The Nokia 5235 and 5230 were iconic phones, largely thanks to the 'Comes With Music' service. Both offered a unique proposition – a vast music library accessible directly on the device. But which one was truly the better choice? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
Ultimately, the Nokia 5235 Comes With Music edges out the 5230 due to its slightly improved design and build quality. While performance is virtually identical, the 5235's more premium feel makes it a more appealing option for those nostalgic for this era of Nokia phones. Both are budget-friendly relics.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps | HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 1900 - American version |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2009, December. Released 2010, March | 2009, August. Released 2009, November |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm, 83 cc (4.37 x 2.04 x 0.61 in) | 111 x 51.7 x 15.5 mm, 83 cc (4.37 x 2.04 x 0.61 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 115 g (4.06 oz) | 115 g (4.06 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Resolution | 360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density) | 360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 28.2 cm2 (~49.2% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.2 inches, 28.2 cm2 (~49.2% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors | TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors |
| | Handwriting recognition | Handwriting recognition
|
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 434 MHz ARM 11 | 434 MHz ARM 11 |
| OS | Symbian 9.4, Series 60 rel. 5 | Symbian 9.4, Series 60 rel. 5 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot) | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 70MB | 70MB 128MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Single | 2 MP | 2 MP |
| Video | 480p@30fps | 480p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.0, A2DP | 2.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch | GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | No |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | Accelerometer, proximity | Accelerometer, proximity |
| | WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player
MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player
Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Photo editor
Voice command/dial
Predictive text input | MP4/H.264/WMV player
MP3/WAV/eAAC+/WMA player
Organizer
Photo editor
Voice memo/dial
Predictive text input |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | Up to 33 h | Up to 33 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 458 h (2G) / Up to 438 h (3G) | Up to 432 h (2G) / Up to 432 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 7 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 18 min (3G) | Up to 7 h (2G) / Up to 4 h 30 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery(BL-5J) | Removable Li-Ion 1320 mAh battery (BL-5J) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Black, White |
| Price | About 120 EUR | About 80 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.01 W/kg (head) 0.91 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.08 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -86.7dB / Crosstalk -84.0dB |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 65dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 66dB |
| OUR TESTS |
|---|
| Audio quality | - | Noise -86.7dB / Crosstalk -84.0dB |
| Loudspeaker | - | Voice 65dB / Noise 60dB / Ring 66dB |
Nokia 5235 Comes With Music
- Slightly improved design and build quality
- Potentially slightly better battery life
- Nostalgic 'Comes With Music' appeal
- Limited performance
- Basic camera
- Outdated technology
Nokia 5230
- Affordable
- Familiar Nokia user experience
- Decent music playback
- Basic camera
- Limited performance
- Outdated technology
- Less premium feel
Display Comparison
Both phones feature a 3.2-inch QVGA (320x240) capacitive touchscreen. The display quality is similar on both devices – adequate for the time but not exceptional by modern standards. Viewing angles and brightness are average. There's little to differentiate them here.
Camera Comparison
Both devices feature a 2-megapixel rear-facing camera. Image quality is basic and suitable only for casual snapshots in good lighting conditions. Video recording is limited to low resolution. Don't expect high-quality photos or videos from either device.
Performance
Powered by the same 434 MHz ARM 11 processor and a modest amount of RAM, performance is virtually identical on both phones. Expect basic functionality – web browsing, music playback, and simple apps. Don't expect to run demanding applications. Lag can occur with multiple apps open.
Battery Life
The Nokia 5235 typically offers slightly better battery life, around 12 hours of talk time and 420 hours of standby, compared to the 5230's 10 hours of talk time and 350 hours of standby. This is likely due to minor differences in battery capacity and power management.
Buying Guide
The Nokia 5235 Comes With Music is ideal for those seeking a slightly more refined design and a touch of nostalgia. The Nokia 5230 is a good choice for those prioritizing affordability and a familiar user experience, especially if the design differences are not a major concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What does 'Comes With Music' mean?
It was a Nokia service that provided users with access to a large music library, allowing them to download and listen to songs directly on the phone without needing to purchase them individually.
❓ Are these phones still worth buying?
They are primarily of interest to collectors or those seeking a nostalgic experience. Functionally, they are severely limited by today's standards. Don't expect modern smartphone features.
