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Nokia 5800, Nokia’s first attempt at an iPhone competitor

October 3rd, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Nokia has just launched the 5800 XpressMusic and it’s a lot like the iPhone. As Nokia’s first mass-market device with a touch screen, the 5800 is being positioned as a lifestyle device for music, just like Apple iPhone. The touch interface is designed to have shortcuts from the homescreen to menu items such as calendar, profiles and clock.

The phone has a 3.2″ widescreen display for watching photos, video clips and web content. With a 16 by 9 aspect ratio and 30 frames-per-second playback and recording, the device is ready for VGA quality video recording and playback.

The 5800 also features a 3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss lens and integrates with popular services like Ovi, Flickr and Facebook for sharing videos and photos. The phone also supports sharing music playlists through Bluetooth, MMS or online sharing.

For music lovers, the 5800 includes a graphic equalizer, has 8GB memory for up to 6000 tracks, supports popular digital music formats, has a 3.5mm jack and comes with a built-in surround sound stereo speakers.

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic will be available worldwide beginning in the fourth quarter of 2008 for an estimated retail price of 279 EUR or US $386 before taxes and subsidies. That’s way cheaper than Apple’s USD 599 for Apple’s 8GB iPhone 3G unlocked.

Apple’s iPhone may be starting to feel the heat as phone manufacturers are coming up with competing devices like the Samsung Instinct and now the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. Rumors are that Research in Motion and Plam will be unveiling their devices soon.

The good news for consumers is that holiday shopping for phones should be fun with a lot more options. However, Apple may still dominate the shopping season as people tend to flock to Apple branded products as it’s products are percieved as cool , hip and trendy.