Nokia E51
Simple is good, and that's what the E51 is. It may not have a fancy design, but the E51 excels in nearly all other aspects with a truckload of connectivity features, good performance and attractive price point for an enterprise phone.
| The good | Slim, solid design; stainless steel construction; multiple dedicated buttons and shortcut keys; excellent tactility; HSDPA, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth stereo A2DP; generous 130MB of onboard memory; snappy performance. |
|---|---|
| The bad | Rose Steel version attracts fingerprints easily; preinstalled Quickoffice is read-only version; no front-facing camera for video calls; average image quality. |
CNET Editors' Rating
Design
The beauty of candy-bar handsets is you can almost never go wrong with the design. That's exactly how we felt with the Nokia E51. At 12mm thick, the E51 is one of the leaner enterprise devices from the Finnish phone-maker, second to the E61i which is 0.5mm thinner. The E51 feels very solid in hand, something which a picture cannot deliver. Cementing the durability are the stainless steel runs on the entire edge of the front faceplate and battery cover.)
The bottom half is peppered with various shortcut keys and a generous-sized keypad. Above that is a modest 2-inch QVGA display with an ambient light sensor and LED light indicator customizable to light up in the event of missed calls, incoming text/multimedia messages or emails. The screen is readable even in bright outdoor conditions, which is great. However, it's probably not suitable for prolonged Web surfing or document reading, unless you want to end up straining your vision.
Like we mentioned in our preview, Nokia has replaced the S60 swirl icon with a "roofed house" that's instantly recognizable as the Home key. It's trivial, but one that's definitely appreciated. Pressing the key from anywhere in the phone's menu brings us to the standby screen. The same can also be done with the End call control.
The * and # keys are slightly smaller than the 7 and 9 buttons due to the tapered edges of the phone, though it doesn't hinder daily use. While we like the excellent tactility of the main keys, we can't say the same for those on the sides, such as the rubberized volume, power and record buttons. They are not disastrous, don't get us wrong, but pressing them requires a little more concerted effort.
At the back is where we find a 2-megapixel camera and the onboard speakers. The glossy surface of the Rose Steel unit attracts fingerprint smudges fairly easily and may irk some users, although a few swipes usually does the trick for the rear face. The Black Steel version isn't plagued with this problem, and we feel it's the more elegant of the two.
Features
One of the main highlights of the E51 is the multiple one-touch dedicated buttons for email, contacts and calendar applications. These keys are also customizable, recognizing short and long presses. A quick press on the Contacts button brings the user to the contacts menu and holding down the same key for a longer time doubles as a shortcut to create a new entry.Besides the main keys, the * and 0 buttons also activate the phone's Bluetooth and Web browser, respectively. In addition, there's a dedicated key (available also on the earlier E65) for muting calls (and vice versa), which is useful when the user needs to be excused for a moment during a conference call.
The quadband E51 is no slouch when it comes to connectivity, with dualband 3G/HSDPA on 850/2100MHz frequencies, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth stereo, infrared, 2.5mm audio jack, mini-USB port and support for various email protocols including POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP. That's practically more than you'll ever need on a daily basis and a close match to what the earlier 6120 classic offers. Most of the slimmer devices end up being victims of a do-it-all connector which makes multitasking impossible. On the E51, the charging and mini-USB port are separate components, so you can juice up the device while synchronizing data with a PC.
The handset is based on the Series60 3rd Edition platform with Feature Pack 3.1, so the interface will be familiar to most Nokia users. Otherwise, it's a gentle learning curve for newbies. Standard applications like Active Notes, In-device Search, Team Suite and Quickoffice were preinstalled on our review set, so we didn't have to waste time downloading the programs. Our only gripe is that the installed Quickoffice version is a view-only copy. So that means you'll have to factor in additional cost to upgrade the app if you want editing features. According to Nokia, the reason for this is due to the smaller screen size of the E51 compared with, for example, the E90 with a larger widescreen display. Other programs that can be downloaded over-the-air include Windows Live services such as Live Messenger (it's free for now, but may be chargeable in future), Gizmo for VoIP calls and Yahoo! Go.
For mobile email, the E51 supports various solutions including Mail for Exchange, Visto mobile and Seven Always-on. We didn't try the latter two since we are happy users of Mail for Exchange for its straightforward setup and ease of use. Mail for Exchange is sometimes referred to as Nokia's implementation of Microsoft's Exchange ActiveSync--both programs are capable of pushing email from the server to the mobile device.
There's a sizeable 130MB of onboard user memory and that is expandable up to 4GB with a microSD card. The card slot is found under the battery cover, which can be a hassle for switching cards on-the-fly, but we're just nitpicking.
As for entertainment features, the 2-megapixel camera is a barebones set without the bells and whistles of its Nseries counterparts. It is sufficient for basic snapshots, but don't expect high-quality prints from it. The colors were washed-out and the default white balance was a bit too cool for our liking. Using the Night mode boosted the sensitivity of the sensor, but in turn the pictures seemed as if they were heavily coated with a layer of sand. The E51 doesn't have a front-facing camera for video calls and the main shooter doubles as a camera module for that purpose. That way, only you get to see the calling party, or vice versa, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of holding a video conversation.
Other multimedia offerings include Visual Radio, a music player (MP3, AAC, WMA, AMR-NB and AMR-WB formats), video streaming and playback in H.264 (MPEG-4), 3gpp and Real codecs.
Performance
The E51 was surprisingly responsive during our review. Menus and applications were activated at a snap, slowing down only when multiple programs were turned on simultaneously. Nokia ships the device with a BP-6MT 1,050mAh cell which is rated for 13 days on standby and approximately 4.4 hours of talktime. With conservative use, we got up to four days of using the set without having to recharge the battery.Call quality was decent, although sounds came out a bit hollow via the onboard speakers. The fact that these are located at the back of the phone contributes to slight muffling of audio as well.
Conclusion
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Maybe it's the slim profile. Maybe it's the excellent tactility and dedicated buttons. Or maybe it's the additional wireless LAN connection. Whatever the reason, the E51 embodies what a good handset should be like and it looks like it's going to be a mainstay for the Finnish giant. We're impressed and we'd highly recommend this S$588 handset (without contract) not just to the enterprise user, but also the mainstream consumer.
Latest comments
Pros: Fantastic tactile feedback, wide range of connectivity features, shortcut buttons, light sensor, notification light
Cons: Rubber volume, mute and power buttons, recorder button is not reprogrammable. Directional pad had it's paint scratched off
Summary: Great as a simple phone
I've been using this phone for almost a year now, and it has been a fantastic simple phone! However, all the rubber buttons are just utterly stupid. They break and now I have to use my nails to press the buttons... Especially the power button... But I really do love the tactile feedback and WiFi. The shortcut buttons have also eased in opening messages fast, viewing calendar etc. But over time, I am now looking for a new phone because I like using the internet, and the Nokia E51's screen is just too small for easy browsing... It is also a very simple phone and thus, can't cater to an adventurous person like me who'd want GPS and touchscreens or full keyboards...
Pros: Decent Phone. Nothing exceptional considering the price that it comes for.
Cons: The side and top rubber buttons did not last 6 months (the phone was not misused). Replacement cost under warranty is US$ 30.
Summary: Nokia E51 side buttons (made of rubber) are very poor quality!
Disappointed that Nokia too has started encashing its brand name and lost focus on quality. Yes, they might be putting across some great combination of features and new technologies, but whats the point if the products are now being sold with an idea of being replaced every year. The rubber buttons on this not-so-cheap phone did not last 6 months. I tried to reason with their care center that the handset was under warranty, but apparently this is not covered under warranty and will cost me US$ 30 (INR 1450) for replacing those cheap side rubber buttons (here in New Delhi, India). I have no intention of paying that much for that little and will have the buttons replaced at the local shop for less than a dollar. And my next phone definitely will not be a Nokia.
Pros: Resilient, Has everything you need for a connected phone, Wifi, Bluetooth etc
Cons: The rubber buttongs on the side of the phone and the power button
Summary: Good Work horse & very hardy
The low quality rubber buttons wear off very easily due to heat and use. Mine already dropped off exposing the real buttons inside. Difficult to sell of due to this fault...
Pros: Smooth OS, Wi-fi availability, a very reasonable price.
Cons: Not so great camera, rubber side keys that are hard to press.
Summary: An awesome device.
This phone marks the entry into the business phones world. Not only because of it looks, but also because of its price. The phone might look like an ordinary everyday phone, but it has the features that can cause envy. To me, it seems this phone inspires the looks of E71. The features are not any less than e71 either. The camera is pretty bad, but at the end of the day, you can compromise the camera features for the overall quality. All in all, one planning to buy this phone should do it unhesitatingly.
Pros: Very user friendly! It may not be a computer-phone like my iphone but it gives me the same satisfaction
Cons: None
Summary: Next best thing after iPhone
This is the next best thing after my i-phone! Try installing fring and you'll find out what I mean!
Pros: Slim, Look nice, save electricity as need to charge only once a week.
Cons: Lousy power button, not user friendly in some basic functions, inaccurate SMS received timing, rejected calls without my knowledge, very high radiation, low image resolution, poor focus.
Summary: Try some other phone. Don't buy this phone
I read some positive reviews about E51 before I got the phone but now I really regret it. There are some problems with this phone. It has a terribly soft power button which sinks in on the very day I bought the phone after the salesman switch on it for the first time! I put up with it until I can almost no longer on and off the phone (just 2 months after I got phone). I got it changed with a second shipment power button which is supposedly 'harder' but it sinks in within the first week! Imagine what to do after warranty? Phone also has ultra high radiation if you use dual mode netword. It becomes very hot just after some seconds on the phone. If I switch to GSM mode, I have complaints from my clients that my phone is off although it is on!! Also phone is rather stupid and not user friendly. I hate the phone book where I cannot see groups. It just shows me all individuals. There is even special technique to create contact in group which is not stated in user manual at all. The phone does not reflect the actual time when SMS is received by the SMS server (if your phone is off at that time). It reflects only the time when your phone is just switched on. This is unlike other phones I have used before with same telco provider so I do NOT think it is the telco problem. Also to see details of SMS, you have to select option to see details, rather than see SMS content and then contact and time details. My sister in law also tried this model phone before and she gave it away because she did not like it. Calculator function is also not user friendly the way the keyboard is set up. Forget about getting this phone!
Pros: SLIM&SMART, VERY FRIENDLY
Cons: ALL GOOD FUNCTIONS
Summary: GOOD PHONE
E51 IS A GOOD PHONE WITH ALL GOD FUNCTION WITH AN AMAZING LOOK, BUT ITS WIFI IS NOT THAT FAST AS WAS EXPECTED TO BE, ITS WIFI IS SAME AS E65, BUT E51 IS GENERALLY FASTER THAT E65
Pros: Wi-Fi, Slim, Non-Laggy, Resonably loud sound, Quite fast
Cons: Hang at times when opening of menu, Media Player not that good
Summary: A non-laggy Nokia hp
This hp is somehow a Nokia phone which I have not gone for servicing for major problems. The last time I sent for servicing is the keypad is faulty. Thats all. It is a user-friendly phone!
Pros: Sleek, Savvy T9, VoIP capability, Tactile keypad, Glitch free S60, Value for money
Cons: no front camera,camera flash, side buttons hard to press
Summary: Best phone around
find it one of the best smart phone around. got a E66 but prefer to use this but 3G is abit difficult as no front camera. and the design is sleek and beautiful but leave lots of fingerprint and scratches easily. Batt life is great too. best value for money smart phone around compare to the rest
Pros: Candybar design, Familiar Nokia interface, USB jack, no joystick
Cons: Slick case is very easy to drop, scratches easily
Summary: Another winner from Nokia: Familiar, Solid, and Reliable
I am a longtime Nokia user and will not use any other brand. I have long been a fan of Nokia's ease of use, familiar operation, and standardized chargers which allow you to use accessories on your new phones from your old. This was my first phone with the new smaller charger. For a seasoned Nokia user, a new charger is almost unheard of, but it was inevitable and Nokia is switching to the smaller round plug for their new phones. Luckily, there is an adapter available that allows you to use your old chargers with the new phones. And, in typical Nokia fashion, all of the new phones use the same small charger. Overall, the E51 is solid like a Nokia should be. It's got good weight to it and the battery life is adequate. The case is glossy and is very slick, which makes it easy to drop or fall out of a pocket. This is a mess because the phone's case is painted so it scratches just like a car would. Nokia does not make a decent leather case for this phone. All of their OEM accessories leave large portions of the phone exposed to scratches and bumps. I purchased a Krusell leather case and am satisfied with it. With that case, I can drop the phone and it doesn't get scratched or damaged, mitigating the slick case problem. My previous phone, an E70 had a flawed joystick interface that broke early on and was a constnat source of trouble. The E51 ditches the joystick in favor of a conventional "up-right-left-down" interface that the E70 should have had in the first place. The performance on the phone is much snappier than the E70. Loading applications is a breeze and the phone hasn't frozen up yet. The menu response is what impresses me. When I press a button, the phone responds...not in 2 seconds as I was used to. Overall, the phone is a winner. If you're the kind of person who is just sick of phones getting tinier and more difficult to hold against your face, the E51 is a rare treat...carrying the form of a traditional Nokia candybar phone from 1999 but with the function of a Blackberry...and just as easy to use as the old phones were. I love it. If you're a fan of Nokia, this is the phone to have. It's simple, a good value, and well built
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