The Wonderbrick: Nokia 5165
Written: Mar 20 '01 (Updated Mar 20 '01)
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Pros: Nice form-factor, Long battery life, Good reception, Lots of accessories
Cons: A little heavier & bulkier than the others, No time-syncing???
The Bottom Line: The Nokia 5165 is the Honda Accord of cellular phones.
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| isong's Full Review: Nokia 5165 Cell Phone |
WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE OWN THESE?
I'm the type that likes to be different. When it comes to cell phones, I want one that not a lot of people have. When the Motorola StarTAC phones first came out on the market, I raced to the stores to get one. The same with the Samsung SCH 3500 flip phone offered through Sprint PCS. With every phone, there was always a weakness or 'bug' that made me look into purchasing a different one.
I never thought I'd get myself to purchase a Nokia 5100 series phone just because every Tom, Dick, and Jane owned one. Was it because the phone is inexpensive? Or was it because the phone offered so many features? Or was it because the phone can easily be personalized with changeable faceplates and accessories? The answer was YES, YES, and YES.
THE NOKIA 5165:
The Nokia 5165 is one of the newer members of the 5100 series. In appearance, the phone has the same, exact shape and feel as the rest of the 5100 series phones. The only difference is the faceplate along with the silver buttons on the keypad (silver painted over rubber). The shape of the keypad resembles the 8200 series phones, as it's shaped like teardrops. A few notable features that are offered on the 5165 are:
+ T9 character recognition (as you type messages, it will bring up some of the most recently used words for you to choose from so you won’t have to key it all in).
+ 2-way text messaging (send and receive text messages)
+ 30 ring tones plus 5 slots for uploading your own ring tones (depends on service provider)
If you've owned a Nokia in the past, you'll be able to toss the user manual and just dive right in. Even if you have never used a Nokia phone, you'll understand how to use it within minutes of just experimenting.
CALL CLARITY AND RECEPTION:
Two main variables (the phone and your wireless service provider) predict the clarity of your calls as well as the reception. In the Portland/Metro area, I find that the combination of AT&T Wireless and the Nokia 5165 is a winning combination. With my Verizon Wireless service and my Motorola StarTAC phone, I could never get a digital signal from my office (which is located about twenty feet from a window). It would always go into analog mode (draining my batteries and redirecting all my incoming calls into voicemail). With my new Nokia 5165, my reception stays digital and shows on my phone as 3/4 bars.
I've made several calls already and a lot of the people I called thought I was calling from a landline phone. Out of the last ten calls made, only one call started to fade (could hear my voice being repeated a split second later) and that was mainly because I was walking inside a building and then hopped on the elevator. With my StarTAC, my connection would have been cut.
WHAT I DON'T LIKE ABOUT THE NOKIA 5165:
The Nokia 5100 series phones aren't the smallest, nor the lightest on the market today. In my opinion, the 5100 series phones are perfect in size. It feels very comfortable when you're using it and very sturdy when it's in your hand. The weight of the phone can vary. With the standard battery, it weighs over 6 ounces, so it's not something you want to drop into your shirt pocket. It's also not a phone that you really want to put into your pant pocket, either (for guys, it'll scare away even the closest of your female friends). Many digital PCS phones are capable of syncing the time and date on your phone. After reading the 5165 manual, it gave me false hopes. It says that time updating is possible but to check with the wireless provider. After calling AT&T Wireless, I was informed that it was not available for the 5100 series phones.
BATTERY POWER:
The supplied Nickel-Metal Hydride battery lasts a long, long time. Providing up to 3 hours of talk time (when you're in the digital network) and up to several days of standby, it's amazing to think they offer batteries that will last longer. With the included charger, it takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to fully charge your battery. With an optional rapid charger, you can charge your standard battery in less than 2 hours from a totally drained state. A car charger is also able to rapid charge the battery. I still can't get over the fact that people manage to talk on the phone for 3-straight hours or more… sheesh.
LOOK MA, NO HANDS!
Ever want to look like one of those secret service men? The earbud accessory that comes with the 5165 package will help you. By plugging this piece into the bottom of your phone, it will allow you to carry on a phone conversation without tying up both your hands. It's great when you're driving in traffic (not that I'm endorsing the use of cellular phones while operating a motor vehicle).
ACCESSORIES & MORE ACCESSORIES:
If you want to personalize your 5165, you're going to have a hay-day. Nokia, by far, offers the most accessories for their line of phones. Third-party manufacturers also crank out several hundred different faceplates, covers, cases, and even antennas that blink when the phone rings. Batteries are more than abundant and you have the choice of going with a cheaper, generic battery or purchasing a Nokia-brand battery (which isn't too bad in price). The greatest thing about the 5100 and 6100 series phones is that all the parts are compatible. For example, your buddy has a 6100 series phone while you're sporting your brand new 5165. You needed to make an important call, but noticed your battery was dying. You politely ask your buddy, "...’gimmee your battery. Mine's low on juice." Nice!
SUMMARY:
The Nokia 5165 has won me over. Yes, a LOT of people have this phone, but there's a reason why. It's because it's one of the most rugged, dependable, and cost effective phones on the market today. They retail for $99, but you can pick these up for cheap (or even free) if you sign a contract with some of the wireless service providers out there. The form-factor is perfect, I think. It's not the smallest phone, but it definitely carries enough features and performs like a champ for me to overlook all of its shortcomings. I know I'm going to put this phone through enormous abuse, but I know it will survive because I've seen my friends and coworkers .
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 9.95
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Epinions.com ID:
isong
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Member: Ingi
Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Reviews written: 58
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