Videos and Photos: Nokia N97 vs Nokia N82 in low light.
June 26, 2009 at 12:29 am | In 3rd edition, 5th Edition, MNB, Nokia, Nseries, Photos, S60, Symbian, Test, Versus, Video | 8 CommentsTags: Nokia, Nseries, Xenon, Flash, Dual LED, Xenon Flash, N82, N97 White, Sample, Nokia N82, Low light, Sample Images, Camera tests
[Sidenote: This test was done with pre-release early edition firmware V10.0.009, and not the "final" firmware V10.0.012]
Just before we went to see “The Hangover”, we went to the pub for a quick drink. Here were three shots I took with the N97 and the N82 in your average moderate/low lighting pub.
Preferably, for a comparison, I would have actually tested it on a proper night out in a club (like the collection here with the N82)- with much less light and a little more thought into certain making the tests fair.
Nevertheless, here’s what I managed with 5 minutes to spare – some “real world” testing of the N97 and the N82 in low lighting conditions (with flash).
N97 (and dual LED Flash)
N82 (And Xenon Flash)
N97
N82
N97
N82
For me – I prefer what the N82 produces. Crisp, non blurry, well lit images as opposed to the N97 under low lighting appears to be taking pictures through a murky muddy bottle.
Video
Supposedly – the LED light is meant to help, but as you can see – the N82 manages fine without it (seen in first few seconds of N82 video, thereafter “assisted” by N97). But the focus is blurry, the video is grainy and overall poor. I guess if it was pitch black then the N97 may have won slightly by having the LED light to give your face a slight gray halloween tint.
Sample from a Nokia N97
Sample from a Nokia N82
I really want to get the N97, but it kills me that for something so important to me (people photos – nights out – I am a student :p) there’s a lot I’ll have to sacrifice in terms of no longer being able to carry just one device again. Unless that is, I go and wait for the Satio. Hmm. It’s early days yet. I’ve not even had the N97 for half a day.
(Note though, it’s not all bad, the N97 performs well in optimum conditions – i.e. bright sunlight – something of a rarity in Wales)
Video: The Phones Show: Episode 83 (Nokia N97 vs HTC Touch Pro2) and unboxing videos.
June 21, 2009 at 11:59 pm | In 5th Edition, Nokia, Nseries, S60, Symbian, Versus, Video | Leave a CommentTags: All about Symbian, comparison, HTC, HTC Touch Pro2, N97, Nokia, Nokia N97, Steve Litchfield, The Phones Show, Touch Pro2, unboxing, Video
This episode of “The Phones Show” concentrates on the comparison of the HTC Touch Pro2 with the Nokia N97, going over aspects such as:
- Screen
- Keyboard
- Form Factor (Slide tilt)
- Battery
- Camera
- Video Recording
- OS/UI
Steve Litchfield says the Pro2 is the best Windows Mobile handset to date (I love the keyboard), but concludes that the N97 wins on both hardware and software in comparison.
This episode also sees Steve getting a tour of the Proporta HQ, the mobile phones accessory company. You’ll get to see demonstrations of the cases, cable tidies and see some other products that you might ind useful. I have a few accessories from them myself, my fav being the old iPod-esque portable charger, brilliant when I’m out and about and am no where near a plug.
Via 3lib
Here’s an unboxing of the N97 – which is later also compared to the HTC Touch Pro2
And lastly, another unboxing by John Mortimer of the White N97. John’s pretty excited about the N97, and reckons the white N97 looks so much better in person than it does via the camera.
What will you be picking up this Friday? Nokia N97 or an Apple iPhone 3G S?
June 18, 2009 at 12:46 am | In 5th Edition, Nokia, Nseries, S60, Versus | Leave a CommentTags: aPPLE, iPhone 3G S, N97, Nokia, Nokia N97, Stephen Fry
Nokia N97 fans…Friday, 19th June 2009 is fast approaching; just under 24 hours in the UK until you can get your paws on Nokia’s latest and greatest.
The earliest images of the N97 (also with iPhone) provided by Robert Scoble, back in December 08
iPhone 3G already being compared to proto N97, back in December 08
It has been a mighty long wait, 6 months after the 2nd December 08 announcement.
You’ve seen the flurry of reviews recently, and may have even been lucky enough to either:
- try one out or
- buy your own N97 early (from NYC flagship store or via Pre Order from Nokia USA) or
- win one!
For the rest of us still wanting the N97, we’re waiting on Friday!
(I’m also looking forward to watching Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen – don’t really care too much for the plot – the CGI alone will be mind blowing – I still have fond memories of the “transformer” N93i appearance in the first film, and the joke about Nokia being Japanese)
However, with June being the hot month for new phone launches, are you sticking with the N97 or will you (or may have already) be picking up something else, specifically the most prominent alternative – Apple’s iPhone 3G S? [Note, Review of the iPhone 3G S by Engadget, >>here<<]
The legend that is Stephen Fry has been spotted with the N97, who later twittered, “At the Nokia N97 launch. Mmm. Looking good.”
+1 for Nokia, until Fry was suggested by Lottie006 to get the new iPhone, to which he replied “You think I haven’t???!”.
Maybe he’s gonna be using both?
For those sticking with the N97, are you getting it on contract or SIM free/Pay and Go (if that’s available)?
I’m looking to call up loyalty department to see what they can do for me in terms of upgrades. Disconnection/loyalty/retention department have more authority when it comes to giving you offers as opposed to in store sales/online/direct phone sales. It’s always worth going through them first before the usual contract routes.
Fortunately though, there are really decent plans available already – so it’s also viable to switch/start a new contract. [Again, not sponsored to mention these deals - if you find better ones though, please let us know 
]
Comparison Live Pics: Nokia N97 vs E90 vs E75 vs 5800 and Samsung i8910 (Omnia HD)
June 11, 2009 at 10:04 am | In 5th Edition, Nokia, Nseries, Photos, S60, Symbian, Versus | 2 CommentsTags: 5800, comparison, E75, E90, Eseries, Express Music, i8910, Live Pics, My Symbian, N97, Nokia, Nokia 5800, Nokia E75, Nokia E90, Nokia N97, Nseries, Omnia HD, Samsung, Samsung i8910, Samsung Omnia HD, Versus
My-Symbian has posted some excellent comparison shots of the N97 with the E90, E75, 5800 and Samsung i8910 (Omnia HD).
A few interesting selections below:
1 – E90 and N97
E90 is huge, but that’s because of that big screen and that spectacular keyboard. Not the best looking phone though. You’d think the reason Nokia stuck the numbers row with the first letters row was because they didn’t have enough rows. 1 more row could have done it, right?
2. N97 and E75
…The E75 has four rows of keys, BUT still doesn’t have a dedicated numbers row. I guess you could close the keyboard and quickly right on the keypad – but it just seems very frustrating that Nokia puts a keyboard, yet compromises severely on the layout.
3. 5800 vs N97
3.2″ screen vs 3.5″ screen.
4. N97 and i8910
3.5″ screen vs 3.7″ screen.
5. Phone Pile!
N97 on top
Via My-Symbian
6 Page Preview of the Sony Ericsson Satio (Idou)
June 6, 2009 at 10:14 am | In 5th Edition, Reviews, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, Versus | 2 CommentsTags: 12mp, Idou, Preview, Review, Satio, Sony Ericsson, Xenon, Xenon Flash
When the N97 was launched, the 3.5″ 16:9 touchscreen, with S60 5th Edition were two features that I thought would remain unique to Nokia for a little while. I was certain it would be my next phone.
But so soon, we saw the Omnia HD (now i8910) from Samsung packing a bigger 3.7″ 16:9 AMOLED touchscreen, S60 5th edition with 720p HD video recording.
To make decision making worse, Sony Ericsson then informed us of the Idou (now Satio) with 3.5″ 16:9 TFT touchscreen, with Symbian Foundation (basically S60 5th edition) and 12MP with XENON flash.
Here’s GSM Arena’s preview of the Sony Ericsson Satio – (some key points below)
- Made entirely of plastic, but very high quality
- Screen has stunning picture quality and contrast (for a TFT)
- NO 3.5mm jack
- 1000mAh battery
- S60 5th Edtition UI with Sony Ericsson Tweaks
- Under the “stylish” lens cover are 12MP goodness with Xenon flash for stills and LED for video – Camera is nothing short of impressive
- You can capture photos in 16:9 (at 9MP)
- “Better” than the Samsung INNOV8 (though marginally) – there’s only two pairs of comparison shots though to judge it myself.
- VGA video is “Splendid” even though their test version could not handle the 30FPS frame rate. Not sure if it reords in 16:9 though.
- Improved browser in comparison to the 5800
For me, my only two options would really be down to the Satio or N97.
- Satio purely for the Xenon – it meets my low light photography needs – the only phone out of the three that could force my N82 into retirement – also the additional 7megapixels don’t hurt – definitely more useful when copying out chapters of a text book for Uni (quicker than scanning – cheaper than photocopying)
- N97 for the form factor – I love the “flick” sliding screen that reveals that QWERTY keyboard, which for me, is preferable when entering text. There’s also that 32GB in built memory so it can immediately hold a significant proportion of my music library with space for several movies to spare – and it’s further expandable with memory card. Finally the “homescreen” experience – I didn’t think much of this the first time I saw it, but now I see it has a lot of potential and usability.
Nokia N97 Low Light Photo Samples! (and N82 extreme low light photos)
May 31, 2009 at 11:24 am | In Nokia, Nseries, Photos, S60, Versus | 7 CommentsTags: Dual LED Flash, N82, N97, Nokia, Nokia N82, Nokia N97, Sample, Sample Photos, Sample Pictures, Xenon, Xenon Flash
We’ve seen sample pictures from the N97 before, e.g. here and here. But we haven’t really seen it perform under less than optimum conditions, i.e. poor lighting, with people posing in poor lighting – mostly relying on the flash for additional illumination.
The following samples from the N97 don’t seem to be using the Dual LED flash, but in these circumstances (except the last photo) you don’t really need it.
This first one, the distance would have been too far even for Xenon flash, and the N97 seems to cope well.
Looks a little pale here.
These wine glasses would have been obliterated with reflections if Xenon were used.
Not sure if the Dual LED flash was on. If it was me and the N82 there, you would be able to see those people's faces.
Without actually testing the Nokia N97 under extreme low lighting conditions (virtually no lighting), I still cannot say I can give up the N82 as my phone/camera for nights out and use the N97 instead. Carrying a compact is an option, but then you’re gonna have to carry that in addition to your phone. Alright for most girls as they’re used to being lumbered with bags, but not the best option for guys who just have pockets. Subjectively, with alcohol, the less things to worry about, the better.
Take a look at these random selection of photos taken by the N82 (please ignore the repeat N97 ones), nearly all of which would have appeared pitch black just like the last photo above taken by the N97 had it not been for the Xenon Flash. These were some of the only ones safe to put up outside facebook.
Videos and Photos: Nokia N97 and Nokia N86
April 27, 2009 at 7:09 pm | In 5th Edition, Nokia, Nseries, Photos, Touch, Versus, Video | Leave a CommentTags: Nokia, S60, N97, Nseries, Symbian, Nokia N97, n86, Widgets, S60 5TH EDITION, Nokia 86, Pictures, Videos, 8MP, Mobile-Review
Mobile-Review has some side by side pictures and a couple of videos of the N97 and N86. The text and audio is in Russian, so you may want to use google translator for the text to get a little gist of what it’s about (not that it helped me understand it one bit).
Nevertheless, we can still awe at the pictures.
I’m not sure if it’s the colour scheme but from the front, the N86 looks so much sleeker, more professional. From the back though, both N97 nad N86 just look horridly dull and cheap. What’s that about?
You can get a lot more though from the two videos (embedded on their site). You can see the maturing N97 UI, with the more recent home screen widgets. It looks pretty quick in some areas but frighteningly sluggish in others. The screen though appears very responsive over all. My hopeless wish is that somehow, Eldar is saying in Russian “Ah, yes, Nokia has put a capacitive screen in the N97. Look *squiges fingers around to show responsiveness*”. Haha.
There is also another separate video to show the N86. The phone looked pretty solid and the UI seemed extremely nippy. Very nice to see how the N95 has gradually evolved, refining into this.
Go check it out, there’s more photos of both the N86 and the N97, and of course, you can actually watch the video there.
From Mobile-Review
Nokia N97 vs Nokia N86
April 27, 2009 at 8:07 am | In 3rd edition, 5th Edition, Nokia, Nseries, Versus | 1 CommentTags: Nokia, Nokia N97, Samsung, n86, Nokia n86, i8910, i8510, innov8
The s60blog has put the N97 and the N96 into a fight, but which one wins out? I agree with Carlton in basically that it shouldn’t really matter which is the best, but “WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU”.
There’s no point honking all out for the N97 if you don’t want a full screen keyboard, or a huge 3.5″ touch screen, or 32GB of inbuilt memory. If you’re looking for an upcoming symbian S60 phone focused on imaging, with 8MP you should go for the Samsung i8910 – er I mean the Nokia N86. Seriously, for a relatively small package, physical standard keypad, dual sliding mechanism with dedicated music buttons then the N86 is for you.
I’ve been very focused on good imaging in phones too, but if I’m going to miss something as important as Xenon flash (most of the snaps I take are in poorly lit clubs), I would at least want a new experience of keyboard and touch screen, rather than something that’s basically the slow evolution (a.k.a. rehash) of the N95.
However, for other people, the N97 may just be too big. They may not like/need touch screen or just want standard phone keypad. Again, if those same people wanted a good camera phone too, then the N86 is the best bet (out of either the N97 or n86)
If the dual slide isn’t too much of a big deal, then does the Samsung INNOV8 better meet the criteria in wanting the N86 over the N97? We’ll just have to see how much the 28mm wide angle lens and variable aperture brings to the imaging table. For now, if you want S60 with standard slider keypad and 8MP, then go for the INNOV8.
For just N97 and N86 alone, well N86 is small pocketable imaging and N97 is your fat flurry of multimedia. Although the direct lineage of the N95 is the N86, it is the N87 THAT truly encapsulates the purpose of the N95 – multimedia computer/what computers have become/the congvergence device – the Nokia Nseries Flagship.
Via s60blog
Black, White…or Pink Nokia N97?
April 17, 2009 at 4:39 pm | In 5th Edition, Nokia, Versus | 3 CommentsTags: Black, Chrome, Color, colors, Colour, colours, comparison, N97, Nokia, Nokia N97, or, Pink, Shiny, Versus, which, White
Whilst googling for “white commisure” (I have a neuroanatomy exam coming up), my ever wandering mind darted to thinking about what colour N97 I might get in June (if all three options were available).
[from tamoggemon.com and symbian-freak.com; it maybe the lighting, but this looks 1. just too "in your face", 2. Pink]
Ruling out pink immediately, I’m left with either black or white; neither of which are strictly colours, and the black is more dark brown. The first time I saw the “black” N97, I thought it was rather stunning; sleek and not as square. Black always works. When Nokia revamp an Nseries, its almost often also become completely black. Being black – it’s sort of the signature of the Nseries elite. It’s simple, discreet, but looks good too.
[images from robert scobe/flickr search]
The white, I wasn’t immediately too fond with. But it’s also grown on me. A big plus point for some maybe that the black N97 resembles the 5800 too much. In white, it’ll be easier to show off. On its own merit, white looks nice – conforms with the whole white plastic = fantastic, e.g.. iPod/Wii/DS Lite.
[images via flikr]
Personally, I prefer the black N97. In all angles it looks great. The white looks cheap in some shots – you’ve got to get the reflections off the ‘chrome’ rim perfect. But to each their own; a lot will love the white, and even the Pink (*cough* *girls**cough)
Which colour do you prefer? Or maybe another colour?
Nokia N97 vs Samsung Omnia HD vs Sony Ericsson Idou
February 23, 2009 at 1:09 am | In 5th Edition, Nokia, S60, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Symbian, Touch, Versus | 14 CommentsTags: 12.1mp, 3.5", 3.7", 32GB, 720p, AMOLED, Android, aPPLE, Capacitive, Google, HD, Idou, iPhone, N97, Nokia N97, Omnia, Omnia HD, Palm, Pre, Resistive, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Touch, Xenon
Nokia N97 vs Samsung Omnia HD vs Sony Ericsson Idou
I was all set on the N97 until a three way ruckus broke out with the Omnia HD and Idou both diving in to join the Super-Mobile-Convergence-Device war.
Samsung and Sony Ericsson have extremely strong contenders, with:
The Omnia HD packing in a most gorgeous 3.7” AMOLED display, Symbian S60 V 5.0, 8MP camera and 720p 24fps widescreen HD video recording and
The code-named Idou, bringing in 3.5” widescreen display, as well as Symbian S60 V 5.0 and a 12MP camera with Xenon.
They all run on Symbian S60 V 5.0; even with their own specific interface ‘quirks’, they should all be pretty similar to each other. We’ll just have to see when they’re all at production level to see who makes the most to bring the best user friendly and innovative interface.
Is the 32GB of memory and physical keyboard enough to keep you from straying to the Samsung or Sony-Ericsson camp? We’ve seen most of the wow features on the N97 along while ago from the aged classic that is the N95 announced in 2006! On-board GPS, A2DP, 3G, HSDPA, WiFi, 5MP Carl Zeiss camera with LED flash, 3.5mm audio/tv out jack (most of which the mass public easily overlooked). Whilst the N95 was ahead of its time for quite a while the N97 which hasn’t even hit the shops is already flanked by two other very powerful rivals.
It seems it won’t be long until the hardware battle becomes saturated, all phones being more or less identical in shape, size and features where everything will come down to who’s providing the best software, online services and community/ecosystem interaction.
So, in this combat of flagships, do any pack enough artillery to sink the infamous iPhone? Or will that be accomplished by the elusive Palm Pré, or perhaps an Android?
My Nokia Blog- Video: Behind the new Nokia homescreen – multiple homescreens coming soon? July 14, 2009
- Video: The Nokia N86 has ‘real’/usable digital zoom! July 13, 2009
- Video Advert: Introduction to the Nokia N97 July 13, 2009
- How to: Calibrating the Nokia N97’s compass in 3 seconds. July 12, 2009
- Freeware: UK Rail – Train Timetables for your Nokia N97, 5800, Samsung i8910 and other S60 5th Edition Phone July 12, 2009
- Two thumb typing on the Nokia N97 (or lack of) July 12, 2009
- Free Game: Match’em for Nokia N97, 5800, and Samsung i8910 July 11, 2009
- Photos: Nights out with the Nokia N97 (with Nokia N82 comparison samples) July 10, 2009
- Video: The Phones Show – Episode 85 – James Burland on the iPhone 3GS (and Nokia Rant) July 9, 2009
- WordPress mobile blogging on the Nokia N97. Bad for Nokia blogging, great for diary blogging. July 8, 2009
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