Nokia N97 hands-on and impressions
By Darren Murph 
posted Jun 3rd 2009 4:41PM
posted Jun 3rd 2009 4:41PM
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Meh...
Let me elaborate: Android & the perty handsets it runs on.
I think it's a beautiful phone, much more than just a 'Meh' is necessary!
Fuck Android. It has nothing on Symbian and by the time it does - in a few years - this phone will be obsolete.
what!! pretty android handsets!! are you kidding me!!
This phone can easily be the BEST looking phone on the market when it comes out, can't wait to dump my 5800 for this baby...
OMG, I didn't realize there were Nokia/Symbian fanboys. Btw is Symbian open source yet? I heard that's what they were doing.
It's not fanboyism, it's simple fact. Until Android becomes more established it's not going to threaten Symbian.
SF is open source though so I expect they'll evolve too.
Either Nokia Symbian or SF, both are better than android, no fanboyism here.
I'm sorry, I have to disagree. Though I understand why you all think that Symbian is great, it's not. I'm on my 3rd Symbian smartphone (currently on E71) and I really really like it. It's snappy, it does the job, it's a stable OS, the works. But that's it. The OS is in general crippled by bad design, applications are extremely scarce (yes yes, there are thousands and thousands of SymbianOS apps, all stuck in the middle ages). I have to struggle to find the app I want to use, and 70% of the time, not from a centralized location (even though that's changing now).
For me, SymbianOS is stuck in the mobile OS middle-ages and is in serious need of a remake. Especially for the interface and the customizations it can receive. I'm all for Nokia build quality and Symbian stability, but I want a next-get web-connected phone -and unless something dramatically changes- it's NOT going to be a Nokia/Symbian.
Aburrida! Y no es un iPhone.
I agree, fuck Android. It has nothing on Symbian and by the time it does - in a few years - this phone will be obsolete. However, then there is the iPhone which isn't as immature as Android, nor as old and chunky as Symbian. This phone has nothing on the iPhone, but maybe the hardware keyboard if you're into those things.
Symbian could do with a refresh, Android isn't at the races yet.
As for the iPhone, yeah, it's OK but I'll need to see what v3.0 offers because at the moment it just doesn't cut it for me.
its doesn't have the hype of Iphone or Pre so people don't get excited. I think its a really good device and I am looking forward to my widgets on the home screen.
The German site xonio.com also got a retail device. There are a few pics - the full review is coming up later - I will update you ;-)
short description:
http://www.xonio.com/news/Erste-Bilder-Nokia-N97-in-der-Redaktion_36738407.html
Pics:
http://www.xonio.com/bildergalerie/Nokia-N97-in-der-Redaktion-Erste-Bilder-Galerie_36738462.html
OMFG..... this is what I have been waiting for.
It comes down to this or the new iPhone. With my loss of love for Apple lately I am praying this thing kicks some form of ass - to justify the spend.
This thing looks AWESOME!
Looks O.K.
O.K. meaning- 'Officially Kick-butt', right?
My dad wants a new phone and offered to take my Touch Pro and pay me for it. Thinking about getting the N97, but I might cave and pick up the iPhone if Apple announces some good changes tomorrow (Kotaku mentioned better ram, 3d processor, and attachment points for external keyboards).
IF and I mean IF Apple doesn't dissapoint with just a software update... I might have to give in :/
Looks like its made of cheap plastic?
Well...in fairness, the iPhone isn't exactly made out of billet titanium itself...
ah... as opposed to expensive plastic? pretty much the case will most phones these days. even the mighty iphone went plastic
Why does the article link to the spanish engadget?
cuz they got it 1st in spain ;P
Did you even read the post? It specifically says Engadget Spanish got it first.
OMAP3 or bust, Nokia.
This ARM11 nonsense is not going to bode well for your "flagship" device, especially considering the specs of your upcoming Maemo tablet.
I find it funny that people burn the N97 for using an 'out of date' ARM11 core, which it is a bit. Then the same exact people turn into raving NVIDIA Tegra fanboys / girls, which is also an ARM11 design :D
The Tegra platform uses a really awesome GPU, while this...definitely does not. That's the huge difference right there.
But yeah, Nvidia would benefit from using an ARMv8 proccy instead of an ARM11 core as well.
Good to see a nice set of accessories. The adapter that allows you to charge the phone via older Nokia chargers is kinda cool.
A few people have noted there's no TV-out cable included .. if you've got one from another N series you're ok .. but to have to go out and get one would be a pain .. they expecting everyone to just watch clips on the device screen?
So yeah .. not bad as far as accessories go .. but missing one that should be there.
Nice to see them all packed in plastic bags. Looks very exclusive.
Sounds smooth in his hand, looks like a quality build. If only I could understand what he was saying :(
Translated, for those who wish to read in English: http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http://es.engadget.com/2009/06/03/video-desempaquetando-el-nokia-n97-y-primeras-impresiones/&sl=es&tl=en&history_state0=
Definitely my next phone.
The screen looks really cheap. OS response time is really poor. its a brick on top of all that. I second that Meh… comment. Compared to iPhone, Palm, HTC or any other phone Nokia looks sooo dated.
No kidding. Having seen videos on the horrendously boring OS and unresponsive screen, I wouldn't even want to spend €250 on it. The device would have been a banger in 2007 but today it pale in comparison to the iPhone, Pre, HTC and even ZuneHD. Until SE and Nokia have reinvented themselves by developing a contemporary OS, they won't see me purchasing any of their their top phones.
@ homeboy
The ZuneHD isn't even a phone.
@Homeboy
Or you could, you know, use it yourself.
Just a thought.
These pictures look GREAT. Does anyone know if there is an interactive version of the Nokia N97 online like http://interactiveiphone.com for the iPhone? I really want to test it out before I decide if I want to get one of these instead of an iPhone.
You can look at the video and see most of the interface. I think that gives you a good idea of what to expect if you get the phone.
These pictures look GREAT. Does anyone know if there is an interactive version of the Nokia N97 online like http://interactiveiphone.com for the iPhone? I really want to test it out before I decide if I want to get one of these instead of an iPhone.
Nokia RDA is something like that. it's just not a simulator because it uses actual phones. and that's the reason there is a waiting queue. I haven't tried it myself yet, but you can if you're feeling lucky: http://www.forum.nokia.com/Technology_Topics/Application_Quality/Testing/Remote_Device_Access/Instructions_for_RDA_Usage.xhtml
I'll have to go and get this one... resistance is futile.
Not that I know of but if you find one let me know cause I want to try out the interface & I don't any stores in the US will be carrying the N97
I will wait and see the iPhone before deciding...
not much to see there, apple's going to release the same phone with minor modifications for 3rd time.
@sam:
Like you have *any* idea. Just shut up.
Where's the detailed software reviews of these things, the looks are all samey these days.
They had me at "hola"
Played with one in the Nokia shop in London today.. It's FAST. and doesn't feel at all cheap, my wait for a Pre has just shortened to non-existent.. I want an N97 now.
I love the white one :)
it's just too hard for me to decide between this and the Samsung i8910 HD
Aren't you guys the ones who didn't give us video of the Zune HD?
Fore real... 90% of the video is somewhat out of focus... is that hard to make a good video?
Thats what i was thinking. Seriously, the video looks like it was shot with a cheap camera phone.
it doesn't really look that nice to me. the chrome bezel bugs me. then again, i just dislike chrome things but the protruding bezel doesn't look like it's connected very well to the screen. makes it look kind of like some cheap toy. the keys on the keyboard also look a bit too shallow. it reminds me of a touch pro 2 but much less refined and smooth.
I think it looks better in black (but them what doesn't?)
What I'm upset about is the plastic battery cover. It looks so much cheaper than my E-71 metal one.
Must be a weight issue.
The phone itself looks pretty nice but the OS just looks horrible.
*in whiny three year old voice*
ITS *gasp* NOT *gasp* FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Storm and this just go to show... trying to shoehorn touch-based functionality into an OS designed for a button-based input never works out well. I wish Nokia and SF had scrapped S60 and started afresh on a new OS built purely for touchscreen (capacative ones, too) devices.
Well, there's a new Maemo 5 device with a gsm/hdspa module in it on the way from Nokia ;)
Which makes me wonder if they're putting all of S60 down in feature phone, and will be touting Maemo as their smartphone OS.
Who else think that hinge mechanism is corny as hell.
the phone looks great but why have they decided to go with that thin plastic cover on the back.... Would think they would have learned their lesson since N95. The plastic cover is about the only thing I have been complaining about on my current N95, the hinges breaks off so easily. If I decide to go with N97, I might as well order up a 10 pack of the back covers
From the video, it looks like the N97 uses the BP-4L battery. Which means E71 users who get this will now have a backup battery as well as a backup phone. That's a small nicety.
Grudgingly, I like it. If I wasn't such a diehard Apple fanboy, I'd consider buying one. Nokia makes some nice high-end handsets.
Nothing against the phone, but it just doesn't excite me. The OS is clunky and old-fashioned, the interface is dull, and at least in the video at the read link, the touchscreen doesn't seem very responsive. The phone itself looks good, but not great. I'm not too sure about the materials; the way that plastic back plate sort of snap-crackle-pops off is rather disconcerting. And the sliding mechanism doesn't seem very smooth from the video, it sort of snaps open with a loud crack half the time. Personally, I can't see what the big fuss is about this phone. I just can't see actually buying this over the Pre, the iPhone, an Android device, or a Blackberry (or, for that matter, one of those Tegra or Snapdragon-powered WinMo phones). I suppose for the Symbian fans in the crowd, it might be a different story, but I just don't see the point.
Downrated by Symbian fans in 3...2...1... Ow.
They were using it without removing protective shipping screen from the display. Unresponsivenes might be because of that.
Yeah, maybe you're right.
No, it's because it has a resistive touchscreen instead of a capacitive one which is more responsive and easy to use with fingers. Also, the OS is chunky and oldschool.
@Lundmark
And you know that exactly how?!? Done some comparative studies with and without it. Could you sed me one N97 too, for studying, really would like to have one. :)
Nevermind, yeah, capasitive screen unresposivenes with gloves on is caused by a clunky oldschool crappy OSes too, nice of you explaining it to us. :)
@Newone:
I'm not sure how you were unable to not understand my point, but I'll try again.
Resistive screens are the old type of touchscreen found in the first Palm Pilots, Sony Ericsson's P800 and its successors, touch screen universal remotes, and more. There is a reason that almost all resistive devices come with a stylus - simply because the precision of the screen isn't good enough for use with fat fingers.
Combine this with an old operating system, overhauled to support touch, and you get this. Just look at the video and you'll see that the two soft buttons in the lower corners are still present, as if the phone had hard buttons beneath them like the non-touch Nokias. That's old. Or watch him trying to use the virtual keypad. It's just sad, really.
A capacitive screen would solve the precision issues if combined with a new OS made for touch. Fuck S60 and make something for this generation of phones. Look at the iPhone and Palm Pre - you can't blame them for their touch screen responsiveness, that's for sure.
PS: Yeah, I know you can't use gloves on a capacitive screen, but you really can't on a resistive one either because of the bad precision. Also, try getting out the stylus with gloves on. Should be faster to just take them off...
Not worth the $$. There are much better phones out there.
Can't say I'm digging that keyboard.
Or mabye I'm just spoilt by the HTC Keyboards...
Whoever praises S60 are mentally ill. I Haven't seen worse designed OS in my life!!! And I'm not a Apple fan or Android fan or WinMo fan, but S60 is worse of them all!!!
Your post reminds me of Terry Pratchett's comments on the use of exclamation marks.
I'll just put this in the pile of other nice phones with shitty software. N97, greet your new friends; Mr. Touch HD, Ms. Storm and the fancy Dr Xperia X1. Now please burn.
.
Why is the table in focus and the phone blurred? How hard is it to use a camcorder these days.
At least for India users most of us would anyday favour the N97 over the new iphone. The iphone is way too expensive, network locked, has minimal aftersales support and is normally released at least six months after its US, Europe release. I am very sure Apple will follow the same strategy for the new iphone. Its a shame for Apple, as it shows how a phone which has such a powerful brand name even in India fails because of poor marketing by the company.
the n97 has been released in Qatar for a week now by the way
I believe it's in stock in the UK too at mobilephonesdirect.
Hey Engadget you have two long video review to beat when u get your hands on this phone. the french even crancked out a 70min video and they used a shaky camera..you are better than that, you know how to do a good review.
:D
@ John Doe
I've personally used this phone the build quality is easily better than the iPhone. The hinge is amazing and has a nice "flick" spring assisted motion when it opens and closes. The N97 is made of metal or a very metal feeling plastic, so it feels quite premium.
looks great, the only thing i dont understand is why the reviewer doesnt seem to dare to touch the screen. Yes a capacative screen responds to even the slightest slightest touch, and therefore its better (though less accurate) but this resistive screen works fine too as long as you give it a liiiiiiitle push instead of just the touch of your tip.
anyway, love it, cant wait to get my black n97 to replace my current 5800
I played with the phone at the NYC store and that day I pre-ordered. The screen is much more sensitive than the N810, way better. I did not miss having a stylus, very responsive. I can't wait for my phone. So if anyone wants to test this out go to the Nokia store. I think there is another one in Chicago.
Can't wait to get my hands on it. Come one Amazon.. Ship it Already!!
This is so frustrating, why does amazon changed their "INSTOCK" date again? It now says June 30. I called them up and they dont wanna tell me anything
What are they going to tell you besides that it's shipping later? Nokia is telling people July.
My estimated delivery from Amazon still the same, june 17 to june 29.
If you preordered you can relax, Nokia has already started to ship n97 preorders!!! This is the chat I had w/a nokiausa.com rep, (2day 6/9):
Representative will be with you shortly.
You are now chatting with Rob.
Rob: Hello! I am a NokiaUSA Customer Service Representative who specializes in helping customers choose the right products. May I have your first name please?
You: Will
Rob: Thank you Will.
Rob: How can I help you today?
You: when will you all start shipping the preorders for the n97?
Rob: I can help you with that, we have already started shipping out preorders.
Rob: You should be getting an email with the tracking number in it when it does ship out.
You: YESSS!!!
Rob: Do you have any other questions about our products that I can answer for you?
You: i just wanted 2 know that because i'd found out that the Chicago store will be selling them tomorrow
Rob: I see.
You: thx4 the info
You: i'll be on the lookout
Rob: You are welcome.
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