Nokia 7210
Probably the most noticeable difference with the 7210 is the increased
length in comparison to the smaller 8000-series models. The 6510 and
8310 were probably the best-sized handsets in terms of overall
dimensions since it provided excellent grip and ergonomics - thanks to
its slightly thicker form.
With the same mentality in mind, a slightly longer design meant depth can be reduced while at the same time maintaining the same high levels of usability. As with most Nokia phones, they all share a very similar menu system and user interface. For the 7210, colour gives it the ability to display menus in a list of eight different colours, and a set of very colourful menu images have replaced those animating ones on older models. On top of possibly using the 7210 on nearly every major GSM network throughout the world, another new feature which can become quite practical when you run out of hands and had forgotten to bring your headset is the handsfree speakerphone. Performing somewhat better than the one on the 7650, a user can enable the speakerphone feature during a call by pressing the right soft key (labelled Loudsp.), and doing the same to revert back to normal handset mode (when Handset is displayed instead).
Overall, I found the 7210 to be quite solid on the outside - with the phone's 'core' (the actual phone itself without the covers on) providing for much of this rigidity. Both the front and back Xpress-on covers had the necessary tight fit as well. One of the worries for most people is probably the battery consumption on phones with colour displays. On heavy usage, the battery does get drained quite quickly because of this reason plus the required backlighting. For the first few days, I was only able to attain approximately 1-2 days of usage maximum - and would expect similar results on similar levels of usage even after the battery has been 'run-in'.
On average usage, I was able to gain approximately 3-4 days worth of standby and around 3-4 hours of talk time. If you are using the handsfree speakerphone feature, these times will decrease (refer to the 'Checklist' at the end of the review for specified times).
With the same mentality in mind, a slightly longer design meant depth can be reduced while at the same time maintaining the same high levels of usability. As with most Nokia phones, they all share a very similar menu system and user interface. For the 7210, colour gives it the ability to display menus in a list of eight different colours, and a set of very colourful menu images have replaced those animating ones on older models. On top of possibly using the 7210 on nearly every major GSM network throughout the world, another new feature which can become quite practical when you run out of hands and had forgotten to bring your headset is the handsfree speakerphone. Performing somewhat better than the one on the 7650, a user can enable the speakerphone feature during a call by pressing the right soft key (labelled Loudsp.), and doing the same to revert back to normal handset mode (when Handset is displayed instead).
Overall, I found the 7210 to be quite solid on the outside - with the phone's 'core' (the actual phone itself without the covers on) providing for much of this rigidity. Both the front and back Xpress-on covers had the necessary tight fit as well. One of the worries for most people is probably the battery consumption on phones with colour displays. On heavy usage, the battery does get drained quite quickly because of this reason plus the required backlighting. For the first few days, I was only able to attain approximately 1-2 days of usage maximum - and would expect similar results on similar levels of usage even after the battery has been 'run-in'.
On average usage, I was able to gain approximately 3-4 days worth of standby and around 3-4 hours of talk time. If you are using the handsfree speakerphone feature, these times will decrease (refer to the 'Checklist' at the end of the review for specified times).
