Nokia 5530 XpressMusic unveiled – affordable touchscreen smartphone

Aside from the E72, Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has also unveiled a new member to its music device range – Nokia 5530 XpressMusic. We’ve heard rumors something like this is coming, but the Finnish giant still caught us by surprise.

Think of the 5530 XM as an entry-level Symbian S60 5th edition device. It lacks 3G radio, but comes with WiFi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity support — something in lines of the original iPhone. On the other hand, it seems better looking than its older brother – Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, and the same could be told for the built quality. Unlike the Tube which is made from plastic, the 5530 XM comes with the solid stainless steel frame finish, making the device feel better in hand — I guess at least, since I haven’t been able to hold it in my hand.

Rest of the specs — aside from WiFi and Bluetooth — include GSM/EDGE connectivity, 2.9-inch touchscreen (I guess nHD), and microSD expansion slot (the 5530 XM will come with 4GB card in box). The device seem tailored for use by youth, hence the homescreen features top 20 contacts, shortcuts to popular social networks like MySpace and Facebook, YouTube client, as well as an array of Ovi services that allow easy sharing of photos and videos.

The Nokia 5530 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in Q3 2009 at an estimated retail price of EUR 199 EUR before taxes and subsidies, when interested users will be able to grab it in “five vivid colors.” Finally it’s worth adding that Nokia is collaborating with Boingo and will offer three months of free Internet access through Boingo’s numerous hotspots in select markets.