Nokia 5 Comprehensive Review and Price Analysis

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 5 features a sleek and modern design with a robust build quality. Its dimensions of 149.7 x 72.5 x 8 mm and weight of 160 g make it comfortable to hold and carry. The phone boasts a glass front with Corning Gorilla Glass protection, an aluminum back, and an aluminum frame, providing a premium feel and durable structure.

The phone is available in several attractive colors including Tempered Blue, Silver, Matte Black, and Copper, allowing users to choose according to their style preferences. The use of metal in the body's construction adds to the overall durability, making the Nokia 5 a reliable choice for everyday use.

Display Features

The Nokia 5 comes with a 5.2-inch IPS LCD display that offers a resolution of 720 x 1280 pixels and a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing adequate clarity for an enjoyable viewing experience. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 68.7%, delivering a decent amount of screen real estate for browsing, streaming, and gaming.

Although not a full HD display, the pixel density of ~282 ppi ensures that images and text are displayed with reasonable sharpness and clarity. The display's contrast ratio and sunlight contrast of 3.261 are satisfactory for outdoor use, albeit not the most advanced in the market.

Performance and Software

Powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and an Octa-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU, the Nokia 5 is equipped for basic tasks and moderate multitasking. The Adreno 505 GPU offers decent graphics performance for casual gaming and media consumption.

The device comes with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) out of the box, with the capability of upgrading to Android 9.0 (Pie), ensuring users have access to updated features and security enhancements. The software experience is smooth, with a near-stock Android interface providing a clean and straightforward user experience.

Memory and Storage

The Nokia 5 is available in two RAM variants: 2GB and 3GB, paired with an internal storage of 16GB. While the storage might be limiting for some users, the device supports microSDXC, allowing expansion via a dedicated card slot for additional storage needs.

This configuration is sufficient for everyday applications, media storage, and light gaming. However, users who require more substantial storage for apps and media may need to rely on external storage solutions.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Nokia 5 is a 13 MP shooter with an aperture of f/2.0. It is equipped with PDAF for fast focusing and a dual-LED dual-tone flash for improved photography in low-light conditions. The camera supports HDR and can record videos at 1080p@30fps, allowing for high-resolution captures.

On the front, the device features an 8 MP selfie camera, also with an f/2.0 aperture. This camera supports 1080p video recording and is capable of capturing clear and detailed selfies under good lighting conditions. The camera setup overall delivers respectable photo and video quality given the phone's price range.

Battery Life and Charging

The Nokia 5 is powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 3000 mAh battery. This capacity is adequate for a device with its specifications, providing a decent battery life that can last through a day of average usage.

While it lacks fast charging capabilities, the device’s efficiency in power management ensures that users can maximize their device's uptime, with a reported endurance rating of 84 hours in standard usage conditions.

Connectivity Options

The Nokia 5 supports a range of network technologies including GSM, HSPA, and LTE, making it versatile in terms of global connectivity. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.1, and NFC, offering multiple options for wireless communication and connectivity.

Additional features include GPS for navigation, an FM radio for on-the-go entertainment, and microUSB 2.0 with OTG support for various connectivity and data transfer needs.

Additional Features

The device includes several sensors such as a fingerprint sensor (front-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity sensor, and compass, all of which enhance the device's functionality and user experience.

For audio, the Nokia 5 provides a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the sound quality through the loudspeaker is satisfactory for calls and media playback with voice, noise, and ring dBs rated at 63dB, 70dB, and 81dB respectively.

Conclusion

The Nokia 5 offers a well-rounded smartphone experience with its solid build quality, satisfactory performance, and acceptable feature set. It’s an excellent choice for budget-conscious users who prioritize design, usability, and reliability. While it might not compete with high-end flagship devices, it offers a valuable option for those looking for a dependable mid-range smartphone.