Nokia Asha 502 is one of the four latest Asha devices from the Finnish giant and the successor of the benchmark Asha 501 that provided a base for new Asha devices. Asha 502 can be called a sort of natural progression that builds up on the features on the 501 by incorporating a few advancements keeping in line with requirements of today.
Asha 502 is a dual-SIM smartphone that packs 3-inch TFT touch display, 64MB RAM, 5-megapixel rear camera, microSD card slot, 1010mAh battery, Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, FM Radio, and Nokia Asha software platform 1.1 among other things. You might notice that the specifications are definitely not top of the line and one should expect that either from a phone that costs as little as Rs. 5,800 (£60).
Screen
If you are expecting a great deal from the 3-inch TFT touch display, we recommend that you leave them on the side. The screen is only good for day to day functions – accept calls, low-medium browsing, chatting, messaging and that’s about it. The screen won’t give you HD pictures with its 240 x 320p resolution.
Design & Looks
If you already have a Asha 501 or have seen one, you won’t be able to tell the difference between that and Asha 502 – they are exactly the same from a distance. However, Asha 502 does pack a transparent layer of plastic giving the phone a laminated look. The phone has a single back button at the bottom of the screen and volume and power keys on the left. Nokia continues its bright designs in Asha 502 you would find in a Lumia handset. One thing that is a little annoying is the manner in which the second SIM fits. You will have to work a little to get the back cover out before you can fit one in and that’s a little cumbersome if not difficult.
Software
Asha software platform 1.1 that powers the Asha 502 hasn’t changed much since its launch in Asha 501. The phone comes with a number of pre-loaded apps and there is store front as well where you can download additional apps.
Performance
Don’t expect the phone to be packing a fast pacing processor as the Asha 502 is a low-outlay handset that is meant for the budget-savvy customer base. Don’t compare it with a smartphone either – you will be disappointed. But if you are accustomed to use a feature phone and want to upgrade yourself, Asha 502 is definitely a winner. The phone let you connect to the web and allows you to do almost everything that a smartphone does – browse, chat, emails, social networking, etc. It seems that Nokia has done its homework as there is no lag when it comes to apps performance – load times and execution – and overall performance is just stable and smooth.
Camera
5-megapixel is a descent enough camera for a phone of this size; however, it’s a fixed focus camera and so you will be required to move yourself around a little before you get a clean shot. The flash does help a little in low-light conditions, but again it is not that great.
Battery
Nokia has blessed the Asha 502 with a battery that seems to be winner. Full three days usage without charge is something that will attract not only students, but also the elderly who can’t be bothered to charge their phones every now and then.
Verdict
If you are a smartphone-virgin and don’t have the money to shell out on a feature-rich smartphone from one of the big guns like Samsung, Sony or even Nokia itself, Asha 502 is a just right smack in the middle phone that gives you the functionalities of a smartphone at a feature-phone price.
