Nokia C5 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Overview of Nokia C5

The Nokia C5 was a pivotal model in Nokia's classic smartphone lineup, representing a balance between functionality and simplicity. Launched in 2010, it aimed to provide an affordable option with essential smartphone features. While it may have been discontinued since then, the C5 offers insight into the mobile technologies and preferences during that era.

Design and Build

The Nokia C5 features a compact and sturdy design, with dimensions measuring 112 x 46 x 12.3 mm and a weight of 89.3 grams, making it easily portable and well-suited for single-handed use. The phone's exterior is made of high-quality materials, equipped with a Mini-SIM slot. Its design embodies the traditional candy bar style that Nokia is famous for, offering both reliability and user-friendliness.

Display

The display of the Nokia C5 is a 2.2-inch TFT screen capable of rendering 16 million colors with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This results in a pixel density of approximately 182 PPI, providing clear and vibrant visuals by the standards of the time. The screen-to-body ratio is about 29.1%, illustrating the classic design where displays weren't as dominant a feature as they are in modern smartphones.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 3.15 MP camera at the rear, the Nokia C5 provides basic photography capabilities. The camera includes an LED flash for better photo quality in low-light conditions and can capture video at a resolution of 480p at 15 frames per second. On the front, there's a VGA videocall camera, catering to basic video call needs.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Nokia C5 is powered by a 600 MHz ARM 11 processor. While this may seem modest by today's standards, it was adequate for running the Symbian 9.3 operating system, Series 60 rel. 3.2. The device includes 128 MB of RAM, allowing for moderate multitasking capabilities, and providing users with an interface that supports various applications available for the Symbian OS platform.

Storage

The phone comes with 50 MB of internal storage which can be expanded using a microSDHC card slot, with a 2 GB card included in the purchase. This feature underscores the device's utility by allowing users to store more media, applications, and data than the internal memory alone permits.

Connectivity

The Nokia C5 offers basic connectivity options with GSM / HSPA network technology. It supports 2G bands like GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and 3G bands such as HSDPA 900 / 2100. Users could access mobile internet speeds up to 10.2/2 Mbps via HSPA. The absence of WLAN highlights the era's reliance on mobile data before the universal adoption of Wi-Fi in phones.

Additional Features

This model comes with essential communication features like Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming and file sharing, GPS with A-GPS support for location services, and a microUSB 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. The phone also features a Stereo FM radio with RDS, an attractive addition for users interested in media consumption.

Battery Life

Powering the Nokia C5 is a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery, model BL-5CT. It promises a stand-by time of up to 630 hours on a 2G network and up to 670 hours on a 3G network. Talk time is estimated at up to 12 hours on 2G and 5 hours on 3G, with music play extending up to 34 hours. These specifications ensure that the device provides a decent battery life, accommodating the needs of regular users.

Sound and Audio

The C5 is equipped with stereo speakers and a standard 3.5mm audio jack, delivering fair audio quality for calls and media playback. Although modern music enthusiasts may demand higher fidelity, the Nokia C5's sound capabilities were more than sufficient for the average user at its time of release.

Market Presence and Pricing

At the time of release, the Nokia C5 was priced at around 110 EUR, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers who did not want to compromise on essential features. It was available in colors like White and Warm Grey, giving users some level of personalization.

Conclusion

While the Nokia C5 may now be a piece of mobile history, it represents a critical point in the evolution of mobile technology. It serves as a reminder of an era where phones were valued for their robust design, essential connectivity features, and reliable performance rather than merely their app ecosystems and camera technologies. The Nokia C5 stands as a testament to Nokia's legacy in durable, user-friendly mobile solutions.