Review by Jay Busari for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Unlocked Cell Phone with International 3G, 3.2 MP Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, MicroSD Slot–International Version with No Warranty (Blue)
Rating:
I just got a hold of this 5800 Xpress Music. This is an amazing new device which shows why Nokia dominates the mobile phone market with a big choice of innovative designs and experiences suitable for each individual user.

The price is unbeatable. You’ll keep hearing this line about the price, and when you get a hold of it, you’ll agree.

This is the phone with the most complete set of features I have ever wanted.

The device is light, feels ready for some hard knocks, it is a little bulky (compared to my trusted E51:).

Update to the latest firmware 11.0.008, and you’ll feel much better about the usability of this device

It’s not quite “touch” sensitive, but “press” sensitive. This proves to be an advantage, since I’m more in control when I use the device on a bus, train, boat or tuk-tuk (a 3 wheel vehicle, with 2 stroke engine, sort of a “Thai Model-T” seen all over Bangkok).

The switch between portrait and landscape mode, is actually much simpler and quite natural once I got the hold of it.

I set up access to my GMAIL account within 2 mins.

Messaging App, Options->Settings->Email, say “Yes” to Define Mailbox, Enter Email Address, Password, choose POP3 or IMAP4, and I’m connected to my GMail Account!

You can choose the best way you see fit to enter text

1. Handwriting recognition

Took 5 minutes to get used to it. I don’t quite like writing in block letters, but the 5800 handled fast writing quite ok. I’m overly critical of all current handwriting recognition products, since they don’t even come close to the Newton, way back when I could expect my own handwriting to be recognized.

2. Small QWERTY keyboard

Most typically used in portrait mode but much more readable than WinMobile keyboards

3. Full QWERTY keyboard

It felt more stable than the iPhone QWERTY keyboard. I prefer to “press” the keyboard as is needed with the 5800 XpressMusic. I don’t like the iPhone QWERTY key since it’s too sensitive to touch and I can’t type when I’m on the move. I’ve never been able to get used to the Blackberry or E71 style full QWERTY keyboard.

The 5800 XpressMusic full QWERTY keyboard switches to landscape mode and feels almost right that I have to use 2 thumbs to reach all the keys…almost like 2 hand typing.

4. Alphanumeric Keypad for traditional one-thumb typing with T9.

There’s a really cool driving game that shows the 5800 XpressMusic sensitivity to turns. You literally hold the phone with both hands and “steer” the car!

The media player (from RealPlayer) is much improved, allowing me to play more types of VDO format files. Quite useful to get the nice video podcasts downloaded and find that they are actually viewable on the device.

The Music Player is the same. Sound quality is really good through the speakers.

The Media Gallery is a little static, with all files arranged as a grid. The N95 Media Gallery would be a nice touch.

You will soon see many useful applications on Nokia’s range of “touch” handsets.

This device requires developers to publish a Symbian sdk5 version of their application.

We tested a few apps released for Symbian sdk3 devices (N-Series and E-Series mainly), and they almost always worked without any changes.

Review by Erika Valverde for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Unlocked Cell Phone with International 3G, 3.2 MP Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, MicroSD Slot–International Version with No Warranty (Blue)
Rating:
It is definitely a cool gagdet. I took one star away because call quality is not great. Maybe it was my phone in particular, but sometimes voice faded in and out, especially when the signal is not at its highest. After I updated the software, the voice fading stopped.

Web browsing is pretty simple, as is switching windows. The full size Qwerty keyboard is great for IM.

Although not many applications have been made for the phone, it has everything you need, and it comes with a sturdy case that fits snuggly and protects. Great picture quality (the flash is a plus), the contact shortcuts on the homepage make it easy to get in touch with people, and speakers are very loud.

I do have problems with the clock though, it loses at least 30-45 seconds per day, and when I notice it is 10 minutes behind. I’ve read in several blogs that other owners have the same problem.

Other than that, really happy with the purchase!

Review by Joel Moreno for Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Unlocked Cell Phone with International 3G, 3.2 MP Camera, GPS, Wi-Fi, MicroSD Slot–International Version with No Warranty (Blue)
Rating:
I recently bought this phone and I have to say that It is the First XpressMusic I buy ’cause I’ve always been a N Serious fan. But, I’m totally amazed with this phone. It has the best features and is not that big as the iPhone. I totally recommend this phone. Nokia’s the best!