Nokia C5 5MP Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Introduction to Nokia C5 5MP

The Nokia C5 5MP is a classic mobile phone that was released in September 2011. It is part of Nokia's C-series, known for its affordability and functionality during an era dominated by feature phones rather than smartphones. Although it is now discontinued, the C5 5MP still holds a nostalgic value for many users who valued its simplicity and reliability. In this article, we will delve into the detailed specifications and features of this device, painting a comprehensive picture of what it offered during its time.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia C5 5MP has a simple yet effective design. The dimensions of the phone are 112.3 x 46 x 12.3 mm, and it weighs just 95 grams, making it compact and lightweight. The build quality reflects Nokia's traditional robustness, with a plastic body that could withstand the usual wear and tear associated with daily usage. The device offered a comfortable grip, and its small size made it easy to carry around, fitting snugly in pockets or purses.

Display

The phone features a 2.2-inch display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This TFT display was capable of showing 16 million colors, providing decent clarity for the time. With a screen-to-body ratio of approximately 29.0%, it was typical for devices in this category. The display was quite bright, making it usable in various lighting conditions, although sunlight readability was a common issue in phones of this era.

Performance and Hardware

At the heart of the Nokia C5 5MP lies a 600 MHz ARM 11 processor, running on the Symbian 9.3, Series 60 rel. 3.2 operating system. The device comes with 256MB RAM, 512MB ROM, and 270MB of usable internal storage. For additional storage, there is a microSDHC card slot, with a 2GB card included in the package, expandable as needed. The hardware specifications allow for basic multitasking and quick access to essential applications, making it suitable for users looking for a straightforward mobile phone experience.

Camera Features

As the name suggests, the Nokia C5 5MP comes equipped with a 5-megapixel rear camera. The camera includes features such as dual-LED flash, which was quite advanced at the time, enhancing its capability to take clearer pictures in low-light conditions. It also supports video recording at 480p@15fps. Additionally, there is a front-facing VGA camera, primarily used for video calls, although the quality is minimal compared to modern standards.

Battery Life

The Nokia C5 5MP is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1050 mAh battery (BL-5CT), offering commendable longevity. The device boasts up to 600 hours of standby time on 2G networks and up to 672 hours on 3G networks. For talk time, it provides approximately 11 hours on 2G and up to 4 hours and 40 minutes on 3G networks. When it comes to music playback, users can enjoy up to 30 hours, making the C5 5MP a reliable companion for long trips without frequent charging needs.

Connectivity and Communications

The Nokia C5 5MP supports GSM and HSPA technologies, with its 2G bands covering GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and 3G bands covering HSDPA 900/2100. Although lacking WLAN capabilities, it includes Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP and EDR, allowing for basic wireless connections and file transfers. USB connectivity is available via a microUSB 2.0 port. The phone also includes GPS and A-GPS for navigation purposes, with pre-installed Ovi Maps 3.0, ensuring users could find their way with ease.

Audio and Multimedia

The device is equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to users who prefer wired headphones. The inclusion of a stereo FM radio with RDS allows for live radio listening, appealing to those who enjoy traditional broadcasts. The phone's audio quality is clear, serving adequately for both music playback and voice calls.

Software and User Interface

Running on the Symbian 9.3 operating system, the Nokia C5 5MP provides a straightforward, user-friendly interface. Symbian OS was one of the earliest mobile operating systems to offer a rich variety of third-party applications, although the selection was limited compared to modern app stores. Users had access to essential tools like email, a web browser, and messaging functions, which were sufficient for basic daily tasks.

Market Position and Pricing

When released, the Nokia C5 5MP was priced at approximately 110 EUR, placing it within the mid-range tier of mobile phones. Its affordability paired with its reliable performance made it a popular choice among users who needed a dependable phone without extras. Although discontinued, it remains a model that many remember fondly for its durability and simplicity.

Conclusion

In summary, the Nokia C5 5MP represents a quintessential feature phone typical of its era, balancing essential functionalities with affordability. While it may not compete with the sophisticated smartphones of today, it offered users a reliable communication device that got the job done. Its enduring design and battery life, paired with adequate performance capabilities, made it a go-to choice for many during its time.