Nokia N96 Review

Overall Rating

fully featured phone, looks good, vast storage space and many apps available

keep charger close, slower processor than N95, some menus deep and complicated

The N96 is a good step forward from Nokia. This is the N95 mark 2. It has many similarities to the N95 and the geneology is clear to see.

The clothes are smarter, and a first in that the new kid has a slightly slower brain. This has been done because the N95's achilles heel - namely short battery life needed an urgent solution.

Well, I have had this phone for 48 hours and find it to be quite likeable. I like the new looks and feel. The slider is improved and screen larger and crisper. The sound quality in call and using the loudspeaker is both so much better. Callers at the other end have also noticed that sound quality is clearer.

The usual N95 toys are all there. A great 5mp camera, and in video mode has a vibration control producing much less shake. Assisted GPS with maps 2.0, a fully featured music and media player. The absolutely fantastic BBC iplayer will soon also be available on the N96. In any case while waiting it comes (on vodafone) with a Top Gear and Dr Who episode. Playback can e a bit jerky unless other unused apps are closed.

Web browser is similar to before, with slightly more screen real estate. Messaging is great and the ability to use multiple email addresses. The N96 does not have push email built in, but the are a couple of options which are 97% of push. The email boxes can be set to check for new email as often as every 5 minutes. Also, www.emoze.com do a little app which I used on the N95 giving a push email like ability, with a very quick alert when new email drops in. Should satisfy even the most ardent blackberry fan.

For media there is a gigantic 16gb storage, plus a micro SD slot for another 16gb. It will take yonks to fill that.

The battery is exactly the same as the N95, but with a slower processor and better power management it does seem to last a lot longer. After usind it all day, I still have a full 7bars. Have used email, net, video, mobile tv, music player and about 30 phone calls. My N95 would be down to less than 50% by now with that much usage. The slower processor does not obvious harm its usability or functions.

This phone is a good step forward, but do have a close look at the Blackberry Storm, due out soon. The iphone for all its coolness, has a pathetic camera and all its download and software installation is to dependant on itunes software. The iphone is imperfect without a regular infusion from itunes via a mac or pc.

Samsung have the new Ominia, it looks good but I have no experience of it.

There is a good choice out there, and a great variety to choose from. I have seen some negative comments about the N96 on these pages. Those have not discoloured my view of the N96, though do get used to giving it a daily charge.

A word of advice. If you do get this phone, make sure your contract has a decent data package. The N96 needs a constant supply to make the best of all its many functions.

I intend to update this review as my experience evolves with longer term use.

Members' Comments onkhas01's Review

• curr946 on 29th Oct 2008

  I used to have the n95, it keeped crashing and was replaced twice. I ended out selling it and buying a pay as you go K800, I am due an upgrade again and I am thinking about the n96, based on what you have said I think ill give nokia another chance... thanks.