Review: Nokia N95 – feature packed multimedia mobile
The propaganda
Nokia is touting the N95 as a multimedia computer, rather than just a simple old phone. While that might be pushing it slightly, it’s certainly a feature packed handset.
It supports 3G, HSDPA, GPRS, GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and infrared – basically every wireless connection you can think of and there’s built in GPS, so you’ll always know where you are.
It’s got strong multimedia credentials too, with a 5 megapixel camera, Carl Zeiss lens and, according to Nokia, DVD-like quality video clips.
The good
It’s a neat design – the large 2.6in 240×320 screen occupies the majority of the front of the unit with navigation buttons below. Sliding the screen up reveals the numeric keypad, while sliding it the other way exposes four media playback keys.
The GPS receiver works with the included mapping application, which doesn’t store the map data on the device but downloads it as needed from the internet.
Snaps from the camera were very good for a cameraphone, with maximum resolution images measuring 2,592×1,944 pixels. Video clips can be recorded at a maximum resolution of 640×480 – not quite PAL resolution, but close.
The bad
The interface can take a bit of getting used to, due to the large number of features available. It can also be slow to respond at times – press the button to bring up the animated multimedia menu and it can be up to three seconds before it appears, making it feel a bit sluggish.
As the mapping application needs an active internet connection to download map information it could end up costing a fair amount of money unless you’ve got an unlimited use data account.
It’s also a bit on the large size, measuring 53x99x21mm and weighing in at 120g.
Geek Sheet
Connectivity: 3G, HSDPA, 850/900/1800/1900MHz GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, infrared, GPS
Memory: up to 160MB, expandable via MicroSD card
Display: 2.6in, 240×320 pixels
Camera: 5.0 megapixel
POP3 email client
Battery: 4 hours talk time, 225 hours standby
Dimensions: 53x99x21 mm
Overview
While it’s certainly no match for a full computer, the N95 is feature packed.
The integrated GPS and map application means you’ll always know where you are, although it could run up extra data costs.
Snaps are very good quality for a cameraphone and video footage is decent, if not quite up to DVD standard.
If you’re happy with a larger than average handset, you can pick it up from free with a new contract.
Related sites: Nokia N95
