The Nokia 5230 is the entry-level version of the Nokia 5800. So, you’ll find a 3.2-inch touchscreen display running the Symbian S60 5th Edition OS. The similarities end there as the Nokia 5230 is a good £100 less to buy. Find out how we got on with the Nokia 5230 in our first impression review…
The Nokia 5230 is pretty much the same size and dimensions as the Nokia 5800 but you will find that the build quality, while still pretty good, isn’t quite as tough. The plastic used doesn’t feel as rugged and the backplate isn’t as thick. However, our review unit came with three differently coloured backplates so you can have fun switching between them.
Check out the Nokia 5230 unboxing
The Nokia 5230 has a 3.2-inch touchscreen with standard 360 x 640-pixel resolution. We’ve found the screen to be pretty responsive and it’s handled messaging and being prodded and poked well so far.
You won’t find a stylus with the Nokia 5230, as you will the Nokia 5800, but a small plectrum style stylus is bundled in the box, so if you don’t want to tap with your fingertip you can always use this.
The interface of the Nokia 5230 is in keeping with that of the Nokia 5530 – also the Nokia 5800 since the v40 firmware update – so you’ll find a Contacts bar that will allow for up to 20 contacts to be added and accessed using via the scroll bar. At the foot of the screen you’ll find four quick access buttons, which are defaulted to Facebook, Messaging, Web’n’Walk and Ovi Store.
T-Mobile has bundled a number of apps with the Nokia 5230 including Mobile TV and Jukebox, which would make a whole lot more sense if you have a generous data allowance or if there was Wi-Fi built into the device as they need an internet connection to work.
The 2-Megapixel camera on the back of the Nokia 5230 is very much entry-level as you won’t find flash or auto-focus fitted. We’ll be looking at the camera in a separate review. Perhaps the big omission for anyone accustomed to using a more high-end smartphone is the lack of Wi-Fi. This isn’t a problem when you’re out and about but it does mean that checking for updates and installing software relies on you connecting your Nokia 5230 to your laptop via USB.
However, there are the keys features you’ll find appealing, such as HSPDA for quick data speeds. Then there is GPS and full access to Ovi Maps, as well as other services such as Ovi Share, Ovi Mail and the Ovi Store.
The Nokia 5230 isn’t going to win any awards for originality but as an entry-level smartphone it more than lives up to expectations. Get the Nokia 5230 for £99.
Check out our Nokia 5230 (T-Mobile) First Impressions Review photo gallery:
