It’s been around for a good while now but since we already reviewed the N81 and wished it were more like the N95, we might as well look at what could be argued is the best Nokia phone on the market. If you want it all and want it with power, the N95 is for you.
For all of those that fell in love with the 7650 (I still have mine) this is the modern equivalent. A 5 megapixel camera means you’ve got a full-blown digital camera with you and a video camera to boot.
Connectivity-wise it can connect using 3g, WiFi and bluetooth. Mobile broadband using 3g
is a gamechanging piece of technology and having 3g in a phone like this helps in changing your digital lifestyle and then add WiFi on top of that. You might not even need to buy a 3g connection were you in any other country in the EU except broadband poor Ireland though to get the most you really do need to sign up to a 3G package.
Then there’s the GPS. Flaky indoors but over the months the maps when you’re on the road are fairly good, apart from the odd snafu. Just as good as the standalone, one purpose only GPS units. But it’s on your phone that already has everything else.
A definite bonus with this phone is that you can install applications on it without having to “hack” or “unlock” it and there are tonnes of these applications that make use of all the inbuilt power features. Take that iPhone version 1 (but maybe not version 2)
There are of course negative bits to this phone. The cluttered interface could really be made a little simpler and there are far far too many buttons on this phone. It’s the forty coats of phones as
a result. Also, this computer in your pocket is too big for my pockets though not massively too big. The biggest issue though is the battery life. It sucks the juice far too quickly especially if using WiFi and 3G. The design too isn’t as sexy as other phones but it destroys the competition when it comes to features.
Despite these bits, this phone is still getting a very rare five out of five rating. It’s that good.
Cormac Moylan on July 7th, 2008 at 10:25 pm #
I bought a N95 a few weeks ago solely for the 5mpx camera and the GPS functionality. I haven’t used either yet though as I haven’t had the need. I find the OS to be quite slow at times. It takes a second or two too long to load applications.
As for the size. I find it perfect. I previously had an E65 and I never knew if I had it in my pocket. But with the N95 I always know I’m wearing it.
You’re right about the buttons. Far too many on the surface.