Battery performance

Music may be the major key for the 5220 XpressMusic, but for voice calling it also puts in the a solid, high quality performance.

Its power usage is also not bad; Nokia reckons that in best-case network coverage users can achieve up to 5.25 hours of talktime or 406 hours of standby time. Alternatively, using the music player alone, it can run for up to 24 hours between charges.

In our tests, with average levels of usage, we managed a decent three and a bit days between charges, though naturally this declined faster if we listened to more tunes.

Bargain mobile

Anyone looking for a good quality budget music mobile should consider adding the Nokia 5220 XpressMusic to their shortlist.

Sure, it's not big on high-end features but for this price level – it's initially selling for around £90 on Virgin Mobile with a set of mini speakers thrown in – you get a decent set of useful apps and functionality for your money (even if serious camera-snappers may want to look elsewhere).

With its skinny body and quirky asymmetrical build, it has some distinctive design appeal too. But most importantly for any music-centric mobile, the 5220 XpressMusic is capable of delivering a fine audio performance that belies its price tag.

Network availability: Virgin Mobile, Orange, T-Mobile

Looks: 3.5/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Features: 3/5
Call quality: 4.5/5
Value: 4.5/5