Nokia N97 Review
The new Nokia N97 smart phone is one of the priciest mobile devices out there. It is so powerful that Nokia is not simply referring to it as a cell phone – or even a smart phone. No, they have deemed this new device to be a “mobile computer”. It’s packed with many advanced gadgets that James Bond himself would be happy to have, but despite the powerhouse of features, this phone isn’t marketed as an “amazing touchscreen device” (though the touchscreen does work just fine).
It seems that touchscreen smart phones are the current trend right now. Ever since Apple, the trend setters of technology, came out with the iPhone, almost every single mainstream phone has had a direct knock-off of Apple’s design. Well, Nokia most definitely isn’t jumping on this bandwagon. Though their phone does pack many of the same features as the iPhone, and does incorporate a touchscreen, it also has a full pull-out QWERTY keyboard, and is not taking on the same marketing method that its competitors are.
The Nokia N97 is simply the newest phone in their line of products based on the S60 platform. The 3.5 inch touchscreen display offers digital real estate never before seen on a cell phone. The resolution is 640 by 360 pixels, which is close to the resolution many full sized desktop computers were offering 10 years ago. This makes web browsing with its built-in, unrestricted web browser a breeze. Integrated social networking utilities update your MySpace and Facebook information right from the main page.
You’re not restricted to simply viewing mobile websites. The fully functional integrated web browser can view practically any website that a desktop computer could, since it IS the same type of browser used on full sized computers. The Nokia N97 has so much power that it can render sites and individual pages quicker than any other smart phone. Combine this with 3G connectivity, and you have pretty much died and gone to heaven.
A full web browser isn’t the only notable software the Nokia N97 comes with. Nokia Maps is included as well, which gives you access to national and local maps whenever you need them. The Nokia N97 also has a widgets system with many applications to choose from.
The Nokia N97 is not unusually large, small, or out of the ordinary in the way of dimensions. As a phone with a sliding keyboard, it is a little thicker than phones that do not have a physical keyboard – but it is directly comparable to the thickness of phones of the same type. It is just under 16 mm thick for the most part, to give you an idea of how this phone would feel in your pocket. In addition to this thickness, the camera area will jut out another 2 mm or so. In your hand, the phone feels very well balanced, and does not seem too large or small in any way. While it may not be the most comfortable phone to carry around in your pocket all day due to the thickness, that is about the only gripe one could come up with as far as size is concerned.
The target market for this phone is definitely the younger crowd who want a modern, powerful phone but prefer features and capability to trendiness and brand name wow-factor. Due to the unique powerful characteristics and the sky-high asking price, anyone who buys this phones has to be into gadgets, phones, or simply be someone who loves having the latest and greatest.
Now that we have covered some of the best details about the Nokia N97, it’s time to take a look at what you’ve all been waiting for. The Apple iPhone is the current undisputed king-of-the-hill when it comes to smart phones, and every phone of this kind has been compared to it at one point or another.
Let’s start off with first impressions. At first glance, the phones are physically pretty similar. The iPhone has a more recognizable design, but not necessarily a better looking one. The Nokia N97 looks sleek and powerful, and has that real “super-powerful gadget feel”.
Speaking of super powers, let’s discuss price that soars sky-high. This is where the iPhone will immediately take the lead. The Nokia N97 is perhaps the most expensive mainstream smart phone available, with a tag of around $700 without a contract discount. Even with a contract price, the total only drops a little bit, leaving it hundreds of dollars behind the iPhone’s reasonable rate.
The next category is where the Nokia N97 jumps ahead: Physical features. The iPhone comes in 4GB, 8GB and 16GB models, and does not offer a slot for memory cards. The Nokia N97, on the other hand, does stay true to it’s name of a “mobile computer”. The internal memory is 32GB, and that comes standard on the phone – there is no sub-model that offers less storage. In addition to the internal space, expandable memory card slots can hold data cards of up to 16GB in size, to store music, photos, or videos. That’s a total storage limit of 48GB, which blows any other device clean out of the water.
Another technical advantage the Nokia N97 has over the iPhone is the ability to display Flash files and the Flash-based videos that power sites such as YouTube. This is one of the iPhone’s biggest weaknesses. While it can play YouTube videos using its integrated player, no other flash files can be used.
Internally, the Nokia N97 has build in Bluetooth connectivity, which the iPhone lacks. It also comes with a built in GPS system, which only newer versions of the iPhone are equipped with. They both have built in wi-fi for high-speed use at home or any hot-spot. Overall, the Nokia N97 is a more powerful than the iPhone – but the price tag is nearly three times as much when comparing post-service contract pricing. So far, it looks to be a promising alternative to many of the mainstream phones – just so long as you have a pocketbook thick enough to absorb all the dollar signs.
This is an awesome phone, no doubt, but it’s for now, but if nokia release it bit to late…. than booom, HTC have better gadget….with nvidia chipset…that difficult to beat…
Come on NOKIA, buy your time…don’t be late
Nokia needs to go Android….
The Nokia n97 is sure to be a big hit in 2009, just like the Nokia n96 was in 2008. Reallly excited about the social location function and to see how the social networks make use of it. But like the previous comment, nokia should of considered Android but i don’t think they ever well. Nokia like to keep all the eggs in their basket!
In all honesty with Symbian being the market leader in smartphone OS, and haveing much more support applications and generaly being a proven services. . . it is much more apealing then Android, which is new and buggy!
well what is use of having andriod which doesn’t have applications as much as Symbian and still only one handset ( now a days no news) is based on andriod, more over performance of andriod is less due to its java nature…………
andriod is still in infancy and less chance of surviving in mobile world…
Obviously the nokia n97 will be massive when it gets released, just like the n96 was. But when is the release date? this phone seems to have been talked about for ages but we still can’t buy it, nokia are dragging there heels!
The release date is 23rd June 09. Just waiting to see the price tag now!!!!!!
[...] read more about Nokia N97 mobile phone, check out our full Nokia N97 Review in our Nokia N97 Fan [...]
The N97 is one of the most respected mobile phones ever created. But despite that,I’m still surprised that Nokia is only able to incorporate Flash lite 3.0,which,if I’m not mistaking is the same as that of N95 8G. I cant open internet videos with my N95 8G,but i used to with my Sony Ericsson K800i! As far as I’m concerned that’s a deal-breaker!
As a Nokia fan, i hate the idea of my favorite Nokia phone making me feel so uncomfortable to the extent that i will begin to feel i miss another maker’s phone!
[...] Short review from N97 Fan blog [...]
This phone is well out of date, look at the NVIDIA Tegra 3D is based on the ARM11 Risc platform featuring Multicore with support for 12 Mpix / 3d shader running at 650Mhz + this could have been a good cpu but it’s not here and it’s going to be in the google android phone, this N97 is whimp no 3d acceleration what went wrong lads…………….
You only used old Arm11 single core poor mans mobile CPU.
Nokia fans run to Droid etc this is old hack.
Even the N95/N93 was Dual core with 3D Gl support what on heck is in this the old ARM 11 like the E51 (shame on you cheep skates) – I would take the dual core 333Mhz over this single 433Mhz any day.
(A sad day for me a Nokia Fan boy)
N97 Disaster – Returning
Submitted by LoveNokiaHateN97 on June 18, 2009 – 9:22 P.M.
I have been a Nokia fan for years. Had the N90, N95 and LOVED my N95 8 Gig. But for browsing and messaging I always wanted a keyboard. I thought the N97 would be the N95 with a keyboard and touch screen. WRONG. Had the phone for 1.5 days. Suddenly, when trying to make a call, the touch screen hung. After power cycling, all my settings were gone, widgets dissapeared, contact photos dissapeared. The phone kept hanging and going blank (ie: BSOD) and reporting “out of memory” errors. I called Nokia today and they are issuing an RMA — at their suggestion. It is within 3 days of receipt so I am getting my money back. But they are so backed up with RMA’s that the original 4 hour estimate has become 24 hours for a call back.
When I go to contacts and “open” a contact to see its settings, the screen goes completely blank -completely
Coincidentally, my son left for Italy today and took my old N95 8G for the camera and video capabilities. He left behind his iPhone 3G. Since my new N97 is hosed, I am using the 3G. I had never used it before (always scoffing that my N95 had the better camera, same apps, etc.). After one day, I can tell you that the N97, even with the querty keyboard, is just no match in terms of usability. Plus the Safari browser is simply awesome. I am humbled. So much so that I ordered the 3G-S. Goodbye Nokia, I will miss you. You should have developed the N93 into a better platform in stead of following the pack. That was one cool phone, so cool the CIA guys used it in the Bourne movies.
Here is a rundown of the N97 symptoms I have been experiencing prior to calling Nokia for the RMA:
1) Touch screen is very insensitive.
2) Screen locked up – entirely – no buttons would work
3) tried unlock slider – nothing
4) re-started phone and it came back up with all settings gone from home screen and back to default theme
5) Is not going to horizontal mode regardless of open keyboard or position
6) widgets are missing and just say “loading content” in text
7) Personalized contact photos are missing
9) Press the end key and the screen becomes completely locked
10) After locking and unlocking it just says “connecting”for a super long time — minutes
Flipping the keyboard open makes the screen go blank
11) Received a message saying “memory full, close some applications and try again” when trying to go to the main menu, or when trying to open an app. But when clicking on “show open apps”, there are no open apps except the home screen
12) Cannot go to Profiles, or Themes
13) Finally got phone pad to work after rebooting twice and dialed the code to get serial number, but that totally locked the phone and had to remove the battery
Powered phone off
Removed battery and let sit
Powered back on
Menu, Settings > Phone > Phone Mgmt > Factory settings
Will not let me. Says “end open lists and connections first”.
Was finally able to restore factory settings using the joy stick but not the touch screen.
This did nothing. I still cannot open a contact. None of the apps work on the home screen. The performance is slowed to a crawl. Still cannot connect to PC Suite.
Tried to go to software update… screen went blank and the phone just hung.
Disaster.
One Note: My wonderful Nokia N95 8G only required a $10 data plan from ATT. After putting my SIM into the iPhone 3G, I cannot get data access except over WiFi. So, apparently ATT is going to force me to upgrade to the $30 iPhone data plan once my new 3G-S arrives. That is a $240 per year bummer! Also, the iPhone is not currently able to tether to a laptop for use as a modem. This is only a problem when I travel with my computer and find myself with no WiFi. So I will keep my N95 for such times. Sort of a pain.
Honestly, I have been waiting for this N97 for so long (pre-ordered two months ago and waited a year to do so), I feel as if Nokia has pushed me into Apple’s lap. I did not want to go, but now that the iPhone comes with a 3 megapixel still camera and VGA quality video camera, it has nearly everything I need. The ability to navigate everything with one thumb — even enter search data into Google — is just so cool. And it works so seamlessly. I can’t wait to see how much better the 3G-S is. The reviews are very good as opposed to many early reviews for the N97. So sad for Nokia. Honestly, I hate to see such an innovative company lose ground like this.
As a Nokia fanboy it pains me to say that I write this comment from an iPhone 3gs. I waited to decide whether the iPhone, Pre or N97 was the way forward but when I did the research (and lots ot it!) there was only one winner. Let’s be honest; this is a slightly updated / modded N95, with higher resolution and keyboard.
I saw a demo and the animation and navigation is not smooth, the touch screen is unresponsive and the media player is light years behind. On the flip side, the transmitter is cool, the concept of the homepage is great and Nokia Maps3.0 is easily the best mobile gps solution out there. I’m going to buy TomTom for myiPhone when it’s released but I’m sure that it won’t be as good.
In all, comparing the CPU, memory (not storage), interface and third party support the N97 just doest cut it. I just hope that come 18 months nokia DO come up with a revolutionary phone that offers real useability. I’ll be back to support them right away.
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I totally agree with LoveNokiaHateN97. I just bought Nokia N97 on 27th and from 28th I am facing the same problems which LoveNokiaHateN97 has narrated. It is always showing memory full and nothing is working to resolve the problem. I am going to Nokia Store tomorrow asking them to take back the phone and return my money. I always love Nokia Phones but N97 has disappointed me to the worst.
Having been a Nokia fan for some time I was keen to get my hands on the new N97.
I recieved it last Friday and eagerly opened up the box, inserted my SIM and the battery and turned it on. What an anti climax! The touch screen is not responsive at all, it seems to work when it wants to not when you want it to. The S60 operating system is so old and slow, it is painful to use. Soldiering on and desperate to find something I liked and could boast about to my iPhone toteing colleagues I set up the email application. Again, a dissapointment. Why on earth, have Nokia not provided HTML support for emails, yes there is an icon you can click which brings up a poorley formatted HTML version of the email.
Nokia appear to have blown thier budget on the design, the phones one good point. The slide out keyboard is a dream to use, it’s such a shame they didn’t invest more time on money on designing a better operating system.
Anyone who has used an iPhone, Palm Pre or Blackberry will sneer at the N97 in contempt. Nokia have insulted thier client base by releasing such a poor phone and will lose thousands of hardened Nokia fans to other mobile phone makers. I for one have already returned mine in exchange for a Blackberry.
Shame on you Nokia!
Just bought the N97. Truthfully it’s a fantastic phone to start with. Have used the Iphone 3G before but if you go multi tasking it has the possibility to hang. And to make matters worse you can’t even reset it. After that, I’ve been using the Nokia E71 and still I’m using it as my second phone. Very reliable and business oriented phone. Currently the N97 I’m using is a combination of business and multimedia phone, very highly recommanded eventhough the price is a bit high. But worth it. The closes rival to this phone is not an IPhone 3Gs, but actually a HTC Touch Pro 2.
Hi,
I’m a nokia fan, and im using the n97 for 2 weeks now, and i must say that the phone is a little disappointing.
- Almost no apps installed, very clean phone, a little to clean.
- the camera is not as good as the N95.
- A little slow, sometimes white screens, or a unexpected reboots.
- Camera is very quick scratcht, very bad point.
but there also good point,
- very good soundsystem
- a much better headset than delivered with the n95
- Menu & other controlfunctions are good, just as the keyboard. Touchscreen is very handy and good controlable, but ofcorse not as good as the iphone (not phone, other than the iphone does)
Conclusion:
Try the phone first in a shop, before you buy.
Hey all!
A query on behalf of a friend of mine:
New N97 from Vodafone and had a selection of what sounds like Favourites. It gave her a list of apps as her browser homepage and after being found in the grasp iof her 3 year old grandson, the homepage has been changed to Vodafone’s own portal (Vodafone Live or whatever it’s called).
Has anyone come across this and if so, do you know of a way to revert it back without a factory reset?
N 97 looks great.
The best part of it is the power saver, sound, camera is good.
The RAM given is less around 70 MB and the pre installed apps use the lions share and thats where am little disappointed.
Touch Screen i never use it much so not interested in it and HTC touch pro is nearest rival and Iphone is no where near to N97 (Iphone is king on what it has but not what i need).
I would like to have full fledged flash player on N 97.
i bought n97 few days back for rs.32500/- from priority dealer.problems encontered within a week are:
1.mobile hanging
2.charging sign continues(charging continues) even after unplugging from power
3.apeaker goes weak while speaking intermittently.
may be my particular piece is defective or the there is general software problem with this model
difficult to accept these faults/problems after paying rs32500/-
Looks great but has too many glitches. Biggest one is the fluctuating signal. I have three 3 phones at my house and the old ones work where the N97 does not. Frequent signal drop outs, frozen screen, restarts needed involving battery removal, nowhere to put the pen!,
weird text messages from ‘Email’, poor contact listings, constant ‘content loading’ on home screen, iplayer just lip service – unwatchable. unreliable slide switch to unlock, touch screen ok with fingernail or implement but don’t bother trying with your fingers.
I have always stuck to Nokia but this one is a dud. Had two now, still waiting for a resolution but cannot rely on it to receive or make calls.
Well… I am now onto my third handset – yesterday Vodafone confirmed that the latest software contains 150 unresolved issues. This phone definitely has a high throw at the wall factor…Nokia…WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? It is an embarrassement. All I wanted was a phone that worked and instead i have a lemon. Nuff Said.
I HAVE THIS PHONE
had it for a month. my problems are
*bad signal/reception/coverage. compared to my N95 8GB it has like 60% of reception power
*GPS is really bad, keeps losing signal and has delay of 100-200 metres, im now using my old bluetooth GPS receiver because the built it one is not accurate at all.
*finally got a big scratch on my lens, although i have been very carefull with it, i.e. cleaned it everyday, opened it with finger nail and not putting pressure on it.
apart from these its a good phone but these problems really puts me off this phone.
im a nokia fan but i advice you not to get this phone. nokia needs to learn a lesson.
have a look here, this is nokia’s forums and see everyone got these problems too
http://discussions.nokia.co.uk/discussions/board?board.id=smartphones
have a look here too
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=109
n97 tanks with 150 unresolved bugs, n97 mini follows footsteps ?
Hey Rajdoot,
i could only make a comprehensive list of 34 issues & the reasons why not to buy the nokia n97. Any updateif the 150 un resolved issues have been sorted & could you get a list of the same.
Maybe there are isues / bugs / shortcomings that are not known in public domain ? Is your hunch too that nokia will be pressed to release the n97 mini with the same bugs as the n97 ?
I have my N97 for a week now and dissappointments include:
1.) My pouch has a magnet in the flap and this kept triggering the camera (as it thought it was opened)
2.) Slowed down significantly while I have not yet loaded much (not even 25% of the memory used)
3.) The phone switch (application) worked well (I clicked all the boxes), however, it did not copy my Contact Groups and it did not copy my Notes (which I use extensively!)
4.) Moved the joystick button from right to the left of the keyboard – not cool!
5.) Still think that there was enough space on the keyboard for a 4th row of buttons!
On a positive note – Nokia brought back the Timed Profiles – thank you Nokia!
Check out my website to hear my story about N97!
The Timed Profiles… LOL I have forgot about this one – Great option. Realy looking forward to find another more recent nokia with this feature.
thank you for short review
Hi, I’m planning to buy this phone. Can you tell me the music quality of this phone camparing to Nokia 5800? Thanks!