Nokia N95 8GB Disadvantages

About a year ago Nokia released a tech-freak's dream of a handset offering a mouthwatering horde of features in a fairly compact size. The omnipresent N95 spawned a successor and now the question is how much better can it get. Nokia N95 8GB sure has good genes but there still seems to be enough room for improvement. At first glance, Nokia has heeded user complaints with the original and addressed them properly. However, we are yet to see if the enhancements are enough to make the N95 8GB the definitive upgrade from the previous model or is it about laurel-resting mostly.

Key features

• 2.8" 16M color QVGA display
• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
• Massive storage capacity and increased RAM
• Wi-Fi with UPnP technology
• Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
• Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
• Dual-slide design with dedicated multimedia keys
• Standard 3.5mm audio jack
• 3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
• Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 user interface
• TV-out functionality
• 1200 mAh battery

Main disadvantages

• No camera lens protector
• No RDS system for the FM radio
• Below average GPS performance, no 3rd party apps support
• Extra charges for voice assisted navigation
• Cannot edit office documents
• No card slot
• Doesn't charge when connected to USB

Only recently did we notice the N95-1 label on our original Nokia N95 box. It seems that Nokia have had plans for expanding the N95 family even in those early days. Now in order to clear up terms here, we are just making a remark that currently the 8GB version of Nokia N95 that we are reviewing here is called N95-2, while the American version supporting the US 3G bands, is known as N95-3.

Reviewing the N95-2 today makes it seem that our task has become a little bit more complicated. In addition to the usual in-depth review, we will try to highlight how Nokia N95 8GB performs in comparison to the original Nokia N95. The differences in specs seem about enough to justify the extra cost, so performance might just push the users' choice this way or the other. Plus, it is quite difficult to compare Nokia N95 8GB to any existing model on the market. After all, there is no other device to even come close to N95 8GB in terms of the features offered and the size of the package they come in. The HTC TyTN II has similar functionality, with a QWERTY keyboard on top, but it weighs the considerable 62g more. The Sony Ericsson W960 is probably the closest competitor, swapping GPS functionality for touchscreen. However, the UIQ interface of the Symbian OS is not even as nearly enjoyable as the Series 60.

So, back to comparing N95 and N95 8GB, we start with the hardware differences of these two handsets. The Nokia N95 8GB has a larger screen, and in reality the 0.2" do make a difference. The display truly looks larger than you might guess. The QVGA resolution stays the same and is adequate for providing great picture quality, especially when combined with the 16.7 million color support. Other benefits of Nokia N95 8GB over its predecessor is the doubled RAM, which makes the phone faster, even with more applications running in background. The card slot however has been ditched and this might seem perfectly coherent with the 8GB of storage space provided. On the other hand, a card slot can be very useful as a file transfer medium. Though not so frequently used, it's worth having data transfer options. Another advantage of Nokia N95 8GB is the notably better battery life. Short battery life was probably the most criticized feature of the original N95, some heavy users reporting to have been forced to recharge a few times a day. Now, with the 1200 mAh and the demand-paging feature enabled, the Nokia N95 8GB is a real step up. The fact that only the most essential parts of the programs are loaded in the RAM memory with the rest remaining on the mass or phone memory until it is needed reduces the memory-needs of the phone and therefore increase the battery life. However, it is not all milk and honey for the Nokia N95-2. The spoon of tar is the removed camera lens cover. The newly released phone relies only on a slight recess for camera lens protection from dirt and smudgy fingers.

Nokia N86 8MP Disadvantages

You may've thought Nokia lost their touch, you may be out of love with the Nseries but the Nseries are always keeping an eye on you. Their wide-angle, variable aperture eye. On you. Whether the Nokia Nseries are making up the ground lost in the megapixel race or claiming back what they believe is rightfully theirs, they seem to have the right leadership to put them back on the megapixel map.

Armed with one of the most advanced cameras in terms of hardware and features you don't just find on every other handset out there, the N86 8MP is keen to take cue from the N85 and shake the Nseries out of their slumber. Now, in case you forgot, it's still the market leader we're talking about here, and that should probably tell why everybody is so worked up.

So, the question as always is whether strong performance will deliver on that awesome promise. And you've got us to help you make a more informed decision about buying Nokia N86 8MP. Given all the comments above, the N86 8MP is more the kind to encourage impulsive spending but you'll choose wisely not to miss our write-up.

Key features

• 2.6" 16M-color OLED display of QVGA resolution (scratch-resistant surface)
• 8 megapixel autofocus camera with dual-LED flash and AF assist light
• 28mm wide camera lens, variable aperture, mechanical shutter, geotagging, time-lapse, camera lens cover, VGA video recording at 30fps
• Symbian OS 9.3 with S60 3.2 UI
• ARM 11 434 MHz CPU, 128MB RAM
• Quad-band GSM support and 3G with HSDPA 3.6Mbps support
• Wi-Fi with UPnP technology
• Built-in GPS with A-GPS functionality and 3 months of free voice-guided navigation (Ovi Maps)
• Dual slide design with dedicated gaming/audio/gallery keys
• microSD card slot with microSDHC support
• Beefy 8GB internal storage
• Built-in accelerometer for UI auto-rotation
• 3.5mm audio jack doubling as TV out port
• Stereo FM Radio with RDS, FM transmitter
• Standard microUSB port and stereo Bluetooth v2.0
• N-gage support plus you get an N-gage game for free
• Digital compass
• Web browser has full Flash and Java support
• Active kickstand
• Nice audio reproduction quality

Main disadvantages

• Camera feature set is last year's stuff (and even older)
• Image processing isn't very well tuned at this moment
• VGA@30fps video is no longer top of the line
• No xenon flash
• HSDPA only 3.6Mbps, no HSUPA
• Poor display sunlight legibility
• No DivX or XviD support (can be installed, possibly requiring a purchase)
• No smart dialing (can be installed as well, but will probably set you back some cash too)
• No office document editing (you upgrade for a fee, while some Eseries phones get that for free)

The Nokia N86 8MP offers advanced camera technologies, combined with the power and maturity of the Symbian OS and the intuitive S60 3rd edition interface. It doesn't get any better than that on paper, and if you aren't all caught up in touchscreen, you're most likely about to check it out.

But no matter if the glass is half full or half empty to you, we guess you wouldn't want to miss Nokia's first move in the 8 megapixel game. The Nseries proven all-round skill and the innovative camera features have us eager to explore this promising cameraphone. We're most curious of course to find out if they got the image quality right. But first things first - the handset gets unboxed and ready to roll on the next page.

Nokia N82 Disadvantages

Nokia N82 is considered the next N-series bestseller and, guess what, it has already hit the shelves. Following the sweeping success of Nokia N73, it was a pretty sure bet that a worthy successor wouldn't take long to appear. As we see it, Nokia N82 fits that description perfectly and our eagerness to test it for you should come as no surprise. So join us as we explore the world of Nokia N82.

Key features

• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
• Xenon flash and active lens cover
• 2.4" 16M color QVGA display
• 128 MB RAM
• Wi-Fi with UPnP
• Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
• Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
• Convenient standard 3.5 mm audio jack on the top
• 3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
• Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 UI
• TV-out functionality
• Automatic UI rotation
• Stereo speakers
• Large capacity battery

Main disadvantages

• Controversial design and questionable ergonomics
• No RDS for the FM radio
• Below average GPS performance
• Extra charges apply for voice assisted navigation
• No office documents editing application
• Doesn't charge off USB

Nokia N73 is said to be the most successful Nseries handset to date, with monstrous sales figures compared to the rest of the N-series lot. N82 comes to succeed it and become the most affordable of feature-loaded Nokia cameraphones. The Finns quote its price at 450 Euro pretax, which sounds reasonable, given the included features and the 2GB of memory card supplied in the package
The almighty Nokia N95 8GB should probably also feel threatened for the lack of the sweet Xenon flash and the auto UI rotation of its N82 sibling. We still believe though the extra 0.4-inch difference in the display size will also play a major role in choosing between these two devices.

Nokia N82 compared to Nokia N95 8GB

Another potential rival is the Sony Ericsson K850 although being a non-OS device actually puts it in a different market niche. Still, it would be wise of cameraphone lovers to carefully consider both devices before purchasing their next handset. So, to them, and any other interested in the qualities of Nokia N82 for whatever reason, our review takes off after the jump.

Nokia N81 8GB Disadvantages

The Nokia N81 8GB is a truly exciting smartphone combining the power of Symbian 9.2 OS spiced up with the new N-Gage platform. What we have in N81 8GB is entertainment and multimedia unleashed. Not only does its specs sheet impress, but it promises tons of fun. With that said you cannot blame us for being too eager to test it out, can you? So please make yourselves comfortable and join us for this review.

Key features:

• Massive storage space (8GB version)
• Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3.1 UI
• Wi-Fi support
• Unique gaming experience with the new N-Gage platform and dedicated gaming keys above the display
• Brilliant 2.4" 16M-color QVGA display
• 2 megapixel camera
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Touch sensitive Navi wheel
• Dedicated music keys and hardware keypad lock switch
• 3G with video calls
• Nice multimedia menu

Main disadvantages:

• Mediocre camera
• Awkward D-pad
• Hefty weight
• Uncomfortable keypad
• No HSDPA

As you all know, there are two versions of the handset - standard and 8GB. The standard version features a memory card slot, the other has none but offers the exciting 8GB of onboard memory. We are looking at the Nokia N81 8GB but all of it holds true for the standard Nokia N81 as well. Therefore, from now on we are going to simply call it Nokia N81.

Both versions of Nokia N81 have been in the spotlight ever since their official announcement at the Nokia Go Play Event in London back than in August. The air is getting thick with anticipation, as N81 seems to have earned quite a lot of fans. No wonder with a specs sheet like this, though we know better than taking anything for granted. After all, the question is whether performance cashes the checks written by the specs. Besides, we just couldn't wait to play a few games and see if those dedicated keys are worth the fuss.

A word of warning is due as our review is based on a beta version of the handset it's possible that the retail version will have some minor changes. But enough chit-chat, you are welcome on the Nokia N81 tour right after the jump.

Nokia N78 Disadvantages

Love it or leave it won't do here, we're afraid. Love it or hate it is more like it. There's so much to get excited about with Nokia N78. The excellent display and capable camera, topped with Navi wheel, FM transmitter, GPS and Wi-Fi sure round off a nice deal. And yes, the latest FP 2 is a downright treat. If only… Well, you must know already what we think of the package. Anyway, you're welcome to read on. Nokia N78 has a whole review up ahead to unleash its potential and a lifetime to beg for a facelift.

Key features:

• 2.4" 16M-color display of QVGA resolution
• 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash
• S60 UI with Feature Pack 2
• FM transmitter
• Navi wheel
• 3G with HSDPA
• microSD card slot, 2GB card in the retail package
• GPS receiver and 3 months of free voice-guided navigation
• Wi-Fi
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm standard audio jack
• FM radio with RDS
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity (microUSB port)

Main disadvantages:

• Keypad or whatever they call it
• Shaky battery cover
• Not our kind of design
• Call, End and C key placement
• FM transmitter has weak signal

Nokia N78 stacks up just below the top of the multimedia phone market. The megapixel count and screen size are probably the only things to stop it from directly competing with the N95. It is still quite close and even offers a few features that the omnipresent Nseries ruler lacks.

A nice - even if somewhat humble - alternative of Nokia N78 is Samsung i550w. Carrying a very similar feature-pack, it trades the FM transmitter and the Navi wheel for a trackball and a larger 2.6" screen. The best part about the Samsung is that it costs a great deal less than the Nokia N78, retailing at about 260 euro. Now, the FM transmitter and FP 2 are not exactly the first things one would choose to trade, but we can understand those willing to save themselves some money.

Another handset to rival the N78 is Nokia N82. The best cameraphone by Nokia to date is currently available for about 300 euro. The 5 megapixel camera comes with protective cover and Xenon flash, while a built-in accelerometer is also on offer. On the other hand, N82 too lacks the FM transmitter, which might sound as a deal-breaker to some.

Nokia E90 Disadvantages

Size doesn't bother you? Then get ready for the stars and the moon, for the communicator gives it all: internet, GPS, excellent camera and many others.

The Nokia E90 Communicator is the latest addition to the set of contemporary high-performance devices for executives. We had to wait three years since the last Nokia 9500 Communicator appeared. Our patience was duly rewarded at the 2007 3GSM Congress, when Nokia unveiled the ultimate no-compromise mobile communication device. It remains faithful to some of the family traditions, others it forsakes, but the outcome is downright worth it. Nokia E90 has the familiar body construction: a hefty handset, which opens up to reveal a wide landscape display.

Before the E90 appeared, communicators used to be a class on its own in the Nokia portfolio. They had their own UI, which brought forth a number of issues. Above all, every application had to be adapted to the uncommon S80 UI. Quite unaffordable and therefore rare, communicators were ostracized by software developers. That's exactly the flaw, which has been addressed in the new Nokia E90. The phone features a standard Symbian 9.2 and 3rd edition S60, working on a giant display and ensuring far greater compatibility.

In closed position E90 looks like a traditional, though well oversized, Nokia bar. For the lack of a better reference point for size and weight, we compare it against the older Nokia 9500. The newer release has notably reduced size and still packs in near full contemporary functionality. The table below compares the essential features of the last two Communicator generations.

   

Size is the first thing you'll have to put up with about the Nokia E90. And it may as well be the last. What you get is unmatched keypad space and display size.

• Full-fledged keyboard
• Big and high-resolution display
• Integrated GPS
• Built-in maps and basic navigation without charge
• 128 MB memory
• 512 MB microSD in the standard package
• Integrated WLAN, HSDPA
• Quality e-mail client
• Office applications, document creation and editing enabled
• Seamless synchronization with computer (PC Suite)
• MiniUSB universal connector (Mass storage enabled)
• Built-in camera with autofocus
• Stereo FM radio and A2DP-enabled Bluetooth for wireless stereo headphones
• Quality loudspeakers
• VoIP support
• Elegant and presentable appearance
• Quality construction
• UI compatible with other Nokia phones
• System speed

Main disadvantages

• Size and weight
• Third party applications incompatible with the built-in GPS
• Charges for navigation capabilities
• Multitasking still not perfect
• Inadequate battery life
• No small-size charger like in the N95
• No camera lens cover
• Wired headset with a 2.5mm jack, no volume control on the remote
• No USB Mass Storage for the phone memory
• Price

Nokia E75 Disadvantages

If we can think of one reason to take being told "to mind your own business" with a smile it would be the Nokia Eseries. A household name for enterprise users, it's hardly a surprise that each E-series update is greeted with plenty of excitement. The Nokia E75 is no exception, even if it doesn't really put anything new on the table.

The side-sliding QWERTY form factor lands on Symbian turf following a reasonably successful spell on the WinMo side of the yard.

The major novelty of the Nokia E75 is the form factor and we're about to see if this is enough for it to carve a niche out for itself in a crowded market.

There's no denying that if a side-sliding QWERTY is good enough for a teenage-targeted music phone (the Nokia 5730 XpressMusic), it must be more than at home in a full-featured business phone. Welcome to the Nokia E75.

Key features

• 2.4" 16M-color TFT display of QVGA resolution
• Four-row side-slide QWERTY keyboard
• Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G (with HSDPA) support
• Symbian OS with S60 3.2 UI
• 369 MHz ARM11 CPU
• 3.5mm standard audio jack
• microSD card slot, 4GB microSD card prebundled
• 3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with a dedicated shutter key, geotagging and VGA@30fps video recording
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with UPnP technology
• Built-in GPS receiver and Nokia Maps with 3 months of free voice-assisted navigation
• USB and stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) connectivity
• Steel battery cover
• FM radio with RDS
• Remote Wipe functionality
• Carrier-independent VoIP support
• Office document editor
• User-friendly Mode Switch for toggling two homescreen setups
• Smart dialing

Main disadvantages:

• Rather expensive at this point (more than 350 euro)
• Controls around the D-pad are too tiny
• Mediocre camera performance
• Fingerprint-prone cheap-looking front
• Wiggling cheapo camera key
• Limited battery life (in comparison to the E71)

Even if we leave aside the scores of competing business handsets, the Nokia E75 still faces quite stiff competition from within the E-series range itself. It's unreasonably close to the E90 as far as pricing is concerned and is quite uncomfortably cloning most of Nokia E71 functionality. The side-sliding QWERTY keyboard and FP2 are pretty much all the E75 has over the E71.

It's more like an alternative we're talking here rather than a substantial upgrade. Truth be told, we were pretty impressed with the Nokia E71 and if the E75 matches its

So, if the Nokia E75 is sitting on a fence, then so are we until we've taken it down for a test ride and seen what it can do. Let the unboxing begin after the jump.