The Nokia N97 mini is a smart phone running the Symbian S60 5th edition operating system. Released in 2009 as a slightly more compact successor to the N97 model, it was intended to fix some of the bugs and usability issues of its predecessor. It features a fold-out full QWERTY keyboard and 3.2" 640 x 360 pixel resistive touch screen. It also has GPS navigation, a 5 mega pixel camera and single LED flash.

While the N97 mini is an improvement over the very unstable N97, a number of issues still present themselves, the main one being poor reception. Indoors and in some areas outdoors where my old Samsung soul could achieve 6 bars signal strength on the Vodafone network, the N97 mini received none at all. Signal strength also appears to vary with the wind - full power one second, zero the next.

The operating system itself is more stable since the 2010 firmware upgrade but still crashes at least once a week on my phone. Symbian is really showing its age when compared to the Android and iOS competition, though it does multi-task fairly well. Unfortunately there are sometimes a lot of steps to get an app' running, then a number more to exit it making the feel less than slick.

The screen image is good but the screen itself is not that scratch resistant. One of the benefits of the less sensitive resistive screen is that it can be used with a fingernail or gloved hand which can be a boon outdoors in winter. Capacitive screens need touching skin to activate them. The QWERTY keyboard has nicely spaced if small keys and there is some tactile feedback. The camera with Carl Zeiss lens produces good results for a phone though the flash isn't the strongest I've seen.

There is a fair amount of software available but it is mostly commercial and paid-for. Nokia bundles OVI Maps with free satellite navigation though which might make this model worthwhile for some.

Overall, a disappointment for a phone which retails at over £300.00 and is competing with a large number of phones now running much more modern and responsive software. There are some nice features but ultimately, the poor signal reception lets it down badly.

I have prior to my 'upgrade' to the N97 mini been using the N95 for around 3 years. I simply havnt found a phone which looks as though I will gain anything by upgrading upto now.
I initially thought the N97 would be the way to go, however after several bad reviews I thought better of it. My phone operator also didnt stock it (Orange). The N97 mini promissed to be so much better and was warmly received by the press.
Having now used it for several weeks I am less than impressed. I am of course comparing my previous experience with the N95. Would I feel different had I not previously had a 'smart phone'. Not sure.
I remember having problems with the N95 originally and had to wait 6 - 10 months before I was happy with it and indeed have only become satisfied with the maps since the Ovi v3 release of it.
The n97 mini has had more than just the memory ripped from it.. I do think what is has is sufficient though. I'm also missing the FM transmitter which I was really happy to read about for the N97. Would mean me having one less thing to have plugged into the car.
The Internet radio is also incompatible with the N97 mini which I used quite a bit on the N95.
Quite a number of applications do not work with the N97 mini which previously worked.
I have found the volume button to suddenly shoot up to the top and continuously beep when answering or making calls from time to time. I also have problems with it locking up. I have to remove the battery.
The screen isnt very responsive. The best feature is the new maps to be honest. It gets a GPS signal very very quick compared to the N95. The interface is still a little clunky though.
I hope (presuming I keep hold of it), it's just a case of software updates as the 95, but i'm not convinced.
Although I have been completely against the Iphone in the past, I'm definately thawing out towards it and thats thanks to the N97 mini! The main reason I stuck with Nokia is the fact I still have 2 yrs left with the maps license, but I may well forfeit it to find a reliable user friendly phone.