Nokia N96 16 GB Unlocked Cell Phone with 5 MP Camera, 3G, GPS, Media Player Micro SD Slot–U.S. Version with Warranty (Black) REVIEW: The followup to the sensationally popular N95, the Nokia N96 is a veritable Swiss Army knife packed with all the mobile communication, multimedia, location and computing tools you need. With a large 2.8-inch screen, 16 GB of internal memory, additional MicroSD expansion, and support for high-quality videos in a wide range of formats, the dual-slide Nokia N96 represents an exciting new chapter in mobile media.
The Nokia N96 multimedia computer has a large 2.8-inch screen. |
Its face slides up to reveal an alpha/numeric keypad. |
The quad-band Nokia N96 GSM/EDGE phone makes it easy to roam globally and stay in touch with voice and text messaging, and this model is also ready to run on 3G networks here in the US (850/1900 MHz HSDPA), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia while on the go. It also includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, at home, and on the road from a variety of wireless hotspots. You’ll also be able to connect to a wide variety of peripherals–including stereo headphones–with the Bluetooth 2.0+EDR capabilities.
It’s based on S60 software operating on the Symbian OS, enabling you to personalize the N96 by choosing from a wide choice of compatible applications that can be downloaded–including games, navigation, entertainment, and productivity titles. Other features include a 5-megapixel camera/camcorder with Carl Zeiss optics, assisted GPS (A-GPS) for navigation using the Nokia Maps application and geotagging of photos, FM radio, USB 2.0 connectivity, TV-out capability for displaying photos and videos on external televisions, access to live TV (operator service using DVB-H or streaming over 3G, where available), and up to 3.7 hours of GSM talk time.
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider.
Phone Features
Offering a design similar to the N95, the N96 has a large 2.8-inch LCD screen with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution and support for up to 16 million colors for terrific depth when viewing photos or playing immersive 3D games. The screen also offers Auto UI rotation based on the integrated accelerometer. The innovative 2-way slide concept makes it easy to switch between different modes, going from reading maps to watching a video with a simple slide. A numeric keypad slides out from one end of the device while dedicated media keys slide out from the opposite direction, converting the display into full screen landscape mode. In addition to the internal 16 GB memory, the N96 also offers memory expansion via optional MicroSDHC media up to 8 GB in size–providing a whopping 24 GB of mobile storage, enough for up to 40 hours of high-quality video.
The phone also slides down to reveal media playback controls, and the screen auto-rotates from portrait to landscape for optimal video viewing. |
Capture vivid still imagery with the 5-megapixel Carl Zeiss lens, as well as smooth DVD-quality video. |
The Nokia N96 actually has two cameras, a high-resolution, 5-megapixel camera on the back of the device and a lower resolution camera on the front (VGA resolution, 640 x 480) on the front of the phone for video calls (requires network compatibility). The main camera on the back of the N95 supports an image capture resolution of 2592 x 1944 pixels. You can use both cameras to take still pictures and record videos. It allows DVD-like quality video capture at 30 frames per second at VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels). Further, with the integrated A-GPS, you can now “geotag” pictures with location data and share them with online communities.
With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5-megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Carl Zeiss, a world leader in high quality camera lenses, brings an award-winning legacy to the Nokia N96 with state-of-the-art optics for mobile photography and mobile video. The Zeiss name has been associated with cameras from Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, and Nikon. This auto-focus Carl Zeiss Tessar lens has a 5.2mm focal length, F2.8 aperture, focus range as close as 10cm. The camera also features a flash, video light, auto-focus assist light, self-timer, white balance and exposure compensation settings, scene settings, and digital video stabilization.
Images are saved as JPEG or EXIF files while videos are recorded in the MPEG-4 file format with the .mp4 file extension, or in the 3GPP file format with the .3gp file extension (sharing quality). Photos and video clips can be enjoyed on a compatible television thanks to the device’s TV out feature and support for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology.
Accessing internet videos is quick and simple. The Nokia N96 supports common video formats including MPEG-4, Windows Media Video and Flash Video, making favorite videos easy to view. The Nokia Video Center also offers one place to discover and access a variety of mobile content ranging from movie trailers and comedy to news from world-leading content brands such as YouTube, Reuters, and Sony Pictures. Transferring and accessing videos is even faster with the high-speed USB 2.0 connection and WLAN and HSDPA support. In select markets, the integrated DVB-H receiver offers live broadcast TV with an automatically updating program guide. For added convenience, the Nokia N96 features a “kickstand” on the back cover that allows for hands-free viewing.
For a superb music experience, the Nokia N96 features media keys, a 3.5 mm headphone connector and built-in 3D stereo speakers. You’ll easily be able to control playback with the dedicated media keys, and the digital music player supports playlist editing, equalizer and categorized access to your music collection. You’ll also enjoy podcasts, Internet radio, and access to FM radio with RDS.
The back of the phone includes a kickstand for easy handsfree viewing of videos. |
Side profile of the N96. |
This smartphone has an integrated Wi-Fi LAN (802.11b/g), enabling seamless connectivity with wireless networks at work, at home, and on the roam via Wi-Fi hotspots at airports and coffee shops. Because the N96 is Bluetooth enabled (with version 2.0+EDR), wireless communication headsets can be configured with the phone for total hands-free operation. It also offers Bluetooth stereo audio support (A2DP), enabling you to enjoy your music without any wires. If your laptop is Bluetooth enabled, you can connect wirelessly and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN)–surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
With A-GPS functionality, you’ll be able find your route quickly and easily, whether walking or driving (A-GPS is a network dependant feature that requires a data plan; additional charges may apply). The Nokia Maps application offers richer maps with urban details and satellite views and the ability to search and download information about points of interests, such as restaurants, hotels, companies, travel agencies, airports, and more. It also provides optional upgrades such as City Guides, turn-by-turn pedestrian mode and voice-guided car navigation.
The N96 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. It also enables you to check your email on the go (supporting POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols). T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit–a plus for mobile text messaging users.
View web pages as they were originally intended with the integrated Nokia Web Browser, which enables you to zoom out to a full screen view of the entire page using the Mini Map feature. Find the section you want and then zoom in to the content you need. The text instantly adjusts to the size of your screen. The browser also keeps a history of your browsing so you can quickly get back to where you started.
Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) technology means that this Nokia phone will discover, interact with, and control other compatible home electronic devices. This includes PCs, media centers, home entertainment systems, new smart appliances, home automation systems, networked peripherals, and Web-based services. With compatible equipment, you can stream video from your Nokia device directly to your TV, or hear music tracks stored on your PC through your living room’s sound system.
Other features include:
- Supports the Ovi family of Nokia internet services, including maps, music, media sharing and more
- N-Gage application with try-and-buy games
- Music playback: MP3, AAC, eAAC, eAAC+, WMA
- Video playback: MPEG-4 / SP and MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, up to 30 fps, up to VGA resolution (scaled max QVGA on device, SDTV on TV-out); RealVideo up to QCIF at 30 fps
- Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures)
- 128MB RAM, 256MB system memory (operating system plus dynamic user data area)
- 3.5mm stereo headset plug , TV-out support (PAL/NTSC)
- Wi-Fi supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security settings
- Speaker-independent voice commands
- Document viewer (compatible with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, PDF, ZIP)
- Flight mode
Vital Statistics
The Nokia N96 weighs 4.4 ounces and measures 4.06 x 2.17 x 0.71 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.7 hours of GSM talk time (2.5 hours on 3G networks), and up to 220 hours of GSM standby time (200 hours on 3G networks. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as the 850/1900 MHz HSDPA 3G frequencies found in the US.
Customer Review: Best Nokia I have owned
I purchased this after I returned a N85-3 to another dealer, this phone has it all and works as good if not better than the old outdated N95-3.There are so many things to point out it would take me forever to put it all down but from a person that has owned a N73, Two N81’s, a N78, a N95-2, Three N95-3’s, Two N95-4’s, a N85-3 and out of all of them the N96-3 is the best of all.If you would like the best Nokia that is being produced right now I would say pick up a N96-3,it works great and is really fun to use.
Customer Review: Excellent Video and Sound
I’ve waited a month of having this phone to review it to make sure that I give an accurate review of it’s pros, cons and quirks. Here’s the “short” version of my review.
Switching to the Nokia N96 after using an HTC MDA with Windows Mobile on it for 2 1/2 years.
If you slide the keypad down, the numeric keypad shows and the display remains in portrait. If you slide the keypad up, the multimedia keypad shows and the display goes to landscape mode. However, if you close the multimedia keypad, the display stays in landscape mode. This can be a pro or a con, depending on who you are. For me, this is a con, because I have to move the numeric keypad down to get the screen to go back to portrait.
The menu items on the screen are customizable.
Calls
The clearest calls ever. This is the first mobile phone that I have ever used speakerphone where the other party does not ask, “Are you on a speakerphone?” It sounds the same as if you were using the handset. I did try using the “Say Caller’s Name” function, hoping that the caller’s name would be verbally communicated, but the phone froze up and had to be reset after a test call was made to it.
Messaging
Messages show the sender and the first 30 characters of any message, great for getting the jist of what you’re looking for in your inbox. The left and right buttons allow movement between Inbox, Templates, Drafts, Sent, Outbox and Reports. Inbound MMS may take hours if being sent from a competitor’s service company (this may be an AT&T issue, though).
Calendar
Large, easy to read month and week calendar. Easy to add appointments, just pick a date and start typing. Easily swap between calendar views using the * key.
Network
Quickly locates surrounding Wifi, however, once you select a network (even if the connection is unsuccessful) you must manually select a new network by vising the WLAN Scanning setting.
Profiles
Phone has Normal, Silent, Meeting, Outdoor, Pager, and Offline profiles which are 100% customizable. Press and hold the # key and you swap between your preferred profile and silent mode. Excellent 1 click capability.
Bluetooth
I did not test this feature extensively, but was able to connect to a BlackBerry Pearl quickly.
Video Center
Video starts in portrait, must open multimedia buttons to change to landscape. Has extremely vivid, detailed video. Multimedia backlit buttons on keyboard fade after so many seconds of being idle, must memorize which buttons are where. Thankfully, the “select” button doubles as a pause button.
Photos
You can sort your photos by captured, months, albums, tags, downloads and all. A very appealing rotating menu of the thumbnails can be used to select which photo(s) you would like to view.
Games
I only played PinBall and I hated it. Having to use the 1 and 3 keys for the flippers with my thumbnails scratching up the bottom of the screen. Didn’t like playing games on it at all.
Buttons
Lock button is convenient quick slider. Does have a power button, don’t need to hold down the end key. The volume button is the hardest button I have ever had to press on a phone, don’t attempt this one handed. Memory card slot is hard to open, afraid it will snap off every time I try to open it. The keypad is backlit in white. When the keypad idles out, you have the option to have the select button “pulse” in a dim bit of light to that it’s easy to find in the dark. Very neat!
Video Camera
5 megapixel Carl Zeiss lens is the best I’ve ever seen on a phone. The shutter button can be held halfway down, just as any other digital camera to focus. The phone has different scene modes found in other digital cameras, such as Auto, User Defined, Close Up, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, Night and Night Portrait. The camera also has burst mode that works extremely well! Video tells you how much time you have left (i.e., 1:29:00) but when shooting video, the time rapidly declined to 1:24:00 within 5 seconds and continued declining from there. The video does have a video light, similar to a flash for still pictures. White balance, color tone are other options you can use. The shutter button is hard to press without blurring the shot if you have the flash turned off. Zoom is slow. Lots of options for the self timer. There is a secondary camera used for a self portrait or video calls, but it is definitely a worse lens, etc., as it picks up a lot of noise in low light and the quality is inferior.
Browser
A “pearl” would definitely come in handing. Using the Navigation button is tedious and time consuming. Your thumb starts to hurt after a while of using it to scroll, as well.
General
Battery will show fully charged for days, but as soon as you take a call, the battery seems to drain super quick, almost like when you have a full tank of gas and the guage doesn’t move for days, but as soon as it does, you know you’ll be out of gas within 50 miles. This could be quite confusing for a first time multimedia phone user. Would recommend to see this in a touch screen with a QWERTY keypad. The backplate is very delicate and it feels like I’m going to break it.
The other day the phone said, “No SIM Card” and when I opened the backplate and took the battery out, yep, there was the SIM card. It had become unsecured. I’m sure just pressing the battery down would’ve corrected this, but this could be a pain. BTW, this happened without me dropping or jarring the phone at all.
The kick stand is hard to open the first time, you’re afraid you’ll break it, however, afterwords it’s really easy to open, but not too easy that it’ll fly open on its own.
If you need to relocate files from one memory source to another, it is a smooth, quick process (i.e., from MicroSD card to 16GB Memory).
Quick charging time.
The camera lens cover is *not* recessed, making for easy cleaning.
FM Radio is excellent, you can use either the handset, headset or stereo speakers. Also, this has the best stereo sound I have ever heard from a phone, much better than my iPod dock.
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