Camera, Battery Life, Decision

Camera

The Nokia Lumia 710 sports a 5 megapixel camera with autofocus and a flash centered in the upper quarter of the phone'southward back. As per Microsoft's hardware requirements for Windows Telephone devices, it likewise has a camera central that lets y'all launch the photographic camera from within whatever app - including when the phone is locked. Every bit I mentioned in the hardware section of the review, the camera central is nothing brusk of terrible, with a mushy feel and lilliputian to no feedback to the user when information technology is pressed. Thankfully, Windows Phone 7.5 now lets users tap the screen to focus and snap a picture.

Image quality from the camera isn't terrible, simply it certainly is not equally skillful every bit seen with other smartphones on the market place. Images taken in good light retain a off-white amount of particular, simply the camera struggles in low light. I likewise had issues with white balance not only in the typical indoor situations, but also outdoors, where most cameras have no problem. Focus speed isn't the fastest, but it's not and then slow every bit to be a major point of business.

The Lumia 710 is capable of recording 720p (1280 x 720 pixel) HD video, and for the most part the video isn't terrible. Control is limited, however, as the camera cannot zoom or refocus while recording. It does manage to adjust exposure while recording, though.

Music

The Lumia 710 benefits from the excellent Zune services that come with Windows Telephone 7.five for its music playback. Fifty-fifty if you don't subscribe to the monthly streaming service, the music player offers an attractive interface with lock screen controls and artist information culled from the Internet. T-Mobile does not include headphones with the 710, just the external speaker is rather loud and does a remarkable job of resisting baloney. The but thing that really holds the Lumia 710 back from being a great music phone is its paltry 6GB of available internal storage that cannot exist expanded.

Battery

The Nokia Lumia 710 comes with a 1,300mAh removable battery that Nokia says is adept for 7 hours of talk fourth dimension or sixteen days of standby betwixt charges. During my tests, which include multiple email and social networking accounts updating at short intervals and regular use of the web browser and messaging, I was able to go the battery to last an average of 15 to 16 hours before information technology was fully exhausted. Users who are less demanding on their devices may be able to get the vaunted 24 hours of battery life out of the Lumia 710, so information technology'due south not a bad performer at all.

Terminal Thoughts

The Lumia 710 won't turn whatever heads or break whatsoever new basis, simply it's not meant to either. It is a solid smartphone that offers a simple interface, quick performance, great call quality, and decent battery life - and at T-Mobile's $49.99 asking cost (or Walmart'southward $0), in that location actually isn't much room for complaint here.

This is Nokia's showtime Windows Phone for the U.S. and information technology'south conspicuously aimed at the entry/value market, with the Lumia 800 on offer standalone unlocked (~$520) and the larger, high-end Lumia 900 coming in March through AT&T offering 4G connectivity.

For a first-fourth dimension smartphone, a buyer could practice much worse than the Lumia 710, that is for sure.

Pros: Swift performance, solid call quality, good battery life.

Cons: Cheap feel, bromidic blueprint, limited app option.