It feels like we’ve been waiting for the Nokia N97 for a long time, and – like many others – talking up its functionality for most of that wait. Now the NAM edition is here, though, can it deliver on the promise?
Saying that anticipation has been high for the Nokia N97 is an understatement. The handset’s spec sheet reads like a must-have list: 5-megapixel camera, triband HSPA, WiFi and Bluetooth, plus a 3.5-inch touchscreen, hardware keyboard and 32GB of standard storage, all features which are just as relevant to flagship smartphones today as they were when the N97 was first announced.
First, the good parts. The design of the N97 may be relatively sober, but build-quality is very high; the matte-finish plastics are tough but surprisingly light, and the hinge is sturdy and reassuring. Anybody who regularly switches devices or wants to use their own peripherals won’t be disappointed: the standardized connectors like mini-USB, 3.5mm headphone jack and microSD mean you won’t be carrying a bundle of proprietary leads and accessories. Nokia haven’t forgotten that a smartphone is, at its core, a phone, either; call performance is as good as we’ve come to expect from the company, with the full-bodied earpiece and well balanced microphone meaning that those on each end of the call have a decent audio experience. The speakerphone isn’t, perhaps, the loudest we’ve heard, but it does rate highly as one of the clearest.
That phone performance continues when it comes to connectivity, with the N97 proving tenacious with a 3G signal and offering speedy browsing speeds. Using AT&T’s network we had no problems with lag or premature disconnects, and it was rare to see anything but full or almost-full bars on the signal meter. Battery life is also decent, though you’d expect nothing less from a 1,500mAh Li-Ion pack. Nokia quote up to 360 minutes of WCDMA talktime (up to 570 of GSM) or 400 hours of WCDMA standby (up to 430 hours GSM); our testing found that they’re reasonable estimates, with the N97 easily capable of lasting a couple of days with moderate use.
Unfortunately, over those days the areas in which the N97 drops the ball will become all too obvious. That hinge may be well put-together, but it’s limited to a single angle; unfortunately, the angle Nokia have picked is not quite right for our tastes. For table-top use, it could do with being slightly more horizontal, unless you’re content to use the phone at arms-length. Either way, you’re faced with a QWERTY keyboard that’s frustratingly lacking in tactile response or finger feedback. Our first-impression was that their shallow travel might be an issue, and that’s turned out to be something of an understatement.
After the promise of such a broad, well-spaced keyboard, the end result is incredibly disappointing. The hard rubber keys themselves are pretty tactile, but their singular lack of travel drains away both accuracy and appeal. It’s a shortcoming shared by the D-pad, too, which means that not only is text-entry impaired but non-touch navigation. We recognize that Nokia had to make some compromises to accommodate the sliding form-factor, but it’s a similar situation in the HTC Touch Pro2 or even the T-Mobile Sidekick and we’d choose their keyboards in a heartbeat. Ironically, the one aspect we thought would present a problem – the offset spacebar – was the easiest thing to get used to.
Bizarrely, having made such a big deal of the text-entry options, Nokia don’t really give much opportunity to use them out of the box. There’s a Facebook client with a homepage widget and support for messaging, but other than that there’s no IM client and no threaded SMS or MMS. The Facebook app works well, and the homescreen widget shows real-time updates rather than just acting as a shortcut, but right now the Ovi download store is looking relatively barren of similarly well-coded software.
The camera offers 5-megapixels, autofocus and an LED flash, but falls a little short of some of Nokia’s more photography-centric devices. It’s certainly sufficient for taking outdoor shots, though the LED flash demonstrates the usual minute sweet-spot outside of which subjects are either washed out or hopelessly dark. Still, colors are generally well preserved and the autofocus is quick to lock on, and only indoor noise really shows the limits of the optics.
Video recording is also possible, either in widescreen 640 x 360 to fit the letterbox display or in more standard 640 x 480 VGA resolution. You can also upload content directly to online galleries from the handset, which is a neat trick, though it doesn’t seem possible to do this automatically. Video quality falls short of the iPhone 3GS, showing periodic blocking and smears when panned quickly or attempting to capture fast-moving subjects, though at least the capacious memory means you can store plenty of footage.
That’s if, of course, you’re not using the N97 as a media player. Audio quality is strong, and aided by the fact that you’re free to use your own headphones with the standard 3.5mm jack. The N97 not only has an FM radio but a transmitter as well, meaning you can pipe audio from the smartphone out through a nearby tuner. This is particularly useful in the car, though it’s worth noting that sound quality takes a significant dive as with any FM transmitter. There’s also Bluetooth 2.0 A2DP, which worked with no problems with the test headset we tried.
Files can be transferred quickly over the USB 2.0 connection, but the range of supported file types isn’t all that comprehensive. MP3, AAC, eAAC+ and WMA audio files can be played, but only MPEG4 or 3GP video files are supported. That’s a shame, as the N97’s decent screen quality would make it a neat companion for impromptu DivX or H.264 films. We’re also distinctly underwhelmed by the media apps, which lack any of the visual appeal of rival devices. Buttons are large and displays clear, and there’s a handy homescreen widget for audio control, but it all feels like the basic PMP functionality you’d get on an entry-level handset, not something with 32GB or more of capacity and an eye on taking out your iPod.
It’s S60 5th Edition that provides perhaps the biggest usability frustration, though. Nokia’s OS is, in the face of attractive and modern platforms like that the iPhone or Palm’s webOS, looking a little visually tired, and the touch enabling they’ve done feel half-hearted. Not only is there little in the way of visual gloss that users have come to expect, such as screen transitions or animations, but the way touch has been implemented seems an afterthought. There are no gestures or similar controls, instead buttons have merely been made chunkier and menus larger. There’s also a slight graininess, which is visible from some angles, which mars an otherwise decent LCD panel with high resolution.
One of the most obvious areas where touch on the N97 falls short is in the browser. Rendering remains speedy, but Nokia have unfathomably removed the full-page preview map, which used to pop up in the corner and show whereabouts you are on the page. Since there’s no multitouch, zooming uses a slider control or a double-tap. On the plus side, the presence of Flash Lite 3.0 means that YouTube videos can be watched from the browser itself, generally playing smoothly. However, while Internet browsing on full touchscreen devices is usually an effortless, straightforward affair, there’s nothing really in the N97 where the technology puts it any further ahead than the company’s own non-touchscreen phones.
To sum up, our disappointment in the touch-amendments to S60 5th Edition for the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic pretty much all applies to the N97. Nokia have made no noticeable improvements to how touch is handled, and while that was frustrating but perhaps bearable on the 5800 it’s simply not good enough on the N97. This isn’t about resistive or capacitive; it’s about fundamental usability that goes beyond replacing a D-pad with a finger. RIM had the good grace to listen to criticism about the first-gen Storm and seemingly address it for the upcoming second-gen version; we can only assume that the N97 has been so long in development that it predates any significant work on S60 that may be going on.
In our first-impressions, we described the Nokia N97 as a serious, business-like phone. That remains our lasting impression, despite the multimedia features on offer. Unfortunately, usability issues like the less than mediocre touch functionality and lackluster QWERTY keyboard are likely to prove just as annoying to business users as they do to everyone else. There are certainly some strong points to the N97, and its performance as a phone continues to impress, but at $650 unlocked and contract-free it’s an expensive way to make clear calls. Perhaps the months of anticipation have worked against it, but we’d struggle to recommend the Nokia N97 over its smartphone rivals.
Nokia N97 unboxing video:
I hav been using nokia since my Uni day back in 99. Now using N82 (2yrs already, my 5th Nokia) and it still giue me the satisfactn as when I bought my 1st nokia (top of hp range interm tech features)..I hav waited for the launch of n97 ..and ready to grab it, but what a disappointmt.compared to HTC Touch pro2 or iphone, N97 touch screen,qwerty was really below my expection. The ovi store also lack the frendlines and easy to use of a apples tore..I really hope Nokia people will make changes FAST, coz i need to get my smartphoue soon.
It is a characteristic of human beam to enjoy others pain and misery but in this case the jealousy , Nokia 97 is a very good device with superior features and come with a big price tag which is not affordable to average consumers so what has to be done i”ii tell you the media and the people must make it look bad and painful to have it then go for a street level devise and be happy like a example says ,, when cat can’t get the meet ” says it’s smell ,,
ramez, I’m 200% with you, I’m so happy with my current Nokia 5800 and for sure will buy this iphone dan palm pre killer phone that is Nokia N97
I’ve had my N82 longer than any other phone. Still looking to replace the old girl but nothing comes close when I look at everything the other phones have to offer. Bought a Memoir but it didn’t come close. Bought a Viewty but that really fell short. Looked at the touch pro but the camera and gps were lacking. Thought maybe the N97 might work but it doesn’t sound like it. I don’t know how long Nokias last, guess I will find out with my N82.
how is the speaker quality as compared to N96 and the other n series phones
Not a good phone compared to phone of same price. It is bulky and heavy. Lots of bugs inside.. Not worth of its price tag.
I have had a lot of phones, compared to the touch screen and speedness this phone is good but not As good as the new iphone 3gs infact the nokia 5800 xpress music phone is a lot better than the nokia n97 compared to its price and the wait .
to all my friends, collegues decide your self by looking at the iphone 3gs and the nokia n97 as i rate the iphone and still think its the best phone gadget that they have produced up to yet despite not having the flash on it but still is the best phone.
the nokia n97 gets a 5 star out of 10 from me , nokia you have to try harder to beat the iphone 3gs my advise to you is try changing your applications and let customers do its own applications like iphone have done and also navigation should be free not pay for it
so they are sending the made in finland to usa now and sending the middle east and africa the made in china trash. if they dont start sending some made in finland n97 to the middle east nobody is buying it. they need to know that.
hey nice pots man .. i found some info from this link
check it out
http://gadgetpitstop.com/nokia-n97-review
Hey Guys, bought N97 yesterday and felt great for first 5 hours, dont know what happened started hanging , restarts by itself and much more feats.it has major software problems. i recommed not to buy this piece from hell. N97 suckss….
Had mine for 3 days.
keyboard works fine for me (better than my try out of HTC Touch Pro where I keep hitting two keys at the same time – shame cost that keyboard looked better)
Higher spec than ipohone in many areas but not as flashy as OS not designed for touch.
Would have liked DivX, Browser is great.
Lovin it so far.
Ive had my n97 for a few weeks now & i think its great
Hello guys,
i have the N97 for 3 days now and i have nothg but praise for the device. It is smooth to use, the resistive screen is a darling and i dontn understand all the fuss abt its responsiveness. The built quality is solid and inspires confidence. There are some functions that i find intersting even though they are not nuch talked abt: music thru headphones is the best i know so far, the FM transmitter is fun to use, the net access was a breeze. i could easily register my hotmail, youtube, facebook.
i think we are spoiled for choice with so many handsets available. it is a matter of taste. And I have a Samsung Omnia for 6 months and I love it also….
Hi all,
here a new review about the Nokia N97, full of pictures: http://www.informaticaeasy.net/le-mie-review/669-nokia-n97-recensione-sul-phone-piu-smart-che-ci-sia.html
It seems that, on-line reviews are not always objective.. and by no means neutral!,
I am convinced that, a lot of business is hidden inside these “RIVIEWS!”
this could have been a decent phone if only the stupid battery was ok. Is anyone else having a problem with charging it? idont know if i managed to pick the bad one of the lot or others have a similar problem. the charger doesnt fit into the slot correctly so i could have charged it all night with no results. im REALLY REALLY REALLY annoyed with my phone.
this could have been a decent phone if only the stupid battery was ok. Is anyone else having a problem with charging it? idont know if i managed to pick the bad one of the lot or others have a similar problem. the charger doesnt fit into the slot correctly so i could have charged it all night with no results. im REALLY REALLY REALLY annoyed with my phone.
this comment from freespirit is also my view. i am using N97 for one month, and i am disappointed with the battery and the charging mechanism, otherwise its a good gadget to own.
had my n97 for just over a week now really disapointed had nothing but trouble with the piece of crap. had trouble with charging phone freezing and loud beeping noise wen making calls really advice that u dont buy one.probably the worse phone i have ever had.
I have been using the N97 for the past 2 months. First of all I noticed how programs would be continually running unless you shut them down by the correct protocol. As I often forgot I installed another piece of software to basically close all programs when necessary.
The keyboard is too small and I have small fingers, I cant read the keys as they are not lit up enough. ( I use reading specs) So sometimes I use the onscreen keyboard. Its not a bad phone, because it has loads of memory, it can do everything a business person would need, from quick documents to pdf files, emails, photo taking, gps tracking, and using the maps etc.. SO basically it is a good phone when you learn how to use it. Its not like the 3rd edition 60 series, so another learning curve. However it has one major fault and to date I cannot work out how to resolve it. If I cant I will return it back to my network and I will be sorry to do so as I have paid and installed software on it which I require for employment.
The fault is: The charging, some times it does and then instead of charging it seems to discharge in stead of charging while it is plugged into the mains. I then take it to my laptop and use the usb cable which seems to restore it all and gets it working again. Apart from a spare battery I really dont know why it is so pedantic, quite frankly Nokia the charging seems to have a bug.
nokia i want my money back! always crashing endless problems with the camara crashing and the phone freezing and for ovi store.. what a load of over priced junk!
Does anyone know what the text messaging is like on the Nokia N97. Is it the same as on the iphone where you get a transcript of the previous messages sent between you and a certain person? Thanks!
I respect the fact that people and companies do their best to come up with innovative ideas and products and I always think it’s easy to sit back and nag. Having said that, I wanted to add my feedback to this forum;
I had the iphone 1 series for some time two years ago but I got rid of it because I missed the keyboard, especially for emails. A good year ago I started getting enthousiastic about the to be launched N97 and waited and followed updates all that time until the (delayed) launch some time ago.
I’m sad to say that I’ve now been using the N97 for 4, almost 5 months and am heavily.. heavily dissappointed.
Also after waiting (again way too long) for v2.0 I see too little has changed to bring it anywhere close to the speed and intuitiveness of an iphone. Mind you I’m a Nokia fan (having owned models 5185, 9210, 6310, 6680).
The thing just hangs too frequently. Still doesn’t quickly come out of standby (you hear a text message come in, press the activation button and the backlight won’t come on).
Am now already looking at the Motorola Droid with Android 2 and considering a quick financial write of on this expensive paperweight.
Form Factor, 32G of onboard memory, Multi-Media feature (excellent video playback, music functionality), radio, S60 community, fully-loaded with Joiku-Spot, Bloomberg, Qik and other productivity apps, beautiful large screen.
………..beautiful large screen – self harming camera lense (new part needed) inadequately shielded therefore useless GPS (new part needed), unlock key that doesn’t 50% of the time, inadequate RAM to actually run homescreen widgets (that’s why they were removed in V20) and means can’t multitask meaningful apps (gravity and browser etc), insufficient C: to actaully load apps onto it (mostly required for system progs e.g. mail, maps etc.) requiring apps widgets etc to be installed on mass storage (E:) and remeber to make that change in OVI store setings (how intuitive) even if you redirect message storage onto the E: (32G mass storage) every time link phone to PC in mass storage (mem stick mode) mode to transfer pics/music etc. this setting undoes itself resulting in split message folders unless you remember to reset it every time.Oh still can’t get rid of default “Nokia ringtone” playing 50% of the time rather than your selected tone but incomparison to the rest that is trivial. This is stuff that was not visible at purchase time and are fundamental defects that should’ve been spotted and fixed before release. The initial release firmware was a disgrace they used early purchasers as beta guinea pigs (how they cannot have got it better than this in th e year+ it took to release only Nokia know) and it’s taken Nokia 3 months to get it to even semi functional (ie not crashing) and they have made some UI improvements but at it’s core S60v5 is really truly awful.
Signed
A Happy N97 Owner (you should see what the others have to say!)
Very annoyed with this phone.
It crashes and resets, even restarts, with no warning, often in middle of using apps.
I get a continuous beeping when calling, rendering it useless.
The charger doesn’t stay connected.
A VERY disappointing effort, and not what I signed up/paid for.
Not fit for use in my opinion.
I want my money back!
I’m going back to iPhone – it’s the Mac vs PC argument again, but with phones!