An excellent smartphone. (Nokia N95 8 GB)

Member Name: illogicology

Product:	Nokia N95 8 GB
Date:	20/01/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice design, usable, Symbian Operating system

Disadvantages: A bit bulky, expensive, no iplayer thanks to the n96

I'd like to start this review by saying that I like Symbian phones like the n95. Symbian is an excellent operating system for mobile phones and really allows you to use the technical capabilities of your phone in a way cheaper phones just don't allow for. Most mobile phones these days (including the n95) have more storage space, more memory and a faster processor than a desktop PC from the Pentium II days.

If you're going to have a mobile phone more powerful than your first computer then a smartphone with a functional operating system like Symbian should be a natural choice. These phones have free and paid applications available for all kinds of tasks and will allow you to really get your money's worth from your mobile.

Now, as for the n95 specifically. This mobile transcends the gap between PDA style smartphones and more ease-of-use orientated phones lower down the price ladder. The n95 functions like the majority of mobile phones with the typical select, cancel, call, disconnect buttons. A two way sliding front reveals the number keys or the media player controls. Looking through the phone's various files and applications reveals a huge selection of features ranging from the usual calendar and clock to barcode scanners and GPS. Out of the box, the n95 is one of the most well features phones on the market and will play a large selection of a Java and Symbian applications meaning you can use the n95 for most purposes.

This version of the n95 comes with 8gb of internal memory which really allows you to use the phone to full effect. Able to hold a large stock of pictures, applications, music and even a few videos; yoou can set the n95 up for any journey. The box also includes a handsfree/headphones set with music controls attached so you can use your phone without it ever leaving your pocket. Also included is a TV out cable so you can output the n95 to an TV with a composite video + sound input (those red, white and yellow cables that everything comes with these days.) This is handy for watching videos on a big screen without transferring to a different device and show videos to others without huddling round the mobile.

The built in media controls are also very good; sound quality is generally excellent though I would recommend a better pair of headphones than the included set to get the best effect. Video playback is of a high quality and the screen is a good size for it. The phone also has an incredibly powerful set of speakers built into the sides.

This phone has an excellent 5 megapixel camera with a carl zeiss lens. Each picture I have taken with it has been of an excellent quality. Unfortunately, unlike the non-8gb n95, this phone does not have the sliding lens cover. This has probably been done to trim down the already slightly bulky size, however on a phone in this price range it seems a bit cheeky not to have one.

Lastly, I'd just like to say that while I recommend this phone I should mention that the n96 out now is comparable in features with a much slimmer design. It is also capable of a few excellent features not found on the n95 such as the very handy BBC iPlayer, no longer usable on the n95.

Summary: A great phone if you take the time to use its full potential.

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