N95 8gb version is the nokia N95-2 model in black finish with built in 8gb memory V10.0.021. I wont go into too much detail with regards to specs as we all know them already and can be found all over the net. so ill just pretty much be comparing the 8gb version with the original n95 and my personal take on the unit and some random thoughts
Whats interesting:
Nice black finish. Nice back finish (hope it doesn’t scratch) none slip. Nice black theme/scheme. Nice black keys with WHITE backlight. Wohoo!
Keys are subjectively 5x faster and more responsive. With much much more memory and upgraded software, this is just FANTASTIC! This would be the fastest S60 phone ever. Gallery loads up super fast compared to other S60 phones. Very snappy. Even page scrolling, thumbnail rendering is near instant. If gallery is open for several seconds (time to load up) before you start page scrolling, rendering is instant.
Pressing the play key on the music buttons instantly plays the music. No delays like in the original.
After taking a picture, “processing image” is displayed on the bottom left until its done. Nearly nil lag time in taking pictures. Fastest N and E series or any S60 camera ever. Camera viewfinder grid view now available. Battery meter shows even in camera mode.
New multimedia key menu/launcher with aero look is a big leap over the previous. I like it very much but limited modification. In fact the only thing you can do is move around the list and that’s about it. Can’t add or remove the apps on the launcher like that of the original. That’s a bit of a downer but it functions superbly and practically everything id want in there is there already.
7 active standby icons/program shortcuts vs 6 from the original. Each shortcut can be changed. That one additional shortcut is just what I’ve been asking for…now its just perfect for me
Seach tool is now also available in active standby along with the calendar and WLAN
N-gage gaming offers spectacular graphics and gaming experience on its larger and brighter 2.8” LCD. so this should fancy gamers. honestly i couldnt care less since i dont really play games anymore.
Builtin Maps is so much better now. Graphics are enhanced. Download indicator is found on the bottom left. Map Loader makes downloading detailed maps without wifi (only dsl/cable) a breeze.
Ok ok…I admit, Ive always been hesitant to get a phone without a memory card. But with standard miniUSB cable and mass storage capabilities this wasn’t a big deal at all for me to enjoy the 8gb internal memory! read and write speeds are faster with the built in internal memory compared to microSD. i tried transferring 800mb of music. time was cut in almost half compared to the original.
New BL-6F battery pack performs twice as long as the original n95. However n95 BL-5F battery works perfectly on the new 8gb version. So for those with old spare batteries can still use them on the new device should they be thinking of upgrading
Personally the new battery can last me 8 hours now on a busy day whereas with the original would only last me 4 hours of heavy use. For normal users the new battery should last them close to 2 days.
Nseries Installer included in the Disc is sweet specially for novice users. Nicely organized. Easy to understand. Links are very useful. Checks net for updates before installation. Makes a world of difference in the total experience getting this device
MusicMix and Music Store are two of the features I haven’t explore yet so ill leave that one out for now except that its suppose to rival itunes store.
Whats not so interesting:
No more lens cover…I hate the fact that they already got it right the 1st time and they change it! And dispite what other sites/reviewers say, I don’t think the slightly THICKER more powerful battery is the reason why they took out the lens cover. it does make the unit more streamline
but smudges on the lens is just a pain for me.
When I plug in the cable, I need to confirm before it connects to the computer. Unlike the original n95 even when set to ask on connection, the set default connection activates upon connection to the PC via the cable automatically while it still offers selection of what other settings available to change into. It was very convenient but not anymore with the 8gb version
I just have to comment how illogical the settings were out of the box. Right soft key was set for camera and one of the active standby icon was also for the camera. kinda redundant not to mention a dedicated key on the side for camera function/activation! Another active standby icon that didn’t deserve its place is for the profiles. Hello? a simple press of the power key gives you profiles. Out of the box the lights time out and power saver was set to 5 and 10secs which is simply too short. Anyways, these things are easily corrected in the settings=>general=>personalisation menu.
What I think:
To sum it up, personally I think it’s a big upgrade from the already amazing N95. Faster more refined software, better apps, ngage gaming, longer battery life, more functionality with larger memory & a bigger screen is more than enough to warrant this my two thumbs up and highly recommend it for serious cellphone users.
This thing has EVERYTHING minus a touch screen (which I prefer) and a lens cover.