Nokia N96

Nokia N96 Review

Possibly the most hotly anticipated new mobile phone of the year, the Nokia N96 promises to be a great improvement over its impressive predecessor, the N95. But does it live up to those expectations?
To look at, the Nokia N96 is a very beautiful item, well designed and thought out and with all of the features expected of a top line mobile phone in today’s market. It feels good, too, with a bit of weight – although not too much – to it and a presence that many lesser imitators miss out on.
For a flagship model, the N96 goes the whole hog – 16GB memory, 5 megapixel camera, 3G and video, GPS navigation, and anything else that you would expect of a top of the range mobile.
Much has been written of the operating system and, notably, how it is not completely reliable, but let’s have a look at how the N96 shapes up in what is a very competitive market.
Improvement over predecessor
The Nokia N96 takes everything that was good about the N95 and sets about improving on it and, in most areas, it succeeds. Some have commented on the slightly larger size of the newer model, but I have to say I found it lovely to handle, and neither too big or heavy.
The user system has been upgraded, the memory has been increased, and the general operational abilities enhanced.
One interesting feature that takes the N96 beyond the realm of rivals is the inclusion of live television capability. In the UK, however, this is stunted somewhat as although the N96 incorporates a tuner system that is designed to allow you to watch live TV on your phone, the system is not open to broadcast, so no live pictures can be received. This is a pity as from the iPlayer content available, which allows the streaming of BBC transmissions to the handset, the pictures and sound are both excellent.
Great range of features
Further features include the excellent camera and video – the camera itself regarded as among the very best available in a mobile – and a second video camera that is utilised for video calls. Wi-Fi connection is excellent, and the screen is a brilliant device measuring 2.8 inches and offering a 16 million colour display- again, among the best on the market today.
Downloading is at ultra high speeds, as is expected from a phone at this level, and the GPS system is a very useful device that is much improved over earlier versions, and offers free downloads of a wide variety of maps.
Given the demand for music systems on modern mobiles, it comes as no surprise that the Nokia N96 has a very impressive system indeed. Supporting practically all modern formats, and with an integrated and easy to use hands free system, the audio capability of the N96 is utilised very well indeed, and extends to offering Bluetooth 2.0, USB 2.0, a Wireless LAN capability and even a 3,5mm headphone output.
Like a number of phones that feature large screens and multiple capabilities, the N96 suffers from a disappointing battery life. This is something that the manufacturers need to be looking at in great detail as mobile phones become more capable and powerful devices, and while there are phones on the market with lesser battery life capabilities than the N96, it has to be said it is a concern as recharging will be required on a very regular basis.
In summary, then, is the Nokia N96 the great leap forward that the hype, and extended wait, led us to expect?
In truth, no – the N96 is a truly excellent mobile with a range of fantastic features, and is a vast improvement on the prior N95 in terms of usability and memory capability, but there are a number of other phones on the market that should also be considered if you are looking to buy a Nokia N96.
An excellent phone, then, but not the world beater that we had been expecting, and a note to all mobile manufacturers – get a handle on the battery life problem