Is this 5230 a unbranded phone?

**lonegreywolf20** · 01-30-2012, 11:33 AM

I bricked my T-Mobile Nokia Nuron trying to flash it with the latest firmware for it. I have tried and tried to flash it back to the original firmware, but have had no success. I really liked the Anna version.

So I am looking to buy it again, but this time a not branded by T-Mobile Nokia 5230.

The phone on Amazon is here:

http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-5230-Qua...7943932&sr=8-1

Do you know if Anna is in the new firmware for the 5230 or what the actual changes are from a T-mobile branded phone?

**whacker** · 01-30-2012, 08:29 PM

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but I do know, based on the ad copy at that link, that this version of the phone won't get you on T-Mobile's 3G service, if that's a concern for you.

Also (and I think you'll get this a lot), this is a pretty steep price to pay for this level of device. If you're a Nokia fan (and I can appreciate where you're coming from), I'd get an Astound or something like that for that kind of money. I'm also pretty sure the newest versions of Symbian won't load (aren't intended to, more likely) on devices like the 5230. More likely on the Astound (again assuming you want T-Mo 3G action).

While not being fully aware of what unlocked devices are designed to do, some models might likely provide T-Mobile 3G compatibility and others might not. Usually with these lower line phones it's a no-go. The higher priced models maybe. If I'm not mistaken I believe this is covered in the T-Mobile Wiki somewhere.

BTW, there is a thread somewhere on HoFo that details how to unbrand (or debrand) your Nokia by using some level of generic firmware, not another U.S. or North American release. If you're good at following detailed instructions you might be able to revive your phone, but it won't be some version of Anna or Belle (unless I'm really missing out on something).

**lonegreywolf20** · 01-30-2012, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by whacker

I don't know the answers to all your questions, but I do know, based on the ad copy at that link, that this version of the phone won't get you on T-Mobile's 3G service, if that's a concern for you.

Also (and I think you'll get this a lot), this is a pretty steep price to pay for this level of device. If you're a Nokia fan (and I can appreciate where you're coming from), I'd get an Astound or something like that for that kind of money. I'm also pretty sure the newest versions of Symbian won't load (aren't intended to, more likely) on devices like the 5230. More likely on the Astound (again assuming you want T-Mo 3G action).

While not being fully aware of what unlocked devices are designed to do, some models might likely provide T-Mobile 3G compatibility and others might not. Usually with these lower line phones it's a no-go. The higher priced models maybe. If I'm not mistaken I believe this is covered in the T-Mobile Wiki somewhere.

BTW, there is a thread somewhere on HoFo that details how to unbrand (or debrand) your Nokia by using some level of generic firmware, not another U.S. or North American release. If you're good at following detailed instructions you might be able to revive your phone, but it won't be some version of Anna or Belle (unless I'm really missing out on something).

Thank you for your response.

I have tried several different firmwares, both generic and official and none worked. I'm not sure what I did to my phone, but whatever it was, I did it good.

I'm not looking for an Astound as I am not looking for net access at this time and unfortunately in order to get the Astound at a decent price, I would have to go with a two year contract and be forced to get a data package.

The main draw back to the 5230 is the GPS function of the phone. I know that many Nokia phones have that function currently, but again, all the ones that I have seen require a data package and to get it at a decent price will require a two year contract.

My wife is pretty miffed at me currently because I ruined my phone and now I am having to use her old Sidekick and I'm not very happy with her Sidekick either.

My contract ends in June and I was hoping to have a phone well before then and again without having to get a data package.

**below20** · 02-01-2012, 02:26 PM

I cannot believe someone is willing to pay $160 for a Nuron. The phone isn't bad but it was a $50 phone during clearance. Buy yourself something better. Just a couple weeks ago someone mentioned Astound is available for $100 on postpaid account as an upgrade without 2 year contract. It was $122 shipped for me and I passed.

**terre08** · 02-01-2012, 05:10 PM

Originally Posted by below20

I cannot believe someone is willing to pay $160 for a Nuron. The phone isn't bad but it was a $50 phone during clearance. Buy yourself something better. Just a couple weeks ago someone mentioned Astound is available for $100 on postpaid account as an upgrade without 2 year contract. It was $122 shipped for me and I passed.

Or add 100 and get an unlocked Nokia 700 with Belle.

**lonegreywolf20** · 02-01-2012, 09:45 PM

Originally Posted by below20

I cannot believe someone is willing to pay $160 for a Nuron. The phone isn't bad but it was a $50 phone during clearance. Buy yourself something better. Just a couple weeks ago someone mentioned Astound is available for $100 on postpaid account as an upgrade without 2 year contract. It was $122 shipped for me and I passed.

I can not upgrade till June. That is when my two year contract is up. I was looking for something at this point in time and if it lasted me beyond when my contract expired, all the better.