N97, N86, i8510, N82
I used these four device to do a camera comparison test. I'll publish the camera comparison on All About Symbian shortly.
Outside
If you're taking pictures in bright light it can be difficult to see the screen. Though the N86 isn't really any worse than any other device in this respect.
Lit up keypad
The backlighting on the keypad is much more consistent across the keypad. Again a small touch that is indicative of the overall quality of the device.
Panorama mode in the camera
N86 in camera mode
In the sun
If you rotate the screen into shadow the screen is much easier to see. It's an improvement over earlier devices.
N85, N86, N95 8GB, N96
Its clear that the N85 and N86 have a shared ancestry. There's a good reason early prototypes were labeled N85 8MP!
N85, N86, N95 8GB, N96 closed
N85, N86, N95 8GB, N96 top slide
N96, N95 8GB, N86 and N86
The bulk of the N95 8GB compared to ther later devices is evident here.
Screen comparison
Although it not immediately apparent from the picture I'd rate the N86 screen as marginally better than the N85. They're both, of course, a big step up from the backlit LCD screens used in earlier devices.
Evolution of a form factor
Evolution of a form factor
N97 screen versus N86 screen
Bigger screen on the N97, but not as bright as the AMOLED screen on the N86.
Zoomed in picture comparison
N86 on it side.
N86 stand on its own
Great to see the N86 can stand on its own. Ideal for taking self portraits when the cameraman has gone AWOL..
N86 from the left
Camera capture button and volume controls.
N86 from the top
microUSB port (for charging and PC connectivity), 3.5mm AV plug (headset, TV Out) and power button.
Tiime screensaver
Top slide functionality
Thanks to the illustrative icons It's now much clearer what the top slide keys too.
Screensaver with top slide
Top slide
The top slide keys are the best yet on a Nokia double slider. Because they are separate keys it much easier to use them 'blind' (e.g. when the phone is in your pocket)
N86 8MP camera
LED flash 3rd generation
N86 key pad - individual keys
I expect many people will prefer this over the flat keyboards of the N86 and N95, although it didn't make a great deal of difference to me (easier to pick up and sue straight away though).
N86 8MP and front facing VGA camera
Home key detail
The Home key (aka the S60 key) is metallic and textured - this means it doesn't get slippery and is easy to find without looking at the control cluster. It's another great little design feature (individually these are small, but they add up to make a big impact).
N86 keyboard detail
The keypad keys have a decent amount of spacing and travel. There's a definite click for each key.
N86 perspective
Yellow highlight on the slide
The camera slide has a yellow highlight (previously seen on the N79). You might also notice the mechanical shutter on the camera.
Stand close up
It looks a bit flimsy in this picture, but when you sit it on a flat surface it is rock steady.
N86 stand
The stand is 'hidden' around the camera. It takes a bit of effort to get it out (fingernails help), but I would judge this a good thing, as it should avoid it flapping about uninvited.
Stand micro-switch
The stand has a small micro-switch (the white blob on the left hand side). This means the phone knows when the phone has been open and closed. As a result there's a setting which less you specify what application should be started when you open the stand.
Stand
The stand on the N96 was one of my favourite features so it's nice to see it make a reappearance on the N86. Although the N86 doesn't have the same video focus as the N96 it is a capable media playback device.
Glass front
The N86 front is glass which should have better scraych resistance than the plastics used in other Nseries devices.
N86 closed in landscape mode
The accelerometer seems to be set just about right for automatic screen rotation.
Screensaver
N86 closed
The design of the N86 is, in my opinion, very easy on the eye. Its less techie looking that the N95, and has a better sense of style, which may endear to double slide form factor to new users.
microSD card slot
You have to take the back of the N86 in order to access the microSD card slot, but it is hot swappable and supports card up to 16 GB in size.
BL-5K battery
The battery capacity is 1200 mAh (same as N85), which should give decent battery life. It's a definite step up from the N95 and N96. This should last through a typical day of usage.
Accessible SIM card slot
One of the better SIM card positioning slots. No 5800 horror here, and no fiddly caddy (N97 style) either.
N86 back cover
The back cover includes pins connecting to an aerial.
Stereo speakers
The stereo speakers are recessed into the device, but manage to produce a reasonable sound given the physical limitations.
AMOLED screen comparison
Comparing screens: N95 8GB, N86 8MP, N97 and N85.
The picture doesn't really do the comparison justice. The N85 and N86 AMOLED screen are significantly better - especially in the contrast ratio, but also in the vibrancy of the screen.
Homescreen differences
The homescreen is a microcosm of the differences between the two devices. The N86 has a more traditional phone centric approach to convergence, where as the N97 draws at least some inspiration from the laptop (and is arguably more of a generic media tool).
Different approaches to dialing
I still find it easier to use physical keys when dialing.
Standing on their own
The N97 is slightly thinner than the N86.
N86 versus N97
The choice is touch versus non-touch (the QWERTY keyboard comes into it too), but these two phones are the current flagships for the Nseries line.
N86 in the hand
The N86 feel relatively small. Such perceptions are rather subjective, but can be critical in an assessment of the device. For example it feels more pocketable than the N95 and N96, more so than the actual size difference might suggest.
N86 in the hand
The N86 is a heavy handset, but it does give a feeling of quality and heft that is missing from some of the other recent Nseries devices (e.g. N79). It really more about perception than anything else, but if you like your phones to weigh as little as possible then you may want to avoid the N86.
I8510 versus N86
The N86 is noticeable shorter than the I8510
I8510 versus N86 closed slider
8MP face off
The Samsung I8510 and the N86 8MP both have 8 MP camera, but the megapixel count really misses the point.
Nseries 2009 design language
The N97 and N86 share the 2009 Nseries design language. Similar materials, styling and buttons.
N86 verus the N97
Two different approaches in form factor and input.
Comes with Services
The N86 comes with six months of drive navigation and Ovi Maps 3.0 is installed by default. This may vary by market.
No TV-out cable
There's no TV-out cable in the N86's box.
Usual bits
The usual two part headset is present, along with a USB cable, charger, DVD and manual.
Free N-Gage game
There's around 15 N-Gage games pre-installed and one free license code (any game) is included.
Standard Nseries box
The reduced packaging size, which is more environmentally friendly, is becoming standard. Compared to the bigger boxes of the N78 and N96.
Nokia N86 Box Back
It's always interesting to see what Nokia promotes on the back of the box. In this case its the 8MP camera (no surprise), the premium design, the AMOLED screen, Ovi services, Gps and N-Gage
