months. Just go for it, there may not be such a Nokia again for some time to come. Less than Rs. 9500 now. |
| Comment #21 by: sudip on 10 Jul 2009, 21:08 UTC | reply to this comment | i use 5320 for last 8 months.it's working good but problem is animated themes are not support, tell me how animated themes are working on my phone? |
| Comment #22 by: Ajay on 28 Nov 2009, 15:45 UTC | reply to this comment | dude.. the firmware is still in process.. it is yet to accomodate the n-gage series... idk about now... but i'm planning to buy it... its around 9800 rs. lemme see... |
| Comment #23 by: prashanth on 07 Dec 2009, 10:37 UTC | reply to this comment | good phone . have been usin for 1 year now. upgradin to software v 4.13 has removed the disturbance which was earlier present while playin music in speaker mode.upgrade also give ngage installed with trial of 4 games . i got these - tetris, asphalt 3 street racing, creatures of the deep, and star wars. even the prob of occasional hanging of phone has reduced . never happened to my phone after the upgrade. battery life has slightly increased but not much.
but it is sad that nokia has stopped the production of this phone .if they bring out this model with a larger screen and a better camera , i say it would be the best phone even if it costs a thousand bugs more than the current price. |
| Comment #24 by: red on 21 Dec 2009, 00:40 UTC | reply to this comment | I saw this phone yesterday. It is a nice phone and the review is great (except for the audio). I'm planning on buying it this month. |
| Comment #25 by: reennice16 on 21 Jan 2010, 14:03 UTC | reply to this comment | sir is there a new software version for this version 3.15. if you have a version 6 it will integrating upgrade up to 16gb of maximum memory, and its phone memory will become 200mb or 140mb |
| Comment #26 by: hamid on 08 May 2010, 08:31 UTC | reply to this comment | great phone,
but how can i remove the cover? |
| Comment #27 by: abnmro on 28 May 2010, 14:26 UTC | reply to this comment | hi to all; dear tell me how to lock keypad in nokia 5320 |
| Comment #27.1 by: SUDHAN JOSHI on 19 Sep 2010, 16:42 GMT | PRESS THE ABOVE BUTTON OF GREEN BUTTON AND THEN PRESS *..................BUT BE FAST. |
| Comment #28 by: J. Wayne on 31 May 2010, 18:55 UTC | reply to this comment | Cool Phone, already bought it. But where is the promised stopwatch and countdown timer? |
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