Nokia's 5800 XpressMusic gets reviewed, coddled

Given that most of the world won't see Nokia's 5800 XpressMusic until 2009, you may be better off just forcing yourself to overlook this here review until you can snag one without importing. If you're just too impatient for all that, however, you should know that an early critique of the affectionately dubbed Tube deemed it mighty impressive. Call quality was solid, the OS was stable in most areas, and the display was a joy to look at and interact with. In fact, reviewers had a difficult time finding anything exceptionally negative to say, noting that this is the handset for anyone after a "well-rounded, do-it-all solution." It was also made clear that this phone and the iPhone were really two different animals not worth comparing (advantage, Tube), but that didn't stop critics from confessing that the 5800 packs an "unparalleled price / quality ratio that changes the rules for all phone makers out there, including Nokia itself."

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Oct 9th 2008 7:45AM]

This wi sell better than the iphone.

[Kelmon @ Oct 9th 2008 9:28AM]

I would take that bet. The problem for Nokia isn't so much the phone itself but rather Apple's ability to market products well and occupy the mindset of the public. It's going to be really tough for a while for other phones to be noticed when all the press talks about is the iPhone. To be honest, you're not helping things much by mentioning it when it wasn't really necessary.

[Mark Anderson @ Oct 9th 2008 12:47PM]

True, however the Nokia will ship in more markets where people don't really care much for the iPhone.

But beat in the US? Not really seeing that.

[WickedEast @ Oct 9th 2008 1:05PM]

@Kelmon: Soooo true. I mean when was the last time we see commercials about a cell phone on TV every freaking night?

[dennis @ Oct 9th 2008 7:53AM]

The decline of the English language has begun. Again.

[grull27 @ Oct 9th 2008 7:56AM]

Too bad our (America's) market is too mature for this. We're too mature for full-featured touch screen phones. We don't need MMS, Copy&Paste, Stereo Bluetooth, etc. That's all little kid stuff, we're too mature for that.

[Scott Sutherland @ Oct 9th 2008 7:56AM]

Capital letter for your name Dennis :) :) :) hehe

[annoia @ Oct 9th 2008 7:57AM]

Wow... I didn't really pay much attention to this phone, but after reading the review, it's certainly something I will look into. My next phone (ahead of schedule)? It just might be!

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 9:13AM]

this comes in a very affordable price+ no unpleasant surprises in functionality.

nokia vp has said in a interview
" we want to break the myth that touchscreen phones are only for the rich "

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 1:33PM]

here is a useful short comparison between 5800 and iphone

http://www.renegadefanboy.com/2008/10/nokia-5800-xpressmusic-vs-iphone-feature-comparison/

[loosely_coupled @ Oct 9th 2008 4:52PM]

Not if you live in the United States... Apparently, Nokia (tube), HTC (Touch HD), and other companies don't believe the United States market desires high-end touchscreen phones, which is obviously a bunch of nonsense...

[Scott Sutherland @ Oct 9th 2008 8:01AM]

As soon as i buy this, Nokia will announce a better "Nokia N-Series touch screen, shin kicking, stomach digging, teeny boppin, whip whoppin, disco droppin facemelter." phone. Then i will want that one!

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 12:02PM]

ur N series touch phone will come in mid 2009, and at that there will be much better phone announcing too , so u wont have to buy a phone for ever :)

[Marko @ Oct 9th 2008 8:05AM]

It is funny, that all the mobile phone jurnalists, bloggers, etc, were ignoring the iphone from the start with the excuse that there is no comparison to their beloved Nokias and Motorolas. Now that Nokia is finally ketching up, they still refuse to compare the two!

[iEye @ Oct 9th 2008 8:09AM]

That is the main reason why Nokia is scared to release this phone now, they know that this Rube will not be able to compete with iPhone sales...

If you have to sign a contract for a Phone, the iPhone is what you want...

[Danny @ Oct 9th 2008 8:15AM]

Did you read the review? He does compare them. It is true that the engadget post is lame on this point, giving the impression that they aren't worth comparing because the iPhone is better. The author of the review however, disagrees:

...comparison between these two phones would seem a little too far-fetched. It does have smoother and more eye-candy menus, similar video capabilities, but that's about it - in fact the iPhone packs in around a tenth of what the Nokia 5800 has to offer in terms of functionality. It wouldn't be right to put them in one league and then berate the iPhone for lacking so many useful feats.

[Titanium_man @ Oct 9th 2008 8:42AM]

I hate to be the one to bring this up but... That site has only good things to say about everything Nokia.

[Scott Sutherland @ Oct 9th 2008 9:14AM]

The 5800 seems to have the features which the iphone doesn't. The iPhone is a beautiful phone. I would love to own one but i personally am really put off by the lack of things like:

MMS - It's really popular in UK where i live, my friends and I send pics to each other all the time.

Bluetooth File Transfer - I use this so much on my N95, to send pics, MP3 ringtones, videos etc. My laptop has bluetooth and it's so great to just send a file to my N95 without having to look for my usb cable.

Texting multiple contacts - I use this feature a lot too, when i need to text all my mates to get them to meet me in a club. Or when i need to send the same update to all the members of the band I'm in.

Stereo Bluetooth - I have a cd player in my car that automatically connects to my N95 for handsfree and streaming music. I use this all the time, the iPhone doesn't have it.

Everyone's needs are different of course, but these are deal breakers for me.

I would just like to know one question. Why does the iPhone not have these features? I don't understand. There must be a reason.

PS. Not intending to offend users of the iphone who are really happy with it! Don't shout at me! :)

[vandy1997 @ Oct 9th 2008 11:44AM]

@Scott Sutherland

Scott, it's definitely a shame and embarrassing that Apple has left so many basic features out of the iPhone. I own one, and I feel that Apple needs to do more. I like seeing competitiors come out with touchscreen phones with more features so that Apple will cave in and implement those features or permit third-party developers to do so. The good news is that the features that you point out are all software-based. So they can be added on.

With respect to texting to multiple contacts, the iPhone already does that. Apple added it in one of the updates.

You can send and receive MMS messages (as long as you're not using AT&T) by hacking (jailbreaking) your phone and installing an app called SwirlyMMS (here is their forum: http://swirlyspace.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=8 , and here are some information about and a video of the app: http://www.ehphone.ca/2008/09/mms/ ).

You can get stereo bluetooth by adding a stereo bluetooth adapter to the phone. Sony and other companies make them. It is not the most elegant solution, but the adapters are rather small in size. See here for the adapter and a wireless bluetooth headset for $150 (http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10551&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665274947 ), but the adapter can also be purchased separately for $50.

The only thing that doesn't exist is Bluetooth File Transfer. I'm not sure if Apple will apply that Bluetooth profile since it may think that people will not load music from iTunes, and it will lose money. But hopefully competitors will force it to open up and provide the file transfer profile and the A2DP profile to the iPhone. That would make many people pretty happy!

Good luck with whichever phone you choose!

[utahnkid @ Oct 9th 2008 11:58AM]

Scott - The iPhone doesn't have those for some pretty obvious reasons. Bluetooth file transfer?? Are you kidding? That's like trying to transfer files over a 56k modem.. The iPhone does all it's syncing via iTunes and having another way to put files on would be redundant. I have a hard time believing anyone uses that on a consistent basis.. And MMS may be popular in the UK but keep in mind all of your carriers work off the same kind of network, here in the US MMS is extremely unreliable. It was only a year or two ago that Verizon and Sprint became compatible with each other and besides that, the quality of the pictures and flexibility of sending options are limited at best. Emailing is superior in every way especially because it's actually guaranteed to work. And stereo bluetooth? Find me a good set of bluetooth headphones from Bose, Shure, hell ANY brand. It sucks up battery and a VERY select group of products actually support it. It's a good idea, being able to wirelessly send your music to any nearby device, but no standard has been set and until then Apple won't be experimenting with any. And I agree sending to multiple contacts is a nice feature, good thing the iPhone doesn't have a problem doing it.

I'm not some rabid iPhone defender, I just want a true competitor to come out. If a phone company thinks that adding stereo bluetooth and MMS is all they have to do, they're just setting them self up for failure. They need a BETTER OS, not just one that looks pretty. A BETTER method of control than multi-touch or at least a better application of it. They need to create the same kind of environment that Apple has for app developers if they want them to even bat an eyelid at it. Getting stuck on whether or not you can transfer files over bluetooth isn't going to create an all around better phone, and Apple proved that already. Apple is setting themselves up to become untouchable if someone doesn't come along and challenge ALL the aspects and considering that includes the App store, other manufactures have a pretty steep hill to get over.

[hamza @ Oct 9th 2008 12:17PM]

You are clearly an idiot, saying that those features aren't really needed or anything similar to that logic is insanely stupid. Who are you to decide what people want from their phones to do?? And those features mentioned like bluetooth file transfer and MMS aren't exactly the only ones. If you ever had the chance to use a symbian phone and see what you can do with it compared to the iPhone you won't have this reaction. There are tons of things that an S60 phone can do and an iPhone doesn't, every application has a lot of settings, and you're able to customise your phone in an infinite way.
I'm not saying that the iPhone is bad or anything, I'm just saying that it's pretty idiotic of you to state that those features aren't needed, and claiming that you're not "some rabid iPhone defender", HA, that's really funny.

[hage54 @ Oct 9th 2008 12:58PM]

@vandy1997

Yes, ur right that those things (MMS, etc.) can be added to iPhone, but the 5800 will have all those futures and you don't have to void the warranty, buy extra parts or do anything else, they are already there! :)

[utahnkid @ Oct 10th 2008 12:04PM]

Hey fuck head. It's not my opinion, the proof is in the MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of phones they're selling (during a world-wide recession no less). They've forced EVERY other manufacoterr to almost identicly rip off their form factor and with ONE product they're dominating EVERY other phone one by one.

Out-of-touch nerds like you are the people behind all these half-ass iPhone rip offs coming out that think because they can send files over bluetooth that they have an edge. GUESS WHAT? PEOPLE DON'T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT OBSCURE FEATURES. They want a phone that emphasizes purposeful features that work reliably and intuitively. Apple has proven it 10 million times + and it's why every other phone is slowly migrating their OS to look and feel like the iPhone's.

I make a living off of consulting in every kind of technology purchase from cell phone's to computers. I make it my business to know what people want.

[m2avg @ Oct 14th 2008 9:53AM]

Hey (utahn)kid.... seems u had a really hard time saving money to buy the precious iPhone of urs!!! You are getting so aggressive convincing urself that the iPhone is the best phone ever made!!

[Perspective @ Oct 9th 2008 8:11AM]

Swing-and-a-miss there, grull. It's not about that people don't want those features; it's that they don't care enough about them to not buy a phone just because it doesn't have them. As a result, many of the people that demand MMS, copy-and-paste, stereo bluetooth, etc, couldn't wait to buy the phone anyway, and thus made these features less critical for Apple to add in order to maintain their sales rate. No matter what the iPhone is missing (and it is missing a lot), people buy it anyway, because they aren't willing to wait, and because they care. However, no one really cares about this phone (this is where Nokia's market dominance hurts; Apple currently makes one phone with the only variance being memory and color; Nokia makes many, and so "new Nokia phone" just doesn't get people riled up like the G1 or even the Storm).

I know understanding a market is difficult for message board guys, and let's face it, you're probably not that intelligent anyway, which is why I did the thinking for you. Cheers.

[Scott Sutherland @ Oct 9th 2008 8:22AM]

I'm sure that a bright person like you could have given your opinion without insulting people's intelligence.

[Jonty @ Oct 9th 2008 8:41AM]

Spoken like a true ignorant person. Life does exist outside USA. I know, it's shocking to believe.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Oct 9th 2008 9:07AM]

All those good points were ruinede by you stupidity.

[disciple83 @ Oct 9th 2008 9:10AM]

I care, and the second, the SECOND, that phone launches in the US I'm getting it. A Nokia phone's call quality and volume with a touch screen, wifi, browser, and gps, without having to be docked weekly for jailbreak updates? Done. But good try on the gross generalization.

[Scott Sutherland @ Oct 9th 2008 8:13AM]

I agree with Marko, you can't not compare the two. I think every article so far has mentioned the iphone to some degree. I think this phone is going to do very well. As i said though in my comment above, something better will come from Nokia as soon as i buy this. Sods law :)

[Hellios @ Oct 9th 2008 8:38AM]

I seriously doubt about the price / qualirty ratio, knowing Nokia this thing will cost around 300€... But the nagain, that's still less than $2100.

[De @ Oct 9th 2008 10:33AM]

the price has been officially announced. 280 euros / $390

[noyp @ Oct 9th 2008 8:39AM]

ok den, wat fone dont fall apart wit a 9mm?

[noyp @ Oct 9th 2008 8:42AM]

George wouldn't be my ideal "gangsta" name you poser!

[noyp @ Oct 9th 2008 11:12PM]

Good. It got deleted.

[Troels C @ Oct 9th 2008 8:52AM]

You need this one
http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/06/incrudo-phantom-mobile-phone-with-a-mans-character/
The mere thickness of this phone is greater than any safety distance of any 9mm gun.

[Marko @ Oct 9th 2008 8:54AM]

Yes, I must be honest I commented before I read the review. However, saying that copy/past and MMS are 9/10 of the features that a mobile phone should have is a bit of an exaggeration!

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 9:09AM]

this is impressive,
and the review says sound quality is second only to samsung innov8 and motorola zn5 . wow.....

and this OS is much more flexible,

and another review has published in that site about symbian touch UI (only in russian yet, but its worth just to look pictures )

[Muhammed @ Oct 9th 2008 9:23AM]

but this fone will turn them bitches on homie!

[Nando @ Oct 9th 2008 9:28AM]

HAHAHA!!! You're funny cos you sound stupid.

[Ubergeek @ Oct 9th 2008 9:52AM]

The phone seems great and more powerfull than the Apple one, but there's no multitouch and the screen is smaller... I'll wait the next Nseries touch to buy one. A french newspaper has reviewed the XpressMusic, we can find some screenshots here : http://www.svmlemag.fr/actu/03518/60_captures_pour_faire_connaissance_avec_le_5800_xpressmusic_de_nokia

[urandom @ Oct 9th 2008 10:26AM]

Physical dimension-wise, the screen is smaller, compared to the iPhone. However, it does offer far better resolution, which some people consider to be a better feature.

Why doesn't anyone give more comments on the tactile feedback of the touchscreen? Even this review just give a small blurp on it.

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 11:00AM]

multitouch is used only useful for zooming websites,pictures and playing some games ,
it won't be a factor that prevent people buying this phone

and dont expect everything under the sun for a phone priced this low :)

[WickedEast @ Oct 9th 2008 1:17PM]

Multi-touch is an overrated, over-hyped feature, at least in the case of a cell phone and portable media player. I use multi-touch on my iPod Touch extremely rarely. Double-tap zoom is usually good enough.

[hitsthings @ Oct 9th 2008 10:26AM]

Ah, the sweet smell of competition.

Feels like you can't wave a dead cat these days without hitting a new cool handset that shakes things up a bit.

[asg84 @ Oct 9th 2008 10:54AM]

nokia's 1st shipment of these is 10 million units (excluding usa, canada ,europe )
that shows the confidence they having about this phone

truly this is well worth for $390.

[Paul @ Oct 9th 2008 11:15AM]

I brought my girlfriend an iphone and I have the n95. She's put off by the lack of features in the iphone (as am I) and wants me to sell or trade it for a nokia smart phone. The only think about the iphone she and I really like is the web browsing to be honest. I eagerly await the tube as well as the n85, but in the meantime, anyone in the NYC area want to buy an iphone? =)

[TareX @ Oct 9th 2008 12:03PM]

640 x 360 pixels? whoa...

That's more than the DVDrip I'm watching now... and in it's going to be full widescreen. Not too shabby, Nokia.
Com'on Android manufacturers... it's clearly not impossible to include a hi-res screen in your phones.

[Renegade Fanboy @ Oct 9th 2008 12:25PM]

I think Nokia's advertisement should say:

"Twice as smart. Half the price." :-) Just for the joke ;-)

It is just a mock on another ad, but still:
http://www.renegadefanboy.com/2008/10/twice-as-smart-half-the-price/

[bandigolo @ Oct 9th 2008 12:29PM]

Is this a legitimate replacement for the Touch HD - what features does it have/lack over the HD? Is this business-class? The reviewers don't really comment on this phone's usefulness for business. Kinda "looks" like an entry level candy bar for touch-screen wannabes, but the reviewers seem to love it so I'm sure that is not the case.