Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Full/Detailed Review

  • The CPU of 5530 XpressMusic is the same as N97, the Nokia flagship model. CPU clock speed is 434 MHz, much faster than 369 MHz CPU of 5800 XpressMusic. Faster CPU means lesser time to perform cellphone operations. You can browse through menus at blazing high speeds. Applications, games and videos will also run more smoothly.
  • Nokia has cut down 5530 price at the expense of few significant features-The most important is 3G.
    1. I think exclusion of 3G would be a big disappointment for many.3G is more useful than Wi-Fi as it is accessible anywhere. On the other hand Wi-Fi requires Hot-Spot or Wireless router for internet connection.
    2. 5530 Xpress Music lacks GPS (Global Positioning System). GPS helps in step by step navigation by plotting route to your destination.
    3. 553o lacks TV Output.
    4. Battery backup of 5530 Xpress music is inferior to 5800.Fully charged battery will offer a  talk time up to 4.9 hours and music playback time up to 27 hours. For 5800 the figures are 8.5 hours (Talk time) and 35 hours (Music Playback Time).

The rest of the features are same as Nokia 5800.You can see the specifications sheet below to know rest of the features.

Specifications -

Manufacturer Nokia
Model No/Name 5530 Xpress Music
Frequency Bands GSM 1800,1900,850,900
Form Factor Candybar
Size 104×49x13 mm
Volume 68 cc
Weight 107 g
Keypad Virtual QWERTY Keyboard
Dedicated Keys Volume Key,Music Key,
Camera Key,Keylock Switch
Display Touchscreen, 360×640 Pixels,
2.9 inch,16 Million colors
Proximity Sensor Auto Turn-off sensor
Operating System Symbian OS v9.4, S60v5
Java MIDP 2.0
CPU 434 Mhz
RAM 128 MB
Phone Memory 70 MB
Expandable Memory Micro SD, 4GB included,Up to 16 GB
Infrared No
Bluetooth v 2.0 with A2DP
3G No
Wi-fi 802.11 b/g
EDGE Class 32
GPRS Class 32
USB v2.0 Micro USB
Web Browser HTML,XHTML,WML
Email Supported Protocols-IMAP,POP,SMTP
Camera 3.2 MP(2048×1536),Autofocus, 4x Zoom
LED Flash,Video-640×480,30fps
GPS No
Accelerometer Yes
TV Output No
Graphics/Image Supported Formats-
Audio Playback Supported formats-AAC,AWB,M4A,
MIDI,MP3,MP4,RM,WAV
Video Playback Frame Rate 30fps,Supported formats-
3GP(H.263),Flash,H.264,MP4,RM,WMV9
Flash Player Flash Lite 3.0
Games Bounce,Global Race Raging Thunder
FM Stereo FM
Battery BL-4U, 3.7v ,1000 mAh
Talk Time Up to 4.9 Hours
Standby Time Up to 15 Days
Music Playback Time 27 Hours
Available Colors Black with Red Accents
White with Blue Accents
White with Yellow Accents
Black with Grey Accents
White with Pink Accents
Regional Availability China,Europe,India,Latin America,SEAP

Sales Package -

  • 5530 XpressMusic
  • Battery BL-4U
  • Travel Charger AC-8
  • Connectivity/Data Cable
  • Stereo Headset WH-205
  • 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
  • Mini DVD
  • User Guide

This time Nokia has reduced the memory card capacity from 8GB to 4GB(5800 has 8GB card in sales package).

WH-205 Stereo Headset

WH-205 Stereo Headset

The sales package includes noise isolating Stereo Headset, WH-205. Noise isolating earphone blocks outside noise thus improving the music listening experience.

Price –

The expected price of Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is €199/$278/Rs13000 before tax and subsidies.

Competitors-

HTC Touch Viva,Samsung Star,Sony Ericsson G700,LG Cookie KP500,Motorola A810.

Conclusion

Among the latest touchscreen smartphones we may call Nokia 5530 express music as the cheapest option in terms of value for money. It is difficult to get a touchscreen smartphone with same set of features at a lower price.
If the exterior (looks and size) plays an important role in your decision and you can manage without 3G and GPS then 5530 is definitely more suitable for you. The current price of 5800 Xpress Music at amazon is $378 which means a decent price difference of $100 in comparison to $278,  Nokia 5530 Price.
So, 5530  is the most recommended value for money touchscreen smartphone in the current scenario.

This is more like a preview than review as 5530 is not launched yet.This review is more inclined towards the hardware aspects of Nokia 5530.I will give you a more in-depth feel as soon I’ll get my hands on it.

Please share you views/feedback/questions regarding this review or Nokia 5530 Xpress Music in general through the comment form given below.Feel free to ask any question regarding 5530 or 5800 and clarify all your doubts.

Release Date -

The exact date of release of 5530 is not known, but most probably it should launch in the month of August.It will be updated on this blog as soon as it is announced.So, let’s wait and hope for the best.

Update (7th August 2009)

The wait is over- The exact date of Nokia 5530 Release is announced.In the UK it will be  available for purchase from 11th of August at Carphone warehouse.It is priced at £130 for pay as you go plan.

Sales Package-

5530 Xpress Music
Battery BL-4U
Travel Charger AC-8
Connectivity/Data Cable
Stereo Headset WH-205
4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Mini DVD
User Guide

This time Nokia has reduced the memory card capacity from 8GB to 4GB.WH-205 is a noise isolating earphone. Noise isolating earphone block s the outside noise thus improving the listening experience.

Price- The expected price of 5530 is €199/$278 before tax and subsidies.

Conclusion – Among the latest touchscreen smartphones we may call Nokia 5530 express music as the cheapest option. It is difficult to get a touchscreen smartphone with same set of features for at a lower price.

If the exterior (looks and size) plays an important role in your decision then 5530 is definitely more suitable for you. Otherwise, 5800 is still a better option as the price difference between the two is minimal and 5800 adds 3G, GPS and DVD quality video recording to the feature list. The current price of 5800 at amazon is $299 which is just $21 more than 5530 Xpress Music.5530 will also see a price drop but it will take time.
So, after 5800, 5530 is the most recommended value for money touchscreen smartphone in the current scenario.

Please share you views/feedback/questions regarding this review or Nokia 5530 Xpress Music in general through the comment form given below.

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36 Responses to “Nokia 5530 XpressMusic Full/Detailed Review”

  1. Nice Review,but what about the camera flash?you have missed this point
    5530 has a led Flash while 5800 has a dual led flash.

  2. Great observation! Thanks for the comment

  3. I don’t like nokia touchscreen phones they r nowhere near Apple iphone.iphone is the king of smartphones

  4. Yeah,but ur king comes for a price.It is not as cheap as 5800 or 5530.

  5. Text For Free on July 17th, 2009 at 12:16 am

    Thanks for the review.I’m planning to buy Nokia 5800 from Amazon.I can’t believe just $300!

  6. Thanks for posting about this, I would like to read more about this topic.

  7. hi..thanks for the review…its looks an fabulous phone with some exciting feature….its looks an very good option for the people who want a fully loaded touch phone without giving too much load on pocket…..surely it aint a iphone competitor,,.

  8. can anyone tell me a date of release? i have heard that it might be on the market from 3rd of August.

  9. Hi, Robbie it is expected to release is August but the exact date is not known.
    Keep on visiting for regular updates.
    Thanks

  10. [...] the Nokia 5530 review i told you that 5530 can record mediocre quality videos with maximum resolution of 176×220 at [...]

  11. Hi,
    I purchased the 5530 a few days back. Black/Red model. Used it vigorously and let me assure you that it is a “fantastic device”, a charm to interact with AND definitely an IPhone KILLER!
    Besides having all the bells & whistles (the specs. are available in every site) it’s thrills are in: a) Slim & trim body, b) deadly user interface, c) great shooting capability (both pics & vids), d) top-of-the-line music quality, e) No 3G (its’s a boon, it made the phone slimmer & most of us do not need 3G, WiFi being enough) AND e) Amorous Price Tag.
    Dear IPhonites, my Nokia 5530 beats you guys all the way thru (I do own an IPhone and am done with it). Why shell-out that dough? The 5530 is better (cheaper) having all it’s functions and better! (16Gb card, 3.2Mp camera, good stocked nokia music store that is cheaper than ITunes …etc.
    Friends, I say, “Go for it… now”.

  12. hey,s.dutta,where do u live??
    can anyone tell me when is the phone releasing in india??and at what price?

  13. Before buying Nokia 5530, check this link… it is recommended to wait till Nokia releases the latest firmware.

    http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/discussions/board/message?board.id=smartphones&thread.id=156140&view=by_date_ascending&page=1

  14. It now almost confirmed that Nokia will NOT release this phone in India in near future. Even Nokia dealers have no clue about this phone release date.

    In Nokia.co.in for Diwali offers Nokia 5530 phone is not included but all the other phones are included.

    http://www.nokia.co.in/diwali?t=na&ca=diwali&lid=na_diwali_displayad_diwali_teaser_main_banner_228%C3%9797&lpos=row1_position3

    All these days I was waiting for this phone, but no more waiting. It is time to say good bye to Nokia and look for another brand with similar features. :(
    Nokia has cheated India.

  15. Hi friends,
    first of all, great review. It helped me to decide what mobile to buy under Rs.15000. I wanted a good touch-screen phone with wifi and was confused between star wifi and 5530. So now I have selected this one.

    Secondly, nobody can call this mobile as iphone killer (i am not iphone fanboy!), because as far as the touch-screen is concerned, it is resistive for 5530 (i hope u know that) and capacitive (way more fluid than resistive) for Iphone 3g (and S). So, it seems that Mr. Dutta has operated iphone 3g but not iphone 3gs. Obviously 5530 can’t be compared with iphone, so why should me call it an iphone killer?

    Nokia is about to launch, N900. It also features resistive screen but with a great processor and since it can process everything quite significantly fast, hence I think we won’t notice it.

    So please (requesting from author) keep the comments clear and informative and not confusing. Because it changes the views of certain buyers.

    So, Mr. Dutta (no offense intended), please do review about 5530 because you own it and know the pros. and cons better.

  16. i have a problem……..i can’t install many of the applications offered here for my nokia 5530 xpress music, i allways get the same message: “application not compatible with your phone”….what should i do?

  17. Is there any way to find out directly from Nokia when will 5530 be released here in India?
    I have tried calling Nokia support and emailing them and even posted in Nokia forums…there is no answer from any one.

    I wanted to know if they plan to release during Christmas or New Year. So, that I can replace my old Nokia phone.

  18. Hi, the keyguard slider switch on the side rattles whenever I shake my 5530.. does anybody else have the same issue? :(

  19. Yeah I do agree with krishnakant sonakiya, mr.dutta please review your 5530 phone according to your personal experience while using it, what’s the pros and cons. I want to buy this phone but I want to see the users’ personal experience & opinion first. The other 5530 users also please gimme your personal opinion & experience. Thanks =)

  20. i have 5530 i play games and i use piano and guitar in it

  21. Before buying Nokia 5530, check this link… it is recommended to wait till Nokia releases the latest firmware.
    http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/discussions/board/message?board.id=smartphones&thread.id=156140&view=by_date_ascending&page=1

    Nick
    Sr Admin
    wwww.avilasoft.com

  22. Hi there,
    mobile is perfect in any way possible!!!! I like it!!!
    The only thing that is bothering me is my headset (WH-205)… It is great with 5530 but when I connected it to my laptop I could not hear voices in the movies or other, until I press’n'hold mic button on the cord…
    I haven’t had such problem with any other headsets before, I tested it on other laptops and it does the same :(
    Is this nokia limitation or what???
    THX.

  23. This phone is freaking awesome. I bought it yesterday and am really pleased with it. The camera is not bad at all, although it cant be compared to other phones. The voice/sound playback is loud enough, and the touchscreen is pretty responsive. The 5530 XM is my first touchscreen phone, and I am telling you, I LOVE IT!!!!

  24. I got an update from Nokia Officials that Nokia 5530 will be launched in India by the 2nd week of January 2010 after fixing all bugs in it. Lets wait and see.

  25. guys its launched on 22 dec 09 nw its available every ehre officialy its of rs 14029 go and buy its guys

  26. Nokia 5530 for Rs.14029/- is too much for a phone which has few hardware and cosmetic changes when compared to Nokia 5800. 5800 is now available for less than Rs.13500/-.

    I hope Nokia reduces the price for 5530 as and when it available (?) in India.

  27. It is only officially launched but it is still not available in market. You may get it in gray market without warranty.

    I called up Nokia concept store about this phone, the guy said it will take another 2-3 weeks. It looks like Nokia wants to clear of its 5800 stock or they are still fixing bugs in this phone.

  28. Nokia is going crazy by once again confirming the price of Nokia 5530 for Rs.14,029/-. They think people are idiots to buy this phone which is more than the present 5800 phone. Check the Financial Express News given below.

    http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Nokia-focus-on-touch-devices-in–10/564339/

    Kolkata: Nokia is betting big on the touch interface in 2010, starting the year with the launch of Nokia 5230 and 5530 XpressMusic. “In 2010, there will be a great deal of activity in the touch portfolio of Nokia. The company is focused on taking the touch experience to the masses by launching new solutions at competitive price points,” said Viral Oza, head-activation, media & online marketing, at the launch in the city on Wednesday.

    By 2012, 40% of the mobile devices will incorporate touch interface, according to the company. Nokia 5230 is priced at Rs 9,389 and 5530 XpressMusic at Rs 14,029. Oza hinted at touch devices at a lower price range as well in the future, but declined to give details.

  29. it has tv output!!

  30. Today I sent emails to top Nokia officials in India and send a copy of those emails to Nokia CEO in Finland.

    Nokia cannot simply go on with their press meet in different cities about the release of this phone but never release it as announced by them. They also cannot sell this phone at a higher price when compared to the more advanced and blunt looking Nokia 5800.

    According to the present international market price for this phone it should not cost more than Rs.11,000/- here in India.

  31. I received an email from Nokia top official sometime before and he says there is further delay in release of this phone in India and he does not say when exactly it will be released here.

    Now it is confirmed that Nokia was conducting all their press meet only to create hype in the consumer mind and trying to fool them with their false announcements.

  32. guys is it really worth buying 5800 with high price tag w.r.t to its asthetics..

  33. siddharth kumar on January 26th, 2010 at 9:02 am

    sir please give me all the details of Nokia touchscreen musicphones on my email sddhrthkumar66@gmail.com

  34. I own a 5530 xpress music and I was just wondering when nokia will going to incorporate word correction/word prediction in its text editor (In QWERTY Mode) like Iphone???? I think thats one thing Nokia should seriously work on!

  35. Good News!
    I just got a call from one of the Nokia distributor that Nokia 5530 is launched in Bangalore today. He said it will cost around Rs.13,000/-.

  36. hey, i got the 5530 for christmas and had sooo much fun with it. But it broke, it kept freezing on the start up screen. I took it back to the shop and they said it was a problem with the software and so they updated it for me. So i got a free software update :D . 1 problem with this phone tho, there arent many games you can download on it for free :( any1 know any good and trusted sites to download some free games for it?

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