The Nokia N97 is Nokia's 2009 summer flagship. It combines the key trends of touchscreen and QWERTY in an all rounder device. It has an intrgarted GPS (with compass), 5 megapixel camera and 32 GB of internal memory. It includes the key Ovi services and a customisable, widget based, interactive homescreen.
D-pad Although the D-pad looks a little flat in this picture it works just fine. Having a D-pad makes it very easy to quickly move around the UI.
QWERTY keyboard The flatness of the keyboard is dictated, at least in part, by the form factor. Each key is a separate element and there's good spacing, but some may find them a little small.
Keyboard preferences are a subjective area. The truth is you tend to get used to whatever you are using and preferences are dictated by past experiences. The N97 is no slouch, but doesn't really set any new standards, and it's 3 line design means an awkward space bar placement.
Power and Nokia AV 3.5mm port The Nokia AV 3.5 mm port can be used to plug in a TV-Out cable (not included in our box), a headset (a two part one - headphones and remote control - is included in the box) or a standard 3.5 mm headset.
Camera with dual LED flash
5 megapixel camera The camera is protected by a sliding lens cover. When you open this the Camera application is automatically started.
N97 ribbon cable There's a ribbon cable connecting the bottom half of the N97 to the screen. This, along with hinge itself, is a potential failure point, but Nokia have an excellent track record in this department and have done a lot of stress testing. The N97 is the best ever Nseries device in terms of build quality and should stand up easily to every day usage.
N97 with browser in full screen mode
N97 showing the application screen
AAS in the N97's browser
N97 in hand showing the homescreen
N97 versus E75
5 megapixel camera modules
N97 versus N95 Classic
Charger adapter This adapter switches a standard Nokia charger (2mm) into a microUSB charger as used by the N97. It's a nice touch as it gives extra life to your older Nokia chargers.
Description on the box
Promting services There's an in box leaflet promoting some of Nokia services. It's also noticeable that the Ovi brand is being heavily pushed (e.g. the DVD is labeled Ovi Suite).
We recycle
N97 stylus There's an in box stylus (well that's what its meant to be). Looks like it is going to very easy to lose if you ask me!
N97 from the right On the right hand side of the device are the volume controls and camera capture key. The quality of the N97 materials shows here - the buttons have a much better tactile feel than the plastic keys typical of other devices.
What's in the N97 The descriptive text on the hinge flap is only visible when you open the device.
N97 with angled screen
N97 and box contents The exact content of the box will vary from market to market.
N97 open
N97 with battery in plce
SIM card caddy The SIM card is held in a 'caddy' near the camera module. It makes it very easy to swap SIM cards back and froth
N97 in the hand From the front the N97 looks very minimalist.
USB port and screen-lock slider On the left hand side of the device there's the microUSB port (also used for charging) and the screen-lock slider.
1500 mAh battery The N97 uses the BP-4L battery, which is also found in the Nokia E61, E63, E71, E52, E55, E90, N800 and N810.
