All About Symbian - Symbian, Nokia and S60 unwrapped.
One by one by one: Nokia N95 vs N96 vs N97
Published by Steve Litchfield at 20:41 UTC, December 17th 2009
Summary:
One would assume that with the Nokia N95, N96 and N97 having sequential product numbers, there would be a common aim for their use in the minds of Nokia's design team, along with a clear technical evolution. To be fair, you can see the former, in their focus on multimedia in conjunction with a decent camera. However, the latter isn't that easy to demonstrate, as I found when comparing the three Nokia flagships (from 2007, 2008 and 2009) head to head - it seems there are plenty of attributes for which the N95 wins and still more for which the N96 wins....
Before I draw any conclusions, let's look at the raw feature/specs list, putting the three devices head to head. Oh, and for each row, where appropriate, I'm going to pick a (admittedly subjective) winner (or joint winner, in some cases), with the table cell shaded in green - will the latest device necessarily light up all the greens?
| Nokia N95 | Nokia N96 | Nokia N97 | |
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| Form factor | Dual slider | Dual slider | Touchscreen/Qwerty hybrid |
| Thickness of main body | 19mm | 16mm | 16mm |
| Interface | S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 | S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 | S60 5th Edition (as of v20 firmware, with Symbian^2 code) |
| Display size and contrast | 2.6" transflective screen, good in sunlight, bright enough indoors | 2.8" transflective screen, slightly brighter and clearer than the N95's in all light conditions | 3.5" transflective with touchscreen layer, visibility not brilliant in sunlight, display not particularly vivid indoors either. Large, but perhaps the ultimate compromise screen? |
| Capacity | 160MB user storage on C:, microSD expansion only | 80MB user storage on C:, mass memory 16GB, plus microSD | 50MB user storage on C:, mass memory 32GB, plus microSD |
| Performance, free RAM | Fairly brisk until the 30MB of free RAM (with v30 firmware) is used up. Ultimately limited. | Average speed, due to underclocked processor, but 50MB free RAM means that you're unlikely to run out of memory when multitasking, at least | Even with v20 firmware, the N97's interface is still not exactly quick. Again, the processor seems underpowered, there's not enough free RAM (around 50MB after booting, depending on configuration) for such a large-screened S60 5th Edition device. Lowish free space on C: is also a factor - it's too easy for the OS to run out of workspace. |
| Graphics, multimedia playback | A TI OMAP 2420 graphics acceleration co-processor means that there's potential for iPhone-quality real time graphics - though almost no software was ever created to use this power. Video playback is generally good, helped by the chip but slightly restricted (e.g. codecs) by the older version of S60 used. | Uses a STn8815 multimedia co-processor, which specialises in decoding video and audio streams, resulting in super video compatibility and performance with better battery efficiency. Audio playback is also of higher quality than any Nokia since the N91. | A single chip design from Freescale, the N97 struggles on the graphics front. Action games have slowish frame rates and real time 3D rendering is all but impossible. Video playback is surprisingly good, considering the limitations, thanks to clever software and some custom electronics. Audio playback is also good. |
| GPS performance | The antenna is good, but placed awkwardly at the base of the number keypad, meaning that the phone has to be slid open for decent GPS reception. | Excellent GPS reception, even when closed. | A poor GPS antenna design. Even with the Care Point-applied 'shielded' version, keeping a GPS lock in open countryside is not always a given. |
| Keypad/keyboard quality | A pretty good keypad, with discrete keys. Spoilt only by amateurish case surround in places. | One of Nokia's poorest numeric keypads, with plastic strips for each 'row' and very poor * and # keys. | A quirky three row qwerty keyboard that's actually a lot more useful than it looks. Only spoilt on the white model by the key backlight making the legends invisible in a wide range of lighting conditions. |
| Stereo speaker volume and quality | Terrific. One of the best sets of phone speakers that Nokia has made. Loud, decent quality. | Average volume and quality at best. | Low volume and harsh, tinny sound are a direct result of not enough space being allowed behind each speaker for acoustic reverberation. |
| Camera quality (incl video) | Excellent stills, excellent pre-focussed VGA video, excellent sound. | Excellent stills, spoilt only by the potential for grease and scratches on the exposed lens. Video now pre-focussed (as at v30 firmware), but spoilt by over-eager automatic gain control on the sound. | Excellent stills, spoilt on early models by an easily scratched lens, leading to light flare and unusable flash. Video spoilt by infinite focus, leading to blurry videos of family and friends. |
| Extra hardware controls and buttons | Top slide multimedia controls, plus a dedicated 'multimedia' key. | Top slide multimedia controls, plus an extra set that light up around the d-pad if media is playing when the slide is closed. Plus a dedicated (and not much liked) 'multimedia' shortcut key. Plus a useful keylock toggle. | The keylock toggle is the only extra control here. |
| Battery, power | 2mm charging, 950mAh battery | 2mm charging, 950mAh battery | microUSB charging, 1500mAh battery |
| Connectivity to desktop | Slow USB (1MB/s) | High speed USB (4 to 6MB/s) | High speed USB |
| Unique extras | BBC iPlayer DRM (download compatibility) | Touchscreen, FM Transmitter, Digital compass, BBC iPlayer DRM (downloads, etc.) | |
| Updatability | Via Nokia Software Update, backup/restore needed | Via NSU or Over The Air, has User Data Preservation | Via NSU or OTA, also has User Data Preservation |
| Dec 2009 pricing (unlocked, SIM free), value for money rating? | Hard to find brand new. Around £230 'refurbished', £150 second hand. | Still available from many places. Around £300 new, £150 second hand, good value for money, either way. | Around £420 new, average value for money. |
Looking at the 'green' panels, it's evident that, on balance, the much-maligned N96 gives you more functionality and usability. Though there are enough green cells in the other columns to show that, yet again, there's not really an overall winner - you'd have to look at the attributes and specifications that are important to you, personally.
The aim of the N9x series, as I understand it, is to be a multimedia flagship, and all three do a pretty good job in this department. All three models, N95, N96, N97, have also had numerous firmware updates, Nokia do seem to have a good track record at supporting their flagships, thankfully. The very fact that even the most informed user would have to think hard before picking an overall winner shows that:
- all three are still viable flagships
- all three still have their weaknesses(!)
- you shouldn't write off older devices - newer is not necessarily better(!)
Comments welcome if you'd like to pick an N9x champion! And don't say "Get a Samsung i8910 HD", please. That's a debate and an article from me for another day....
Steve Litchfield, All About Symbian, 20 Dec 2009
Discussion
AANokia
LOL @ Deluded Steve
Nokia fanboys are blinkered beyond belief. They will give the thumbs up to the biggest flop of the decade, the n96.
Nokia fanboys are blinkered beyond belief. They will give the thumbs up to the biggest flop of the decade, the n96.
Unregistered
I think the C: drive should be a separate category - it just seems wrong to have the N97 be the winner here just because of the 32 GB memory when the C: drive space is crippling the device.
/Lark
/Lark
buster
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Originally Posted by AANokia
LOL @ Deluded Steve
Nokia fanboys are blinkered beyond belief. They will give the thumbs up to the biggest flop of the decade, the n96. |
tech geek
The Mini trumps all 3.
Its faster and more responsive than the n97, is more stable, has 256 on its C: drive, has the camera of the N95, has the battery of the n95-8gb, is built like a tank, has no slider issues of the sliders - and is more natural to hold than all 3.
Its faster and more responsive than the n97, is more stable, has 256 on its C: drive, has the camera of the N95, has the battery of the n95-8gb, is built like a tank, has no slider issues of the sliders - and is more natural to hold than all 3.
widehead
This article shows us something truly amazing. Nokia "flagship" devices are appalling. The bug-ridden, memory-lacking N95 was made obsolete by the N95 8GB within months of launch. The N96 was a commercial flop and a technological disappointment. And the N97.... well, need we say anything about that?
I'm struggling to maintain my loyalty to Nokia since parting with hundreds and hundreds of pounds for sub-standard hardware that is packing unfinished firmware.
Nokia need to stop releasing so many damn handsets and concentrate on making a few finished ones.
I'm struggling to maintain my loyalty to Nokia since parting with hundreds and hundreds of pounds for sub-standard hardware that is packing unfinished firmware.
Nokia need to stop releasing so many damn handsets and concentrate on making a few finished ones.
widehead
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Originally Posted by tech geek
The Mini trumps all 3.
Its faster and more responsive than the n97, is more stable, has 256 on its C: drive, has the camera of the N95, has the battery of the n95-8gb, is built like a tank, has no slider issues of the sliders - and is more natural to hold than all 3. |
2) Stable? Barely.
3) The camera of the N95? Nowhere near.
4) Battery life? Try using it for more than texting. Requires at least one charge per day for a heavy user.
5) Built like a very feminine and easily scratchable tank
6) No slider issues is about the only positive about it.
7) Still too big and requires two hands to actually use. I guess if all you want to do is hold it then that explains why you think it's so good.
sjgore
Well I love my N96, especially since the v30 firmware came out.
Nick17
I still think the N96 is the best phone up till today.
A good phone is only as good as the services it can handle.
Throw in great DVB-H and you have the N95 you always wanted.
Touch is not an extra but only a different way to handle your phone.
I am still guessing that when DVB-H will catch on (in 2010 in Germany) that the N96 will get a revival.
Since the v20-firmware the N96 is the better N95.
A good phone is only as good as the services it can handle.
Throw in great DVB-H and you have the N95 you always wanted.
Touch is not an extra but only a different way to handle your phone.
I am still guessing that when DVB-H will catch on (in 2010 in Germany) that the N96 will get a revival.
Since the v20-firmware the N96 is the better N95.
Unregistered
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Originally Posted by widehead
1) Faster, yes. But that's like saying I can run faster than Steven Hawking
2) Stable? Barely. 3) The camera of the N95? Nowhere near. 4) Battery life? Try using it for more than texting. Requires at least one charge per day for a heavy user. 5) Built like a very feminine and easily scratchable tank 6) No slider issues is about the only positive about it. 7) Still too big and requires two hands to actually use. I guess if all you want to do is hold it then that explains why you think it's so good. |
2. Mine is stable. Had no problems.
3. The N95 camera was poor, the N97 mini camera is poor. It's a phone camera; phone cameras are, without exception, poor. It's better than the N95 camera though.
4. Take yours back. My battery is 48 hours between charges. Very heavy use.
5. All phones are easily scratchable. Mini feels very solid though.
6. Too early to see if qwerty slider problems will appear.
7. Much better size than ANY other phone with similar capabilities. Mine does not require two hands for anything but qwerty operation (which is not necessary).
Unregistered
What about the N95-8gb??? Throw that into the mix and i think the scales tip towards it from the N96 (and for sure from the standard N95 (though the fixed 8GB is still a thorn in my side...but thats a problem for another topic for another day...grrrr)) ...its the best in my opinion and still a good option even 2yrs after its release!
widehead
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Originally Posted by Unregistered
7. Much better size than ANY other phone with similar capabilities. Mine does not require two hands for anything but qwerty operation (which is not necessary).
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If anyone wants to buy an N97 mini or see me smash it to bits on Youtube - let me know.
Unregistered
N97 flagship ? I owned one and I sold it instantly. Everything was wrong: the bad interface, poor GPS, camera get scratched after 10-th opening (Yes, I've counted them !), low speed.
In my opinion Nokia should dump the S60 5th and do what they do best: phones with hardware buttons , with extraordinary technical specifications like it was N95 at his time.
They will never equal, in interface terms, the Iphone, Android and even Windows mobile.
I am expecting a right sequel to my faithful E90.
In my opinion Nokia should dump the S60 5th and do what they do best: phones with hardware buttons , with extraordinary technical specifications like it was N95 at his time.
They will never equal, in interface terms, the Iphone, Android and even Windows mobile.
I am expecting a right sequel to my faithful E90.
Niktrek
I got a Blackberry Bold 9700 and am loving it. It is superior to any E-series device except in one area, 3G speed. A small sacrifice to for a superior device. I know the trend is for the industry to save money and make devices with cheaper materials. Nokia is definitely not bucking the trend but they need to get current. E72 has a QVGA display, WTF thats is all I have to say.
rvirga
Well, after this I think we can safely amend Disraeli's rule: "there are four types of lies: lies, damn lies, statistics, and Litchfield's tables".
I've seen you using a table to trash the excellent HTC Pro 2, then do it again with the Hero. And let's not even talk about your smartphone comparison table. But this time you've really outdone yourself. To make an fetid turd like the N96 look better than both N95 and N97 takes special skills. Well done, sir! :D
I've seen you using a table to trash the excellent HTC Pro 2, then do it again with the Hero. And let's not even talk about your smartphone comparison table. But this time you've really outdone yourself. To make an fetid turd like the N96 look better than both N95 and N97 takes special skills. Well done, sir! :D
Unregistered
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Originally Posted by widehead
I have to take issue with this point in particular (some of your points almost don't deserve comment - like the N95 camera comparison)
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Originally Posted by widehead
because I'd just love to see how you write texts, browse the web or do anything worthwhile with one hand on the N97 mini.
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Originally Posted by widehead
More importantly the N86 8MP not only has better capabilities but is a much better size, stronger and easier on the eye. I have the N97 mini, N86 and N95 8GB in front of me right now. In terms of useability the N97 mini comes in a poor 3rd place.
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by widehead
If anyone wants to buy an N97 mini or see me smash it to bits on Youtube - let me know.
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Unregistered
Quote:
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Originally Posted by rvirga
Well, after this I think we can safely amend Disraeli's rule: "there are four types of lies: lies, damn lies, statistics, and Litchfield's tables".
I've seen you using a table to trash the excellent HTC Pro 2, then do it again with the Hero. And let's not even talk about your smartphone comparison table. But this time you've really outdone yourself. To make an fetid turd like the N96 look better than both N95 and N97 takes special skills. Well done, sir! :D |
Unregistered
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Originally Posted by AANokia
LOL @ Deluded Steve
Nokia fanboys are blinkered beyond belief. They will give the thumbs up to the biggest flop of the decade, the n96. |
No?
Thought not.
LOL @ deluded you. tw@t.
buxz777
i personally think the n96 is a great phone and the only thing letting it down is the battery
i fitted a 1200mah to mine and it was my phone of choice for over a year i tryed others , n82 , 5800 , n97 , n97mini , n86
i allways went back to the n96 as with v30 and a 1200mah battery it is one of the most stable feature packed all round devices on the market
the gps works , memory is great , screen is lovely , camera good , video codecs great
the only thing to take me away from the n96 was the omnia hd i8910 but as steve said thats a different topic so best left there
n96 is underated in my eyes
i fitted a 1200mah to mine and it was my phone of choice for over a year i tryed others , n82 , 5800 , n97 , n97mini , n86
i allways went back to the n96 as with v30 and a 1200mah battery it is one of the most stable feature packed all round devices on the market
the gps works , memory is great , screen is lovely , camera good , video codecs great
the only thing to take me away from the n96 was the omnia hd i8910 but as steve said thats a different topic so best left there
n96 is underated in my eyes
Unregistered
Apart from GPS issues. how about radio antenna of the phones ?
Also, I would like to know how much it takes for all these phone to have a stable firmware? which one is faster.
Also, I would like to know how much it takes for all these phone to have a stable firmware? which one is faster.
xXxJackxXx
First of all let me say that I am a big fan of AAS/PhoneShow/PSC! That said it doesn't mean I agree with you guys ALL THE TIME but for the most part I find your website/podcasts very informative because I am pretty much THE target audience... Symbian user ever since the first Nokia smartphone, a smartphone freak/poweruser/whatever, and of course a Symbian user.
Anyway, I digress... back to my point:
There is NO SUCH THING as a perfect phone(or anything for that matter), it is all subjective. For example I am now using a Nokia N95 8GB, and for me it is the second best choice(I'm in the market for a N97 mini).
The only reason why I do not own the N96 is because I had just bought the N95 8gb when the N96 went on market and the difference between them did not justify the price. For the things I use my phone the N95 8GB is the best choice I can make.
The reason for this post is that I do not get when some people are so strong to dismiss a Nokia... or an iPhone, or an Android powered smartphone. I agree, the iPhone has a SPLENDID UI but since there is no good turn by turn navigation solution for my country(Romania) it's a no go for me.... that is just one example, the point being that we don't ALL look for the same thing in a phone and that well... EACH TO HIS OWN!
So chill, please!
PS: it's 3am, I just got home, and I'm a bit drunk, I hope I made some sense in what I posted.
Cheers and keep up the good work guys!
Anyway, I digress... back to my point:
There is NO SUCH THING as a perfect phone(or anything for that matter), it is all subjective. For example I am now using a Nokia N95 8GB, and for me it is the second best choice(I'm in the market for a N97 mini).
The only reason why I do not own the N96 is because I had just bought the N95 8gb when the N96 went on market and the difference between them did not justify the price. For the things I use my phone the N95 8GB is the best choice I can make.
The reason for this post is that I do not get when some people are so strong to dismiss a Nokia... or an iPhone, or an Android powered smartphone. I agree, the iPhone has a SPLENDID UI but since there is no good turn by turn navigation solution for my country(Romania) it's a no go for me.... that is just one example, the point being that we don't ALL look for the same thing in a phone and that well... EACH TO HIS OWN!
So chill, please!
PS: it's 3am, I just got home, and I'm a bit drunk, I hope I made some sense in what I posted.
Cheers and keep up the good work guys!
brrip
get an i8910!
but seriously, the n96 is a mistake even nokia should be trying to forget. i laugh out loud everytime i see it selling for more than the n97 in singapore. there's no doubt that the n95 was the most revolutionary phone out of the three, considering the time they were released. the n97's interface is clearly unfinished, and the lack of space on C: is just plain bad.
i went to the store wanting to buy an n97 over the summer, and found out that nokia' stopped shipping the version with navigation - and this was barely after i got over the fact that n97 has a resistive screen (my preference, not necessarily better) poor battery life, a slow processor and barely any space on C:
if there's a flagship for nokia now, i'd still say it's the n95, or the n86. s60v5 needs a lot of sprucing up before it can be a stable flagship.
oh and let's not forget the n900. definitely flagship material once it gets the right updates. (still no capacitive screen!!) if only they were even planning to launch it in singapore :(
but seriously, the n96 is a mistake even nokia should be trying to forget. i laugh out loud everytime i see it selling for more than the n97 in singapore. there's no doubt that the n95 was the most revolutionary phone out of the three, considering the time they were released. the n97's interface is clearly unfinished, and the lack of space on C: is just plain bad.
i went to the store wanting to buy an n97 over the summer, and found out that nokia' stopped shipping the version with navigation - and this was barely after i got over the fact that n97 has a resistive screen (my preference, not necessarily better) poor battery life, a slow processor and barely any space on C:
if there's a flagship for nokia now, i'd still say it's the n95, or the n86. s60v5 needs a lot of sprucing up before it can be a stable flagship.
oh and let's not forget the n900. definitely flagship material once it gets the right updates. (still no capacitive screen!!) if only they were even planning to launch it in singapore :(
Unregistered
As somebody mentioned before, there is not a perfect device. As per the comparison of the three phones mentioned in this article, I think the N95 8gb should have been included and it "borrows" the strongest points of the original N95 and the N96.
Asis
Asis
chenliangchen
Steve...
Please add the N93--- flagship of 2006....
And it's form factor---is perfect. (gaming, filming, control of music etc.)
Although Nokia trushed the form factor...But it was still a wonder, on 2006. Besides the form factor, the optical zoom, stero sound camcording are still unique amongst nokia phones...
Also it has graphic chip which N96&N97 hasn't.
Please add the N93--- flagship of 2006....
And it's form factor---is perfect. (gaming, filming, control of music etc.)
Although Nokia trushed the form factor...But it was still a wonder, on 2006. Besides the form factor, the optical zoom, stero sound camcording are still unique amongst nokia phones...
Also it has graphic chip which N96&N97 hasn't.
widehead
xXxJackxXx..... Don't buy the N97 mini. Seriously. After the joy of being an N95 8GB owner it will break your heart to waste so much money on that garbage.
tech geek
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Originally Posted by widehead
1) Faster, yes. But that's like saying I can run faster than Steven Hawking
2) Stable? Barely. 3) The camera of the N95? Nowhere near. 4) Battery life? Try using it for more than texting. Requires at least one charge per day for a heavy user. |
2. Yes, it is. Have tried more than 10 apps open on it, it doesn't hang or slow down like the n97. So yeah, it IS more stable.
3. Well, they have both 5mp CZ cameras dont they? The mini's are a bit better than the n95 - at least it has 2 LED's and not one.
4. Last 1.5 days on me, heavy use. Unlike my previous n95 which barely last a day.
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5) Built like a very feminine and easily scratchable tank 6) No slider issues is about the only positive about it. 7) Still too big and requires two hands to actually use. I guess if all you want to do is hold it then that explains why you think it's so good. |
7. You must have small(er) hands? I dont find it using and holding it with one hand - a problem. Only time I use both hands is when typing long text on that qwerty. And being more widely spaced - the qwerty of the mini is actually BETTER than in the n97.
I still stick to my point. The mini trumps all 3. The n95 was good but is old now. The n96 is more or less - an "updated" n95 only, and kept that small batt. The n97, was buggy at the start, and even with v20 - tends to be still slow, and is "disabled" by having lots of low memory errors. The mini is, and should be, the flagship symbian for today. It's even better than the E72 (with its build issues and erratic optical dpad).
