“The 3G-packing 5500 is loaded with a pedometer to monitor your fitness endeavours, but it’s also a rather nifty, highly compact smartphone”
Nokia, more than any other manufacturer, has championed the ruggedized or ‘active’ phone. Having rolled out a number of tough cookies, like the ye olde 5120, 5100 and the sportier 5140i, its newest model, the 5500 Sport, is the fittest pocket personal trainer to date.
Like it predecessor, the 3G-packing 5500 is loaded with a pedometer to monitor your fitness endeavours, but it’s also a rather nifty, highly compact smartphone. In fact, along with the diddy 6120, it’s one of the smallest Symbian Series 60 smarties doing the rounds.
The Nokia 5500 can definitely look after itself. Its buff torso is made from stainless steel, hard plastic and latex buffer trim and is dust, water and shock proof. It could probably take a few hard hits before given up the ghost.
Mr. P.E. who lives life on the run will dig the 5500’s handy time-saving tricks. A dedicated button neatly switches between phone, music and sports mode while if you haven’t got time to scan your incoming text messages or want a progress report while out jogging then the 5500 will read them out for you. Just tap the phone and a Stephen Hawking’s voice will keep you posted.
The 5500’s fitness apps are the most comprehensive around. After you’ve entered your vital stats, the pedometer motion sensors can track the distance, time and calories burned, tailoring its calculations to various codes of exercise like walking, running, cycling or stair-stepping. Bundled Nokia Sports Manager PC software also lets you download your times and plan a training regime accordingly.
This canny little smartphone also features a steady two-megapixel camera, a capable music player, Bluetooth, built-in flashlight and a miniSD card slot to harbour your multimedia loot.
Verdict
The Nokia 5500 is undoubtedly the best sports phone we’ve had strapped to our arm. Its fitness talents will get you off the sofa and into the gym while its Symbian smarts and 3G skills are a Brucie bonus.
Score
7 out of 10
Best features
Compact and solidly built
Built-in pedometer and fitness apps
Flexible Symbian OS
Multi-tasking shortcuts
Not so good
Average camera
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