Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Update on 5/8/2010:
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It's been a couple of months since I bought this phone. Finally, I've updated the firmware and some software, so I'd like to give a quick update / review on the new changes, because some of the things I mentioned before are no longer accurate.
- Firmware v40.2.005 is great. It's just a slight improvement but good nonetheless. One can update the firmware either through over-the-air (ie. 3G / WIFI) or from a PC. I'd prefer to use Nokia Ovi Suite on a PC to update the firmware because you can backup all your settings / contacts / data. Although updating the firmware is relatively safe, you'd want to do a backup just to be sure.
- Ovi Maps v3.03 is a nice improvement. The interface is about the same. The biggest change is you can download voice guidance that speak street names during navigation. With this update, it really depends on one's usage to think if this phone can replace a dedicated GPS unit. It's getting harder to say now.
- Nokia Email Messaging is Nokia's way of doing Push email. It works pretty well with GMail / Hotmail / Yahoo and I'd assume it works with other email service providers too. It basically syncs all the contents in each email accounts (up to 10). The updated client displays HTML contents which is a significant improvement.
Many new phones (especially Android phones) have come out in the last couple of months. I still think this phone still proposes excellent values with its price and features. Most of all, it's unlocked, and it can be used anywhere in the world, even without a SIM card.
The phone's user interface remains its Achilles' heel, however. As long as the user finds the phone hard to use, it really doesn't matter if the phone has the best price / features / performance in the market. Most users are using this phone to be more than just a phone. It's a smartphone because the phone is smart, not because it expects a smart user to use the phone.
Original Review:
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I'll try to keep it short. I'll give the phone 5 stars without hesitiation. Others have provided very good (or bad reviews) of this phone, and mostly they are right-on. The key about this phone is you need to know why you want this phone, and how this phone suit your needs. Do not have an unreasonable expectation. The strength of this phone is its cost vs. feature proposition. In my opinion, there's simply not a phone out there that provides such a rich feature set while costs < $250.
If you want to buy an iphone (and pay ~$1000 total - $200 for the phone + $720 for 2-year data plan @ $30/month), don't buy this phone. Buy the iphone instead. This phone is not an iphone, not an iphone killer, and not an iphone replacement.
If you want to buy a Garmin GPS, don't buy this phone. Buy a Garmin GPS instead. This is not a GPS replacement.
If you want to buy a good quality digital camera, don't buy this phone. Buy a Canon or Nikon. This is not a digital camera replacement.
If you want to buy a FM radio, don't buy this phone. But who needs a FM radio anyways.
If you want to buy a music player, actually this phone's music feature is really nice.
With the above being said, buy this phone if you want an excellent phone AND want to do all of the above without carry all of the above gadgets at the same time. In particular you want:
- a phone that is unlocked, quad-band (international use), no contract, no $30 data-plan, no $10 GPS navigation plan and costs ~$250
- a phone that has strong signal, excellent call quality, and long battery life
- a phone that can play music/video/games, browse the internet, check email, take pictures/videos, provide GPS turn-by-turn drive and walk navigation (North America only) and maps service (global map is free download), provide VOIP video calls (using the 2nd camera in the front) over WIFI (fring and nimbuzz apps are free download) EVEN WITHOUT a sim card (excellent for travel)
Some tips while using this phone:
- the touch screen is a resisitive touch screen (unlike iphone's capacitive touch screen). Do not use your "finger tip" to control the touch screen. Use your "finger nail" or the included stylus instead. Personally I like "finger nail" much better. Once you get used to this, everything is a breeze. If your "finger nail" is as sharp (or unsharp) as the included stylus, it will not scratch the screen.
- the user interface takes a while to get used to. The iphone user inteface is more superb (and it's not even close, so I'll give credit where credit is due.) However, the Nokia 5800 features are excellent and there are plenty of supported (and unofficially supported) apps to download. No need to download itunes. No need to wait for Apple certified apps. Basically, you can download whatever you want and do whatever you want with this phone (e.g. use it as a USB storage device), and that's why it's not an iphone.
- speaking of iphone interface - there's a PAID (for money) app out there that you can buy and install iphone-like user interface onto your Nokia 5800. Get that app if you really need the iphone user interface. Just google "Nokia 5800 myphone app" and you will find the link and reviews.
- use the GPS without data plan (and do not get charged for data usage) by going to
settings -> phone -> app. settings -> positioning -> positioning methods and check only "Internal GPS".
The GPS without data plan may take up 5 mins (or more) to acquire a lock. The GPS signal is weaker than a dedicated GPS unit, and the voice navigation does not speak street names. That's why it's not a GPS replacement, but a GPS capable phone that you can use while a dedicated GPS unit is not available.
- browse the internet and check email using WIFI. Make sure you don't get charged for extra data usage by going to
settings -> connectivity -> destinations -> Internet (or MMS or WAP) -> "Your service provider" and make sure "use access point" is set to "after confirmation".
It's annoying that you will keep getting asked if you allow internet connection, but you'll get the peace of mind that you'll never accidentally connect to the cellular data network.
- visit Chinese (Traditional or Simplified) / Japanese / Korean websites by downloading "Opera Mobile with Asian Language Support" (not the regular Opera Mobile, not Opera Mini). Just google it and you will find the link.
- take pictures / videos while outdoor and with good lighting. Poor picture / videos quality is expected for any camera phone when taking them indoor with poor lighting. The phone flash does not help. That's why it's not a digital camera replacement, but a phone with camera that can use during social outings (e.g. Facebook Mobile upload).
Some nice to have (but not required) for this phone:
- get a data-plan if your service provider has a cheap alternative compared to the standard $30 smartphone data-plan. Being able to browse the internet and check email anywhere without WIFI is very convenient. Plus, the GPS / maps include additional features like traffic, weather, additional point-of-interests update that require a data-plan. More plus, with data-plan, you can turn on A-GPS (assisted GPS), which allows the GPS to acquire a lock in less than 30 seconds and to maintain a much stronger GPS signal throughout.
And most of all enjoy your phone while you are sitting somewhere nice, like a coffee shop. People, do everyone a favor - DO NOT USE YOUR PHONE (TALK OR TEXT) while driving.
Hope my review helps.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition Unlocked Phone with Free Voice Navigation and Nokia Navigation Accessory Kit--U.S. Version with Full Warranty
Nokia's 5800 Navigation Edition builds on the success of the 5800 XpressMusic phone, utilizing the brilliant 3.2-inch touchscreen as a navigation platform. Preloaded with complete maps of the U.S. and Nokia's Ovi Maps software, the 5800 offers premium mapping features such as 3D landmarks, terrain maps, weather service, traffic warnings and more. Included is a lifetime subscription for both walking and driving directions, along with all the necessary accessories--charger, holder, suction mount--for vehicle use. On top of navigation, you'll get all the connectivity and multimedia features that have made the 5800 a best-seller.
Nokia Ovi Maps GPS Navigation The 5800 Navigation Edition includes lifetime GPS navigation license for driving and walking, full USA and Canada maps so you can navigate and search in offline mode, and an intuitive interface that leverages the 5800's touch UI and brilliant 3.2-inch widescreen. You'll get 3D landmarks for over 200 cities, high-resolution aerial images and terrain maps, traffic and safety warnings, and more.
When online, you can check out weather forecasts and nearby events, explore premium travel content by Lonely Planet and Michelin for over 1000 destinations globally, and find thousands of POI listings for sights, restaurants, hotels, shops, nightlife, and more.
Navigation licenses come pre-installed and ready to use, and included in the box are a charger and suction mount for out-of-the-box navigation.
GPS navigation can be used without a SIM card, but works optimally with a data connection through your network Carrier. Data charges may apply.
Select Navigation Features
My position--Find your current location easier and faster with integrated AGPS.
Find places--Find places and addresses around you.
Favorites--Save your favorite places and routes. Sign in to your Ovi account, and synchronize all you personal favorites with maps.ovi.com.
Drive--Use GPS car navigation with voice and visual instructions, lane assistance, and speed limit warnings.
Walk--Use GPS pedestrian navigation with routing through pedestrian zones and shortcuts, stairways, plazas, and pathways through parks and buildings.
Car kit--Complete navigation solution for your car with car kit, suction mount, and charger included with your device.
Free maps--US and Canada maps data come pre-bundled on your device. Donwload more than 180 countries using Nokia Maps loader and you'll never need a paper map again. Visit http://www.nokiausa.com/maps for more info.
About The Nokia 5800 The Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition is a WCDMA/3G/GPRS smartphone featuring a large 3.2-inch color display with 640 x 360 pixel resolution and a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The touchscreen provides tactile feedback, and is ready for input from the included plectrum, styluses, or your fingertips.
The internal battery provides up to 9 hours GSM (5 hours WCDMA) of talk time on a single charge, with up to 17 days of standby time.
Nokia's handy contacts bar makes it easy to share media and communicate with your friends, and the media bar means ultra-quick access to your favorite media. Enjoy MMS and SMS messaging, along with a wealth of features outlined below.
Connectivity The 5800 gives you Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g) and 3G mobile broadband connectivity with a fully capable web browser and easy-to-use e-mail client. The microUSB port lets you quickly transfer photos or GPS info between the phone and PCs. Bluetooth wireless technology means you're set for streaming stereo audio or wireless headphones or earpieces, and the 3.5mm A/V output lets you enjoy audio and video on external devices. An FM transmitter is also built in, so you can tune your vehicle's radio to the device's audio.
Nokia Ovi Suite Ovi by Nokia gives you a bundle of smartphone features to help you be more productive, along with plenty of entertainment options.
Access photos, music and files stored on your computer with Ovi Files. Easily sync your calendar and contacts with your PC. Share your photos and videos anytime, anywhere.
The Ovi Store lets you purchase apps, games, videos and more for enjoyment on your device.
Music The 5800 is a great music platform, too. With support for up to 16 GB microSD cards and playback of MP3, AAC, eAAC, eAAC+, WMA, and WAV audio formats, you can take your music library with you. Enjoy playlist editing and sharing, a graphic EQ for dialing in your sound, and integrated stereo speakers with 3D surround sound. You'll get up to 35 hours of music on a single charge.
You can also browse, stream and download millions of songs over the air at Nokia's music store.
For those who prefer the radio, a stereo FM radio lets you catch up on the news or your favorite shows.
Video Video looks great on the 5800, with support for MPEG4, AVC, WMV, RV, and Flash Video. Enjoy up to 5 hours of video on a single charge.
The 3.5mm TV output gives you a composite output for enjoying video, images, and more on your television.
Camera The 5800's camera features Carl Zeiss optics and 3.2-megapixel quality. The dual-LED flash is great for low-light conditions, and the 3x digital zoom and autofocus are features you'll find helpful. You can also record video at up to 640 x 480 pixel resolution, and take video calls thanks to the front camera.
Nokia 5800 Specs
Weight: 109 g/ 83cc/ 3.84 ounces
Size: 111 x 51.7 x 15 .5mm (4.37 x 2.04 0.61 inches)
Display: Touch-sensitive 3.2-inch QVGA LCD with 16 million colors
Display resolution: 640 x 360 pixels
Display aspect ratio: 16:9
Internal battery: BL-5J
Talk time (WCDMA/GSM): Up to 6.4 hours/4.3 hours
Standby time (WCDMA): Up to 400 hours
Music playback time: Up to 35 hours
Band: NAM VARIANT WCDMA 900/1900, Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Internal memory: Up to 80 MB user data
Expandable memory: Expandable by microSDHC memory card, up to 16 GB
User interface: Symbian OS, S60 5th Edition 5.0
Bearers and transports: WCDMA, EDGE, GPRS
What's in the Box Nokia 5800 Navigation Edition device with stylus and Li-Ion battery, 8 GB micro SD memory card, Stereo headset, Audio controller, Charger, Car kit (car holder pack, rotating swivel adaptor, easy mount, car charger), Data cable
Learn More
Worldwide Walk and Drive Navigation With the 5800's Ovi Maps walk and drive navigation application, drivers receive turn-by-turn voice guidance including lane assistance, traffic information (in 10 countries including the U.S.), and safety camera and speed warnings, while pedestrians will be guided on shortcuts through parks and pedestrian-only zones in over 100 cities across the globe. And unlike other mobile navigation mapping solutions, Ovi Maps works offline--no cellular service is required.
With the new Ovi Maps for mobile you get for free:
Maps for over 180 countries and free map updates
Drive and Walk navigation available in over 70 countries with real-time voice guidance
My Position enables you to find your current location easier and faster than ever.
New one box search for quicker access to finding places and addresses.
Save your favorite places and routes, then synchronize them with your Ovi account over the air.
Car navigation with voice and visual instructions, lane assistance and speed limit information. Now also with text-to-speech voice guidance.
Pedestrian navigation with routing through pedestrian zones and shortcuts, pathways through parks and buildings, stairways and plazas. Now with text-to-speech voice guidance.
Get real-time weather information including a 5-day forecast, for your current or any location found via search.
Lonely Planet and Michelin offer you dynamic access to the best and most relevant editorial travel content for over 1000 destinations. Find thousands of listings for sights, restaurants, hotels, shops, nightlife, and more. Look these places up on the map and get to them with Walk and Drive navigation.
Discover the events happening nearby your location on the map or any place found via search.
Share your location on Facebook--where you are, what you are up to and finish with a photo.
No Hidden Costs The new version of Ovi Maps comes with all the maps and high-end, car grade navigation features you need for free and is yours to keep for the life of the smartphone. No additional licenses needed for extra countries, regions or services like traffic information or city guides. Data charges from network operators may apply.
Voice Guidance and Traffic Information Turn-by-turn, voice guided navigation comes free for both drivers and pedestrians. For drivers this includes lane assistance, traffic information, safety camera, and speed warnings. For pedestrians, this includes shortcuts through parks and pedestrian-only zones for over 100 cities around the world as well as 6,000 3D landmarks in over 200 cities to help you find exactly where you are.
Unique Hybrid Technology Ovi Maps is built on an advanced technology called hybrid vector maps. Vector maps are high quality but less data intensive and allow you to continue to navigate even if you lose your network connection. This means that maps downloaded or updated across a network connection are about half the size of bulky bitmaps used by other mobile map providers. The hybrid technology ensures that, unlike other providers, any downloaded map data is stored on the device for future use.
No Network Connection Required When Navigating Avoid expensive, battery-draining network connections with Nokia's unique hybrid technology. Maps can be pre-loaded on to your Nokia smartphone so you can set Ovi Maps to offline mode, saving battery power, and the navigation system will still work. This is particularly useful for those worried about data connection costs when travelling abroad or when you are travelling through areas with little or no network coverage.
Best Global Coverage You take your mobile with you wherever you go in the world so, as standard, voice guided navigation for both pedestrians and drivers is available for 74 countries in 46 different languages and there are maps for over 180 countries. This gives you the best maps with the largest global coverage for free.
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