Nokia 5500 Sport Specs Pricing and Performance Unveiled

Introduction to the Nokia 5500 Sport

The Nokia 5500 Sport, launched in May 2006, represented a significant foray by Nokia into the realm of sporty, durable phones tailored for an active lifestyle. Targeted towards fitness enthusiasts and those with an adventurous spirit, the Nokia 5500 Sport combined durability with essential smartphone features that were quite advanced for its time. Although discontinued now, its legacy continues to be appreciated by many tech enthusiasts who look back fondly at its unique offerings.

Design and Build

The Nokia 5500 Sport was built with durability at the forefront. Its physical dimensions measured 107 x 45 x 18 mm with a weight of just 103 grams. The phone was designed to withstand challenging environments, making it a suitable choice for outdoor activities. Its robust exterior featured materials resistant to dust and water splashes, which was quite a novelty back then. The design, leveraging a black and gray color palette, exuded a sporty yet sophisticated look.

Display Characteristics

The phone came equipped with a 1.7-inch TFT display with a resolution of 208 x 208 pixels. While the screen size might seem diminutive by today’s standards, it was adequate for browsing, messaging, and basic multimedia usage at the time. The display was capable of showcasing up to 256K colors, ensuring vibrant visuals that enhanced user experience. Furthermore, its approximately 19.4% screen-to-body ratio was quite the norm in its day.

Performance and Operating System

Powering the Nokia 5500 Sport was a 235 MHz ARM 9 processor, coupled with Symbian 9.1, Series 60 rel. 3.0. This configuration enabled users to enjoy a reasonable amount of multitasking and app functionality. Although limited compared to today’s smartphones, the platform offered a rich ecosystem of apps due to the popularity of Symbian at the time. This OS, along with 64MB RAM storage and 8MB internal memory, facilitated the smooth running of essential applications and basic productivity tasks.

Camera Capabilities

In the domain of photography, the Nokia 5500 Sport was equipped with a 2 MP rear camera. This camera, although basic, allowed users to capture memories with relatively good quality for that era. It supported video capture at QCIF resolution, enabling the recording of short videos. The absence of a front-facing camera is notable, as it was prior to the age of selfies being a significant consideration in mobile design.

Battery Life and Power Management

The device came with a removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery (BL-5B), offering a standby time of up to 270 hours and a talk time of up to 4 hours. This was quite competitive at the time, especially considering its capacity to support a busy day of regular phone usage. The power management, in conjunction with the energy-efficient operating system, ensured that users could rely on their device throughout the day without frequent charging.

Connectivity Options

The Nokia 5500 Sport provided several connectivity options that were standard for its time. It supported GSM technology across 2G bands which included GSM 900/1800/1900. Internet connectivity was facilitated through GPRS Class 10 and EDGE Class 10. For local connectivity, the device featured Bluetooth 2.0, and an infrared port, and allowed for wired connectivity via its Pop-Port 2.0 USB port. It also boasted a Stereo FM radio, providing additional media entertainment on the go.

Audio and Multimedia

The multimedia capabilities included support for polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. Despite the absence of a 3.5mm jack, the phone housed a loudspeaker which was sufficient for media playback and alerts. This multimedia support underscored the phone’s aim to serve fitness enthusiasts who might engage with audio content during workouts or while on the move.

Notable Features and Extras

Aside from the core specifications, the Nokia 5500 Sport was noted for its varied sensors, such as an accelerometer which enabled unique user interactions like shaking the phone to end calls or read out text messages. Its robust design also sought to elevate the user experience for those engaged in sports and outdoor activities. The pre-installed software supported a variety of sports-specific applications, including a pedometer and fitness tracker, adding further utility for its target audience.

Price and Market Position

Upon its release, the Nokia 5500 Sport was priced at approximately 200 EUR, positioning it within a competitive bracket for mid-range phones with specialized features. This pricing made it accessible to a wide audience, particularly those seeking a balance between functionality, durability, and affordability.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Nokia 5500 Sport was a pioneering effort aimed at a niche market of sports enthusiasts, blending rugged design with reasonable smart capabilities of its time. It stands as a testament to Nokia's innovative approach in designing mobile devices tailored to meet specific lifestyle needs. Even with the swift evolution of smartphones, the Nokia 5500 Sport remains a memorable and celebrated part of mobile phone history, appreciated for its unique value proposition in the pre-smartphone era.