The Nokia E5-00 shares many of the same features as the Nokia E72, which became available at the end of 2009. So, you’ll find the same screen size, same use of a cracking QWERTY keyboard with individual keys and rubber coating, and even the same 5-Megapixel CCD camera setup. However, there are subtle differences that make the Nokia E5-00 a device in its own right.
Check out our Nokia E5-00 unboxing review
The Nokia E5-00 has a great design and feel to it. The use of a full metal body means it’s as safe-as-house should you drop it or treat it a little rough. The metal backplate similarly is secure and is held in place by pegs either side of the body, the same as we previously saw in the Nokia C3-00.
Measuring just 12.8mm at its thickest point this is a super-slim messenger device and with an overall weight of 126g, it’s a shade lighter than the Nokia E72. On the top of the Nokia E5-00 you’ll find the power socket and also a 3.5mm audio jack. There is also a micro USB port located under a secure latch, so you’ll be able to sync the device with your laptop. The only other features on the side of the device are the aforementioned baseplate pegs and the standard volume buttons (right-hand side) that also double as Zoom controls for the camera.
With this little amount of decoration, everything is focussed on the main body of the Nokia E5-00. The navigation buttons have been reworked compared to the Nokia E72 and feel more spacious and easier to use. The main phone function buttons are made of a single piece of metal with sensors underneath, so sit flush with the main body, while the Home and Message buttons are individual keys that stand proud of the main body. We found using the Nokia E5-00 easy and with a good sized D-pad navigating the onscreen menu is simple.
The Nokia E5-00 QWERTY keyboard has seen something of a slight overhaul, with a large Spacebar and tweaking of some of the secondary keys. However, you’ll find the same rubber-coating that was used on the Nokia E72, so keys feel tactile and being individually mounted you’ll find them nice and responsive. Firing out messages and longer emails is really easy with the Nokia E5-00 and we’ve found it a pleasure to use.
The 5-Megapixel camera comes with a 4x Zoom and with a single LED Flash is fine for use in most everyday situations. However, the lack of a second LED will mean that low-light conditions may well suffer. We’ll be checking out the Nokia E5-00 camera in a separate review but for now, it uses the same Symbian S60 3rd Edition software as other such devices.
You’ll find Wi-Fi and the A-GPS are incredibly easy to setup and start using and with the pre-installed Ovi Maps, you’ll be able to take full advantage of free sat-navigation for life.
The Nokia E5-00 is a great device to use. It feels reassuringly tough in the hand and the keyboard is a pleasure to use. If you already own a Nokia E72 it seems unlikely you’ll want to swift but for anyone looking for a great all-round QWERTY messenger, the Nokia E5-00 could well be the device for you.
