The Nokia N96 is a superbly designed 3G Smart-phone that features a dual opening mechanism and is destined to be Nokia’s next flagship mobile phone. The N96 is a family member of the very well liked N series range by Nokia that includes the extremely able Nokia N95 3G Smart-phone and the latter version, the Nokia N95 8GB. The very clever dual opening design will greatly assist the user to slide open the handset and have their every need met.
The colour TFT display screen on the N96 is a large 6.1 inch diagonal display (2.8 inches)and displays up to sixteen million colours on QVGA LCD screen and the screen resolutions are 240 x 320 pixels.
The N96 3G Smart-phone comes jam packed full of the day-to-day useful features and other cool features that the user can use whilst on the move. The casing of the Nokia N96 is slightly larger and more weighty than its predecessor but is still quite compact considering all what has been packed into it technology wise. The dimensions of the N96 are 103mm in height by 55mm in width by 18mm in depth and the weight of the phone is 125 grams. This very classy 3G Smart-phone has 16 Gbytes of built in internal memory (double the N95 latest version), 128 Mbytes of RAM and 256 Mbytes of system memory. The handset has support for a MicroSD™ memory card if the user chooses to increase the amount of storage they have on the phone for their music and downloads. The N96 main competitors are the Samsung i8510 INNOV8, Samsung M8800 Pixon and the C905.
The Nokia N96 - Music Player
The N96 comes kitted out with a music player that features a built in FM stereo that comes complete with RDS allowing the user to view the music information that they are listening to on the fantastic large display screen. The huge internal memory built into this phone will allow you to store 3500 songs, the same as the Apple iTouch. The only advantage the iPhone had over the rest of the mobile phone market was internal memory, now that Nokia have hit back with the N96 this is no longer the case. The N96 supports a Nokia Internet Radio and a Visual Radio. The music player’s features allow the user to create play-lists and listen to their favourite music. The user can select their play mode and view their playing lists and albums in great colour. And with the music player, having an audio equalizer listening to your favourite tunes will be a great music mobile experience as the sound quality will be excellent.
The Nokia N96 - Camera
The owner of this great handset will never need a separate digital camera as the Nokia N96 is all that will be needed not only for the uses it has a mobile phone but as a highly capable digital camera.
The Nokia N96 comes with a fantastic built in five mega-pixel camera (2,592 x 1,944 pixels) complete with an array of settings, functions and options that a standard digital camera would provide you with. The Carl Zeiss optics Tessar lens is crystal clear and features auto focus and an auto exposure feature. The dual LED flash will definitely brighten up those shots that have been snapped in the dark or dimly lit environments. Photos can be stored in either JPEG or EXIF format. The user will be able to adjust the settings making sure the user can take the perfect picture every time. It has been rumoured that a 6 mega pixel version maybe release, but we will have to wait and see if that materialises.
The Nokia N96 - Video Camera
The N96 also supports video recording so the user can always capture a special moment whenever and wherever they are with this marvellous handset. The user can do video streaming and play back all their recordings on the large colourful display screen. The video clips captured can be stored, edited, shared, deleted or even transferred to other compatible devices. The N96 features the fantastic element called the video stabilizer. This will ensure the user will capture a steady and wobble free piece of moving video footage and with MPEG4 video format. The video function also features a light so that any footage taken in the dark or dull environment will still be recorded with quality.
The Nokia N96 - 3G video calling
There is a second camera on the N96 and this allows the user to participate in 3G video calling. This camera is a VGA camera and is subtly situated at the front of the phone. The concept of this is to allow users to call each other and view each other face to face whilst talking this will work if the other user's phone has this capability.
The Nokia N96 - TV Player with BBC iPlayer support
In addition, the stunning N96 has DVB-H live TV broadcasting. This feature allows the user to watch live TV broadcastings while being on the move and access videos via the browser (will be great for youtube!). However, TV play will kill your battery in 4 hours.
The Nokia N96 - GPS (Satellite Navigation)
There is also a built in GPS receiver and a navigation system so once the user keys in their desired destination the handset will give systematic directions to their destination. The GPS navigation system will provide its owner with satellite pictures of their desired destination as well as the location information and 150 maps can also be downloaded.
The Nokia N96 - Connectivity
The Nokia N96 3G Smart-phone is packed full of the latest technologies, including 3G HSDPA technology for fast and high-speed efficiency. There is the EDGE technology that will provide the user with high-speed data transfer rates and WLAN Wi-Fi technology allows for a great wireless connection a fast broadband speeds. The Bluetooth® wireless technology that includes A2DP allows the user to enjoy a wireless connection experience. A USB connection will allow a great-cabled connection between other compatible devices. The N96 comes with a Symbian operating system that it is complete with S60 software.
The battery life is never great on 3G smartphones packed full of features, and the more features added seems to shorten the battery life. Apparently the N96 when fully charged will roughly provide up to three hours talk time or up to two hundred and twenty hours of stand by time, but I will be prepared to charge it every night.
The Nokia N96 - Internet
The Nokia N96 has an incorporated Web Browser that is complete with a mini maps feature this will allow for a fantastic Internet encounter. The Nokia web browser supports both HTML and JavaScript, Combining this with the TV functionality allows support for Flash videos. The HTML mobile Internet can also be enjoyed that comes complete with an RSS reader facility.
The Nokia N96 - Messaging
The messaging services will be a great way to stay in contact with friends, family, the office and even the work colleagues by using the fantastic services that are available. The services include text messaging (SMS), multi-media messaging (MMS), instant messaging and an emailing service. The email service fully supports SMTP, IMAP4 and POP3 emailing formats and also features a highly practical attachment file. This service is ideal for those who are always on the move.
Nokia N96 review
