Funatics: 2007

The Nokia N95 8GB is a little bit more than just the existing N95 with a paint job and memory upgrade - this version of the N95 has a larger screen and enhanced GPS, plus N-Gage gaming.

The display has been upgraded to a 2.8" panel from 2.6", and according to Nokia it is also brighter and clearer than ever before. In fact, the screen is the same size as the HTC TyTN II - but the big drawback with the Nokia N95 8GB is that it doesn't have a touchscreen.

Underneath the snazzy new exterior, the Nokia N95 8GB packs in an awesome number of features. It's a 3G phone with HSDPA high-speed data, quad-band GSM with GPRS and EDGE and WiFi. The N95 8GB also has stereo Bluetooth, infra-red and USB connectivity.

The camera is one of the N95 8GB's strongest points - it's a 5 megapixel unit with autofocus and Carl Zeiss optics. Video capture resolution is up to 640 x 480 pixels, and the N95 8GB also has a video out port. Images and video clips can be uploaded directly from the phone to a number of compatible weblog or picture sharing sites. Along with some other high-end Nokias, the N95 8GB can use the N-Gage Arena gaming service.

One criticism of the original N95 (since resolved in a software update) was the amount of time that it took to get a GPS fix, now Nokia have upgraded this to A-GPS which is quicker. Basic mapping functions will be included, but full Navigation support will require a subscription.

There's comprehensive multimedia support too, the N95 8GB can play back MP3, AAC, M4A and WMA audio files plus video clips. There's an FM radio too for good measure. The N95 8GB retains the unusual two-way slider mechanism that allows users to switch between the number pad and a set of dedicated media keys.

An addition, there's a web browser, email client and set of personal information management applications. The N95 8GB can also view common email attachment types such as Microsoft Office and PDF files.

As you can guess by the name, the Nokia N95 8GB now has eight gigabytes of internal memory, although unlike the original N95 it does not appear to be possible to add a memory card. Nokia say that this can hold up to 6000 songs or 20 hours of videos.

To be honest, there wasn't much wrong with the original N95 (apart from the lack of a touchscreen) and there's no pressing reason to upgrade if you're an N95 user.

The physical characteristics of the N95 8GB are very similar to the original at 99 x 53 x 21mm in size and slightly heavier at 128 grams in weight. Maximum talktime is around 3.5 hours on 3G, 5 hours on GSM and the standby time is up to 11 days.

Nokia say that the N95 8GB should be available during the fourth quarter of 2007 for a price of around €560 / £380 / $700 before tax and subsidy.

[Source: mobilegazette]