Nokia 500 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Unveiled

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 500 stands out with its lightweight design weighing just 93 grams, making it easy to handle and carry. Measuring 111.3 x 53.8 x 14.1 mm, the phone provides a compact and ergonomic feel. It sports a classic look with a mini-SIM slot, and its body is available in black or white with interchangeable covers in vibrant colors like azure blue, coral red, and more, appealing to users who like to customize their devices.

Display

The device features a 3.2-inch TFT display with a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels. The screen-to-body ratio stands at approximately 47.1%, allowing for decent viewing considering the phone’s compact size. The screen provides a pixel density of ~229 ppi, presenting crisp and clear visuals which were quite satisfactory for its time.

Performance

Powered by a 1.0 GHz ARM 11 processor, the Nokia 500 offered smooth performance for basic tasks and apps typical for its release period. The device initially ran on Symbian Anna OS, which could be upgraded to Nokia Belle OS, enhancing the user interface and offering better functionality. Despite the 256MB RAM, multitasking was feasible to some extent, though users might notice some lag with more demanding applications.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia 500 is equipped with a 5 MP rear camera, without a front-facing camera, which was common for the period it was released. The camera can shoot videos at 480p at 15fps, suitable for casual photography but without advanced features that modern smartphones offer. Nonetheless, it was considered competent for basic photography needs in the era it was launched.

Battery Life

The device houses a removable Li-Ion 1110 mAh battery (BL-4U), capable of providing up to 500 hours of standby on 2G networks and up to 455 hours on 3G. Talk time could extend up to 7 hours on 2G and 5 hours on 3G. These figures indicate a solid battery life, with music playback extending to 35 hours, ideal for users who enjoyed media on-the-go without frequent recharging.

Storage

Internally, the Nokia 500 offers 2GB of storage with 256MB RAM. The storage capabilities can be expanded thanks to the dedicated microSDHC card slot, alleviating some limitations for users needing additional space for apps and media.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 500 supports GSM and HSPA technologies, facilitating decent data speed and connectivity options for its time. It allows for 2G bands across GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands including HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100. The speed on HSPA goes up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps, a competent speed for the period of its release.

Additional Features

Connectivity options are quite comprehensive, with Bluetooth 2.1, GPS with A-GPS, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, and stereo FM radio, providing users a wide array of navigational and connectivity choices. The inclusion of a 3.5mm jack ensures easy connection with audio devices, while the microUSB 2.0 port supports data transfer and charging.

Sound and Audio

The device comes with loudspeaker functionality and maintains respectable audio quality, boasting -90.1 dB noise reduction and -91.2 dB crosstalk, meeting typical standards for phone audio output at the time. The inclusion of traditional input and output ports pleases users who prefer wired connections for superior audio fidelity.

Sensors and Functionality

The Nokia 500 is equipped with essential sensors like an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and compass, enhancing the overall experience by supporting motion-sensitive applications and navigation features, ensuring that despite being a lower-end phone, it maintains innovation in its sensor technology.

Market Reception and Discontinuation

Announced in August 2011 and released in September of the same year, the Nokia 500 saw a moderate reception thanks to its reasonable price point of around 110 EUR, and the wide variety of color options attracted a diverse user base. However, with the rapid progression of mobile technology, newer models soon overshadowed it, leading to its eventual discontinuation.

Conclusion

The Nokia 500 stands as a reminder of early smartphone evolution, offering users a blend of basic functionality and style in its heyday. It balanced performance, design, and affordability, appealing to a market keen on transitioning from conventional mobile phones to feature-rich smartphones without breaking the bank. Though discontinued, it remains a nostalgic piece for past users and phone enthusiasts alike.