In a market saturated with smartphones, Nokia continues to cater to users prioritizing simplicity and reliability with feature phones. The Nokia 2630 and Nokia 5310 XpressMusic represent distinct approaches within this segment. The 2630 focuses on core communication, while the 5310 XpressMusic, as its name suggests, emphasizes music playback. This comparison dissects their differences to help you choose the right phone for your needs.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For users needing a supremely simple and durable phone for calls and texts, the Nokia 2630 is the better choice. However, if music playback is a priority, and you appreciate a dedicated music key and potentially larger storage for tracks, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is the clear winner.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| EDGE | Class 6 | Class 32, up to 177 kbits |
| GPRS | Class 10 | Class 32 |
| Technology | GSM | GSM |
| | GSM 850 / 1900 - US version | GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 - US version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2007, May | 2007, August. Released 2007, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 105 x 45 x 9.9 mm, 45 cc (4.13 x 1.77 x 0.39 in) | 103.8 x 44.7 x 9.9 mm, 44.8 cc (4.09 x 1.76 x 0.39 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 66 g (2.33 oz) | 71 g (2.50 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 128 x 160 pixels (~114 ppi density) | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~190 ppi density) |
| Size | 1.8 inches, 10.2 cm2 (~21.6% screen-to-body ratio) | 2.1 inches, 31.5 x 41.5 mm, 13.7 cm2 (~29.4% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | TFT, 16M colors |
| | 4-way scrolling
Screensavers, themes and wallpapers | Downloadable themes |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | Yes |
| Card slot | No | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 11MB | 30MB |
| Phonebook | 1000 entries, Photocall | 2000 entries, Photocall |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | VGA | 2 MP |
| Video | SQCIF | QCIF |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3, MP4, WMA, AAC, video tones ringtones |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| | - | Dedicated music keys |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0 | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | No | No |
| Radio | FM radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | No | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (Opera mini) |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | Snake II, Music Guess, Towerbloxx |
| Java | Yes, MIDP 2.0 | Yes, MIDP 2.1 |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging | SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging |
| | Predictive text input
Organizer
Voice memo | MP3/MP4/AAC/eAAc/WMA player
Nokia sensor
Nokia mobile search
World Clock II
Converter II
Predictive text input
Stopwatch
Voice memo/commands |
| Battery |
|---|
| Stand-by | Up to 310 h | Up to 300 h |
| Talk time | Up to 6 h | Up to 5 h 20 min |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 700 mAh battery (BL-4B) | Removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery (BL-4CT) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black | Red, Blue, Pink, Black |
| Price | About 60 EUR | About 100 EUR |
| SAR | 1.04 W/kg (head) 0.60 W/kg (body) | 1.25 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 0.63 W/kg (head) | 0.98 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -94.4dB / Crosstalk -73.8dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 64dB / Noise 62dB / Ring 75dB |
Nokia 2630
- Exceptional battery life
- Extremely durable and reliable
- Simple and easy to use interface
- Very basic camera
- Limited features compared to smartphones
- Small screen size
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic
- Dedicated music keys and player
- Potentially larger storage for music
- Slightly more modern design
- Shorter battery life than the 2630
- Basic camera quality
- Still limited functionality compared to smartphones
Display Comparison
Given the era and target market, both the Nokia 2630 and 5310 XpressMusic likely feature color LCD screens with resolutions around QVGA (240x320 pixels). The 5310 XpressMusic, being positioned as a music-centric device, may have a slightly larger display – potentially around 2.2 inches versus the 2630’s likely 1.8-inch screen – to better accommodate album art and music controls. However, neither display will offer the brightness or color accuracy of modern smartphone panels. Viewing angles will be limited on both.
Camera Comparison
Both the Nokia 2630 and 5310 XpressMusic likely include a basic VGA camera (0.3 megapixels). Image quality will be extremely limited, suitable only for very basic snapshots in good lighting conditions. The cameras are primarily included for novelty rather than serious photography. Expect significant noise and lack of detail in images captured by either device. The 5310 XpressMusic may offer slightly more camera features, such as basic editing options, but the core image quality will remain comparable.
Performance
Both phones operate on Nokia’s Series 40 platform, a feature phone operating system. Performance differences will be minimal, as both are designed for basic tasks. The 5310 XpressMusic, however, may have a slightly faster processor to handle music playback and potentially a larger amount of internal memory (though still limited by today’s standards) to store music files. The 2630 prioritizes efficiency, aiming for maximum battery life over processing power. Neither phone supports app installation beyond pre-loaded utilities.
Battery Life
Battery life is a key strength of both devices. The Nokia 2630, with its focus on simplicity, likely boasts exceptional standby and talk time – potentially exceeding several days on a single charge. The Nokia 5310 XpressMusic, due to its music playback capabilities and potentially larger screen, will likely have a slightly shorter battery life, but still significantly longer than most smartphones. Both phones utilize Nokia’s efficient power management features, prioritizing longevity over advanced features.
Buying Guide
Buy the Nokia 2630 if you need a robust, no-frills device primarily for making calls and sending SMS messages, and value long battery life above all else. It’s ideal for those seeking a secondary phone or a device for emergency use. Buy the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic if you frequently listen to music on the go, appreciate a dedicated music player interface, and want a phone with a slightly more modern aesthetic and potentially expanded storage options for your audio library.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic’s music player compatible with modern audio file formats like MP3 and AAC?
Yes, the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is designed to play common audio file formats like MP3, AAC, and eAAC+. However, it’s important to note that transferring files to the phone may require a USB data cable and potentially specific software, and the phone’s storage capacity is limited.
❓ Can I use a microSD card to expand the storage on either the Nokia 2630 or the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic?
The Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is more likely to support microSD card expansion, allowing you to store more music and other files. The Nokia 2630 may have limited or no microSD card support, relying primarily on its internal memory. Check the specific model specifications to confirm compatibility.
❓ How durable are these phones, and are they resistant to dust or water?
Both the Nokia 2630 and 5310 XpressMusic are built with Nokia’s reputation for durability. They are designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. However, neither phone is officially rated for dust or water resistance, so it’s best to avoid exposing them to harsh environments.
