Nokia 5530 - touchscreen, music-centric smartphone at €200
Published by Rafe Blandford at 4:10 UTC, June 15th 2009
Nokia today announced the Nokia 5530 XpressMusic, a music-focused, touchscreen phone running S60 5th Edition. It will be available from Q3 2009 at a cost of €200. It has 2.9 inch (640 x 360) touchscreen, 3.2 megapixel camera, accelerometer, 3.5 mm audio jack, FM radio and will ship with a 4 GB memory card. The homescreen features a 20 person contact thumbnails carousel with communication and conversation history just a touch away. The drop down media bar gives fast access to key phone functionality including music, photos, video, web and share. Effectively the 5530 is a cut down version of the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic with a smaller screen, no 3G connectivity, and no GPS. Read on for more.
Key points about the phone
- 2.9 inch touncscreen (640 x 360, 16 million colours) with tactile feedback.
- Phone dimensions: 104 x 49 x 13 mm (68 cc) and 107g.
- Runs S60 5th Edition on Symbian OS 9.4. This is Nokia 3rd S60 5th Edition phone and follows on from the Nokia 5800 and Nokia N97.
- Homescreen with application shortcuts, mini-music player and Contacts Bar – Nokia's 'person centric user interface' with easy access to communication options and history. The drop down Media Bar gives quick access to key phone functionality.
- Quad band GSM with EDGE (class b, multislot class 32, max download 296 kbps, upload 177 kbps) and WiFi connectivity.
- Stereo speakers with 'surround sound', 3.5 mm audio jack, integrated FM radio. Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and AVRCP prfile for stereo Bluetooth headsets. Access to Nokia Music store for music purchase. Sync with Nokia Music for PC with HiSpeed USB 2.0.
- Inbox contents: Nokia 5530 XpressMusic device with stylus, 4 GB MicroSD memory card (MU-43), Nokia Battery BL-4U, 1000mAh, Nokia High Efficiency Charger AC-8, For China: Nokia USB Charging adapter AC-8C + CA-100C, Nokia stereo headset WH-205, Short Micro USB Connectivity Cable CA-101D, Mini DVD, User Guide
- The phone will be available in 6 colour variants: black-red, white-blue, black-grey, white-pink and white-yellow.
Key differences from the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic
- Cost - the 5800's stated cost at launch was €279 compared to €200 for the Nokia 5530. That's nearly a 30% difference. If it launches in the UK the 5530 street price would be around £170 - £190, but would likely go down in time. This compared to the 5800 which started at £250 and has ince dropped to £225.
- Smaller touchscreen (2.9 inches versus 3.2 inches).
- The 5530 is significantly smaller and lighter: 104 x 49 x 13 mm (68 cc) and 107g versus 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm (83 cc) and 109g.
- No 3G connectivity, instead the 5530 relies on EDGE and WiFi.
- No integrated GPS, which will limit the utility of location software.
- Different homescreen. The 5530 has a 20 person contact carousel (similiar to the 5630), rather than the fixed four person homescreen of the 5800.
- Different box contents. The 5530 has a different headset, no TV Out cable, no spare stylus or plectrum, a smaller memory card and no carrying case.
The Nokia 5530 is an example of how Nokia is looking to push S60 further down the mid-tier market segment. It will be one of the cheapest touch smartphones on the market when it launches later this year and uses the S60 platform to deliver key music software and services.
Here's a video from Nokia Conversations:
Nokia say:
"This latest multimedia sensation puts masses of music power at your fingertips - and comes with a highly appealing, mass-market price-tag. This device is great for people who like to express themselves through their music, their style, and the friends they keep. It comes in a choice of five vivid color combinations, finished within a cool, stainless steel frame.
The Nokia 5530 is powerful and fast too. You can stack it with up to 12,000 music tracks or tons of videos and photos. It also provides built-in Wireless LAN and, in selected markets, three months of free and fast wireless Internet - thanks to a collaboration between Nokia and Boingo, which works with hotspot operators around the world.
The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is a brilliant and youthful, touch-screen phone that brings music and entertainment vividly to life."
More information on Nokia Conversations and Nokia Social Media press releases.
Categories: Hardware
Platforms: S60 5th Edition
News Discussion
Tzer2
Presumably we'll be getting this updated standby screen on the 5800 firmware by the time the 5530 arrives? That looks absolutely excellent...
I think it's pretty clear from this that Nokia intends S60 to cover an ever more mass market range of devices. If a 2.9 inch touchscreen S60 smartphone is 200 euros at launch then we can expect the cheapest button-based S60 devices to be maybe half that. Series 40 will probably end up entirely confined to sub-100 euro devices, and who knows how long before S60 takes that over too...
I think it's pretty clear from this that Nokia intends S60 to cover an ever more mass market range of devices. If a 2.9 inch touchscreen S60 smartphone is 200 euros at launch then we can expect the cheapest button-based S60 devices to be maybe half that. Series 40 will probably end up entirely confined to sub-100 euro devices, and who knows how long before S60 takes that over too...
malerocks
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Tzer2
Series 40 will probably end up entirely confined to sub-100 euro devices, and who knows how long before S60 takes that over too...
|
Tzer2
Malerocks, I've got nothing but respect for Series 40 devices, I have a couple of S40s as spare phones, and it would be interesting to see what would happen if S40 models got touchscreens as well.
But it doesn't look like S40 has anywhere left to go now, there are already S40 models which sell for 25 euros SIM-free, prices aren't going to go much lower than that.
It could get to the point where it's cheaper and easier for Nokia to just make all the mid and low end stuff S60... No one knows for sure, but that does seem a possibility.
But it doesn't look like S40 has anywhere left to go now, there are already S40 models which sell for 25 euros SIM-free, prices aren't going to go much lower than that.
It could get to the point where it's cheaper and easier for Nokia to just make all the mid and low end stuff S60... No one knows for sure, but that does seem a possibility.
andrew.gill
wow, we see Nokia really competing with the iPhone now with this 3.2 megapixel camera ...
although this maybe music focused, it would be nice to see a good camera and good music - i believe convergence is the way to go
andrew
although this maybe music focused, it would be nice to see a good camera and good music - i believe convergence is the way to go
andrew
Unregistered
Nice looking entry level phone, appealing to younger buyers, also it's an excellent compact size. Nokia have an excellent strategy of making phones for all purposes.
Kazutoyo
Wow, when was the last time Nokia released a S60 device with no 3G support? 2004? :tongue:
I think it's only a matter of time until S60 takes it all. S30 used to be fairly large a decade ago and my 3510 from 2002 use it, but how many devices use S30 now? They are all gone in favor of S40, as it will be in favor of S60.
I think it's only a matter of time until S60 takes it all. S30 used to be fairly large a decade ago and my 3510 from 2002 use it, but how many devices use S30 now? They are all gone in favor of S40, as it will be in favor of S60.
Rafe
Yes it clearly all about the price with this phone. There's no comparable product from another company - Nokia are really showing their muscle here - the benefits of hardware and software platforms are being amply demonstrated.
For markets like China and India the price point could be key. Consider also that this will promote Ovi services too. This handset could easily sell in bigger numbers than the 5800. Shipping with Ovi Store on board and things start lookign interesting.
For mature markets it might be of interest as a higher end PAYG device.
I'm still digesting this one though, so more thoughts in due course.
For markets like China and India the price point could be key. Consider also that this will promote Ovi services too. This handset could easily sell in bigger numbers than the 5800. Shipping with Ovi Store on board and things start lookign interesting.
For mature markets it might be of interest as a higher end PAYG device.
I'm still digesting this one though, so more thoughts in due course.
Unregistered
Yes, an excellent device. Anyone who laments no 3G or GPS is totally missing the point of this phone, and of Nokia's strategy.
In many ways this device blows the iPhone out of the water - it's the combination of price, S60 power, freedom (no carrier lock in unlike iPhone) and yet still loads of aspirational features - a good touchscreen, great pic quality, camera, excellent audio, Ovi stuff.
The invasion (of Nokia) continues!
In many ways this device blows the iPhone out of the water - it's the combination of price, S60 power, freedom (no carrier lock in unlike iPhone) and yet still loads of aspirational features - a good touchscreen, great pic quality, camera, excellent audio, Ovi stuff.
The invasion (of Nokia) continues!
Unregistered
QUOTE: Presumably we'll be getting this updated standby screen on the 5800 firmware by the time the 5530 arrives? That looks absolutely excellent...
Yeah right, i've been asking same thing about why we 5800 owners got no screen like the n97, doubt we'll get this one either
Yeah right, i've been asking same thing about why we 5800 owners got no screen like the n97, doubt we'll get this one either
malerocks
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Unregistered
QUOTE: Presumably we'll be getting this updated standby screen on the 5800 firmware by the time the 5530 arrives? That looks absolutely excellent...
Yeah right, i've been asking same thing about why we 5800 owners got no screen like the n97, doubt we'll get this one either |
Unregistered
This little gem makes my decision on buying a 5800 even harder. Using an E71 at the moment but the lack of screen upgrade on the e72 doesn't make it a winner in my part.
If only they had left the y5 in this thing i'd be laughing. Not sue I could live without it. No pictures of the rear casing? It's such a much more sleek package than they 5800 but could we soon be seeing a 5mp 5800 in this sleek shell?
If only they had left the y5 in this thing i'd be laughing. Not sue I could live without it. No pictures of the rear casing? It's such a much more sleek package than they 5800 but could we soon be seeing a 5mp 5800 in this sleek shell?
Hooksym
This will probably correctly identify me as a dinosaur ;), but as a happy 5800 user, I think 2.9" for a touchscreen with no D-pad is getting a mite cramped. Again, just my opinion, YMMV.
Unregistered
You've gotta love the design of this phone. It departs from the plasticky and toyish appeal of the Nokia 5800 to a more sophisticated devise. Change the theme and it could even pass as a sleek business phone.
The flushed screen and metal trimmings make it look more expensive than the 5800. The white variant just looks amazing. This phone would make iPhone and other manufacturers a run for their money and quite frankly, take the thunder from the 5800 not unless Nokia plans to cut the latter's market life (which seems unlikely).
As a 5800 user myself, I am honestly thinking about trading my 5800 for this phone. The 5530 is perfect for those who are uncompromising in their design taste, with appreciation for music, and a flair for (mobile) social connection. Perhaps most 5800 users would agree that GPS is something used less than 10% of the time. The lack of 3G can be a difficult trade off but inconsequential for those with ample wi-fi access but not for the road warriors.
Nokia, yet again, has struck gold with this devise. Just when you thought that the Nokia 5800 was a mid-tier, here comes a phone that is "mid,mid-tier." Kudos for the brilliant marketing positioning and strategy!
Danilo
The flushed screen and metal trimmings make it look more expensive than the 5800. The white variant just looks amazing. This phone would make iPhone and other manufacturers a run for their money and quite frankly, take the thunder from the 5800 not unless Nokia plans to cut the latter's market life (which seems unlikely).
As a 5800 user myself, I am honestly thinking about trading my 5800 for this phone. The 5530 is perfect for those who are uncompromising in their design taste, with appreciation for music, and a flair for (mobile) social connection. Perhaps most 5800 users would agree that GPS is something used less than 10% of the time. The lack of 3G can be a difficult trade off but inconsequential for those with ample wi-fi access but not for the road warriors.
Nokia, yet again, has struck gold with this devise. Just when you thought that the Nokia 5800 was a mid-tier, here comes a phone that is "mid,mid-tier." Kudos for the brilliant marketing positioning and strategy!
Danilo
Unregistered
Before people get carried away, nobody has handled this phone, there's a good chance it won't feel as good as it looks. It's pitched below the 5800, well below judging by the functionality it is missing and is not intended to supercede the 5800, just to take its place alongside it in the marketplace(s).
Unregistered
Quote:
| Anyone who laments no 3G or GPS is totally missing the point of this phone, and of Nokia's strategy. |
Quote:
| In many ways this device blows the iPhone out of the water |
Now Apple is being greedy, overcharging operators for iPhone 3GS, it's Nokia's big chance to impress the public. Looks like they're blowing it big time.
rvirga
It'll be interesting to see how it'll fare against the LG KP500 (Cookie) and the Samsung GT S5230 (Star), which both sell here for a street price of about €120 + taxes. Sure, the 5530 runs S60 rather than some flash-based UI, but I doubt its target demographics care much about this.
Hardeep1singh
Any news on the processor?
morpheus2702
How about this - S60 is being shunted down the foodchain to make room for whatever belches forth from the Symbian Foundation's loins? Nokia have had their money's worth out of S60 - it's tried, it's tested... let today's Smartphones become tomorrow's... featurephones, dumbphones, mid-range offering*
(*delete as applicable).
(*delete as applicable).
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Unregistered
Unless Nokia's strategy is to devalue its brand by shipping substandard products.
Too funny! Now Apple is being greedy, overcharging operators for iPhone 3GS, it's Nokia's big chance to impress the public. Looks like they're blowing it big time. |
Unregistered
"In many ways this device blows the iPhone out of the water "
Is this a comedy site now?
Is this a comedy site now?
moonshot
I have been waiting for the E55 now I might want this.
Can you do a head to head with these two phones? :)
Can you do a head to head with these two phones? :)
Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Unregistered
"In many ways this device blows the iPhone out of the water "
Is this a comedy site now? |
Price, carrier restriction, credibility (image) and compactness.
There's four to get started. I would choose this over and iPhone anytime.
Rafe
Quote:
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Originally Posted by moonshot
I have been waiting for the E55 now I might want this.
Can you do a head to head with these two phones? :) |
In summary though: E55 is more phone / enterpris / messaging centric, 5530 is more music / media / consumer centric. Both offer good value for money (continue to think best value Nokia devices are the S60 ones in the mid tier - good enough equation comes to mind).
TheUndertaker
GUYS!!!!!! Check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6L34Sh1D6A
last three seconds!
Iphone like full touch scrolling?!!?!! Are nokia slowly closing toward a perfect user interface?
And will this be added to the 5800/n97?????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6L34Sh1D6A
last three seconds!
Iphone like full touch scrolling?!!?!! Are nokia slowly closing toward a perfect user interface?
And will this be added to the 5800/n97?????
Unregistered
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by TheUndertaker
GUYS!!!!!! Check this out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6L34Sh1D6A last three seconds! Iphone like full touch scrolling?!!?!! Are nokia slowly closing toward a perfect user interface? And will this be added to the 5800/n97????? |
It's nice but just superficial. Who actually needs it? It's a waste of CPU resource and programming effort. Give me real functionality first.
Have you seen the Nokia Photo Browser beta? Works on the 5800, does all this flouncy stuff, gets on my t**s.