NOKIA has created a mobile phone that plays music on high quality speakers and struck a deal with Universal Music to provide the latest songs.

The 5220’s structural shape is designed to be unique and stylish.

So how does it measure up ­overall? Keep reading.

Top shape

Most mobiles come in very ­standard rectangular or rectangle-like frames.

I have personally found that trend boring which is why the 5220 was a nice surprise.

Both ends of this model have a slight incline giving it a cool curvy look and feel.

The front cover and buttons are pretty standard but the back cover is hard plastic laced with dark rubber for enhanced durability.

It also has a small lanyard hole at the bottom of its frame for those who fancy wearing their mobile around their necks.

Don’t stop the music

The number one feature of this phone is, of course, the ability to deliver music in extremely high quality.

The state-of-the-art speakers and mini subwoofer are well integrated in this model.

Strategically placed in a room, it can reverberate with the sound of music that is loud and clear enough for everyone to enjoy.

It comes standard with a 1GB microSD card, allowing you to store quite a number of songs. Also, it can support up to 2GB microSD.

With the dedicated music keys on the left side and the volume control on the right, the music functions are a breeze to operate.

Also, as a cool extra feature, there are flashing lights on the side that flash to the beat of the music ­playing.

Universal voucher

A music phone without songs is obviously quite redundant. That is why Nokia, in collaboration with Universal Music, is giving away a 100 free song download voucher with the purchase of a single model.

Owners of an XpressMusic phone can download 100 songs from a selection of 1,000.

This list includes a variety of music from various genres. Needless to say, those who love listening to the radio would definitely find the choices ­appealing.

According to a Nokia ­representative, the list is revised every month so that the latest songs can be added.

But...

Quite honestly, as far as features go, this model has reached its zenith. It is not a 3G phone nor does it have GPS or wireless connectivity.

The 2-megapixel camera is ­mediocre by today’s standard and the voice recorder is not as ­capable as a standalone voice recorder. The 5220 works best as a music player.

However, this makes the phone uncomplicated and user-friendly since the functions it does have are easy to manage and configure.

To some, such as myself, there is beauty in this simplicity.

The practicality of such a simple phone in this ultra modern age is another question entirely.

Those who need the latest in web browser technology or picture ­quality will probably not give this phone a second look.

Verdict

This model was a pleasure to use and was difficult to part with. Its style and simplicity grows on you.

However, as mentioned, it caters to a certain group of people. Music junkies who do not need the latest features but appreciate style would find their muse in the 5220.

Also, the phone is relatively ­inexpensive. In short, it raises the roof but does not break the bank and is simplistically stylish.

Pros: Excellent speaker quality; free music; user-friendly; stylish; relatively cheap.

Cons: No 3G; lacks latest features; overly simplistic in some areas; mediocre camera; unimpressive voice recorder.

5220 XPRESSMUSIC
CAMERA: 2-megapixels
DISPLAY: 2in (240 x 320pixels)
MESSAGING: SMS, MMS
CONNECTIVITY: USB, Bluetooth, 3.5mm audio jack
MEMORY: 30MB internal memory, 1GB microSD card
STANDBY/TALK TIME: 406 hours/5.25 hours
DIMENSIONS (W x D x H): 43.5 x 10.5 x 108mm
OTHER FEATURES: Voice recorder, stereo FM radio
Review unit courtesy of Nokia Malaysia, 1-300-88-1600

• Tags : Nokia 5220 XpressMusic