Nokia 5610 XpressMusic review: Gotta love music

We are having the pleasure of a handset that has been designed to meet the highest expectations of music fans. Its other features however are pretty interesting too and will surely appeal to a wider audience.

It seems phone manufacturers are head over heels about music in phones. Well, it seems reasonable that many users would prefer their music on their handsets instead of carrying an additional dedicated device of similar features. The first music centered phones by Nokia were labeled 5200 and 5300, and the latter is a direct forerunner of the one we're testing today - Nokia 5610.

Key features

• High-quality construction, steel highlights
• 3G support with video calls
• 2.2" TFT QVGA display
• 3 megapixel camera with autofocus
• UMTS, EDGE, GPRS
• Advanced music functions, radio with RDS
• Stereo Bluetooth
• Good keypad
• microSD memory card slot

Main disadvantages

• Front panel susceptible to fingerprints
• Camera LED unusable as a flashlight
• Charging through USB not possible
• Easy to scratch lens glass protector
• microUSB port is not that popular

Solid beauty at its purest

I must confess I wasn't thrilled with Nokia 5610 right from its very launch. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic new-comer was in for a stand-offish welcome but all doubts vanished as soon as that box opened. The phone boasts a captivating design: the minimalist front contrasts with a back panel of unusual form, which covers the entire rear side of the phone. The rear panel is dimple-patterned for better grip and features an ostentatious logo that underlines the sporty design of the phone.

5610 XpressMusic in its red variety compared to N95 8GB

We had the red-trim for our reviewing but the phone will also be offered in blue, which many will perhaps like more. The red version is flashier but still elegant: the red trimming extends to the steel highlights on the sides of the front. The casing features three colors altogether: red, grey and black.

If we got you interested, join us after this very short break.