Customer Reviews

Nokia N95 Unlocked Cell Phone with 5 MP Camera, International 3G, Wi-Fi, GPS, MP3/Video Player, MicroSD Slot--International Version with Warranty (Silver/Plum)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

We have all seen the commercials, we have all read the advertisements and some of us may have even played with the device at our local Nokia store. At a glance, the Nokia N95 appears to be a combination of a few multimedia phones. With the exception of the GPS locator, there is nothing truely novel to this top of the range phone that costs around USD 1,000.

However, there is currently no multimedia phone out there that can squeeze so much technology into such a compact chassis: a 5-Band WCDMA/GSM transceiver, GPS locator, 5 Mega-Pixel Camera with Carl-Zeiss Optics and Auto-Focus, micro-SD card slot, wireless LAN, Bluetooth and Infrared, all in a slider phone package that's smaller and lighter than the Nokia N80.

The camera picture quality is on par with most standard high resolution camera phones, with the exception of the image resolution of course, which is at around 5 million pixel, clearly out-performing the N93, N73 and Sony Ericsson K800i plus every 3.2 mega pixel camera phone currently available in the market. The preset JPEG compression is however too high for my liking (images are normally compressed down to a horrible 600kb), but the quality of the images are generally acceptable for 8R printing. The camera flash is a let down as usual, but useful enough to take close up images in the dark. The VGA video recording feature is nothing to boast about, but useful for shooting impromptu home videos that are at least clear enough to survive editing and transfer onto your DVD-Rs.

The use of microSD cards limits the phone's maximum storage capacity to about 2GB, although I'm hopeful with the phone's incredibly fast response it will be powerful enough to support larger cards (4GB or more) when they finally become available in the market.

Wireless LAN functionality is as easy as any of the N-Series with WLAN capabilities; my only complain with this feature is that it drains alot of power from the weak supplied battery, the BL-5F. Internet browsing with the built-in WLAN out performs every other Nokia model available in the market, even the powerful communicators N9500 and N9300, in terms of speed and user-friendliness. Widescreen browsing is however only useful when an external wireless keyboard is used in place of the built-in numeric keypad.

The performance of the music player on this unit is on-par with those found on the music phones N91 / N91 8GB, having an effective 8 band equalizer with user presets. The bluetooth transceiver supports the stereo headset profile, so you can listen to music in stereo using optional bluetooth stereo headsets. The phone spots a 3.5mm multimedia plug, which allows the use of regular headphones, but the supplied headset allows you to make calls and remote control the music player (play, skip forward / backward, pause, volume up / down, lock) without reaching for the buttons on the phone. The music player software also comes with a few additional software visualization gimmicks similar to those found on Windows Media player.

Going back to the multimedia plug, it is by far one of the most innovative connectivity solution introduced by Nokia to date. A single 3.5mm plug capable of outputting stereo sounds for regular stereo headsets, while at the same time able to interface with a remote-controlled Nokia headset, and output composite video and stereo audio for outputting the N95's screen output to an external display with composite video input and analog audio inputs. The instruction manual warns users against connecting the multimedia plug to a signal output source, which may damage the N95.

The N95: It's a must have for gadget lovers or anyone who enjoys travelling light and doesn't mind parting with USD 1,000 to do it.

Purchase Price RM 3,199

I have to admit I have been anticipating this phone ever since it was announced in 2006. I have to say overall I am very satisfied with this device. I does have it's faults that will disappoint, but on the other hand it has managed to exceed my expectations in some respects. First, is stability. I have owned my share of phones and the headache that comes with hoping the next firmware will fix some glaring usability problems (e.g. crashes that only pulling the battery will fix). Thankfully, I am pleased to see S60 3rd Edition is better implemented here and I have yet to run into any major application crashes. This is surprising given how complex this device is and Nokia's recent past with releasing devices initially plagued with bugs (e.g. N80 & N93). The OS responds pretty well when opening menus and applications. It is not instantaneous most of the time, but is quite fast and significantly better than on other phones that I had the displeasure to deal with. There are some problems. I wish this phone had more memory. If you end up browsing several complex web pages, you will eventually run into the dreaded memory low situation. That is the problem, the browser is so good at rendering pages as it should that you will get irritated you have to close and reopen the browser to clear out the history of the last several pages you visited which are taking up whatever available memory exists (somewhere like 20 out of 64 MB). Nokia should have went with 128 MB since the browser, multimedia functions, and multitasking capabilities can never have too much memory. Still, it is all still very usable it is just annoying Nokia made a poor decision with such a high end phone. Speaking of the browser, as I mentioned it is amazing. I do wish the screen was slightly higher than 320x240 resolution as Nokia has previous generation phones with smaller screens at a higher resolution. It would simply make browsing even better as you wouldn't have to scale it down or scroll all over the screen as much to take in the entire page. The screen is, however, quite large and it simply looks perfect. Colors are beautifully rendered and picture/video viewing looks excellent on it.

Multimedia, as expected, is incredible. Sound quality is good, maybe not as good as my old Sony Ericcson K750, but still good nonetheless. Thank goodness Nokia provided a 3.5 mm jack for standard headphones, it is about time. The N95 will have no problem replacing a flash based MP3 player. Multimedia keys work well, but I am not sure how useful they are since the 4-way pad also provides similar functionality. The radio works well enough and manages to pick up a lot of stations in my area, but unfortunately it mostly defaults to mono while occasionally shifting into stereo. The camera is really good. Bright outdoor shots look, sometimes, just as good as any consumer camera. Like every other camera phone, indoor shots with low light will come out noisy and dark. That is to be expected. The LED flash will help provided whatever it is you are taking is not too far away. Make sure to update the firmware immediately as it fixes an annoying shutter lag problem. Pictures though sometimes come out too processed to hide noise. With the 5 MP sensor, I suppose noise is inevitable but I hope Nokia improves their processing algorithm in future updates. Overall, you cannot expect the N95 to replace your dedicated camera but with some practice you can get some very good results. Video recording is excellent. It is NOT DVD quality and you will clearly see lots of compression artifacts on your computer monitor. It is however the best on a phone and probably by a long shot. So much so, that video recording finally becomes useful when you spontaneously need to record an event. The camera soft is very good. All of necessary settings are here, though not all stick when you close the camera application. It takes some time to set up for the next shot, but you can turn off viewing the shot you just took so you can take the next shot quicker. The phone supports TV out. I haven't had the time to explore the possibilities, but it does appear useful for showing slide shows and video playback to your friends. I haven't found it terribly useful for much else, but YMMV on this.

I was a little disappointed by the storage provided by the MicroSD format. Nokia provides a 1 GB card in the box and states the phone phones supports up to 2 GB. It has been confirmed though that the newly released 4 GB SanDisk microSDHC will work in this device. This, IMHO, is an acceptable amount of storage for this device and will be needed given the multimedia possibilities of this phone (e.g. MP3s, video recording).

The GPS is very slow to lock onto satellites when first turned on. I wish the software also provided better feedback on what is going on as well. However, a GPS packed into such a device is pretty amazing and as long as you are patient, it does work pretty well. I personally don't have a lot of use for a GPS therefore this unit works well enough for when I need it. I am still getting the hang of it. It will not, however, replace a dedicated GPS unit that is used on daily basis.

Construction of the unit is fine. Some complain it feels cheap for such an expensive phone, but I just don't see it as a problem. The slider functionality works well enough and the keyboard feels good to me. It is very tactile though so if you like soft keypads it may not appeal to you. I wish the keys were a little bigger, but I always say that about every phone. They will be large enough for most. Everyone I have shown is impressed by the appearance of the N95. I will admit I considered a qwerty smartphone, but I needed something to fit in my pocket. It amazes me Nokia was able to fit all of the N95's features in such a small form factor. There are much thinner and lighter phones out there, but none will have a fraction of the features of the N95.

I won't beat the battery issue to death as it has been widely reported on this device. If you just use this as a phone with texting, e-mail, some web browsing and even MP3 playback, it is quite good. What is the point of getting this phone though if that is all you are going to do with it? If you start using WiFi, bluetooth, GPS, and particularly the camera/video recording the battery drains pretty fast. I suppose given the current technology and the small battery size, there is no way around this. Don't believe it is not manageable though because it is. If you plan on using the maximum capablilities of this phone all of the time on the go, I would suggest a car charger and possibly an extra battery so you don't get caught with a dead phone. I charge mine every night when I go to bed, but then again I have always been in the habit of doing that with my phones.

I am quite pleased and despite some concern over my purchase, I feel as if I am going to hold onto this for a long time. It is too bad Nokia priced the unit so high and it will be up to individual if it is really worth it, but right now the N95 is probably the best implemented and featured multimedia phone available.

My take on some of the features:

Camera - It takes two seconds to load up, two seconds to focus, and two seconds to see the photos on the screen after a shot is taken, which hardly qualifies for a point-and-shoot. Overall picture quality is dependant on the environment where the photo is taken. If the surrounding is well-lit, photos look impressive. But, in a relatively dark environment, photos look pretty awful.

Media Playback - I played mp3 tunes and quality was pretty good. Obviously it doesn't sound as good as dedicated mp3 players like my iPod, but I think the quality is more than acceptable. But, I noticed that there was some noise in the background. This is especially noticeable when I was listening to my music in a quiet environment. Video playback is pretty decent too and the screen size was large enough to allow me to watch my recorded tv show comfortably.

Battery - I know a lot of people moan about N95's short battery life. But, I thought it was pretty decent considering all the features this phone offers. The first day I got this phone, I listened to music for about half an hour while commuting, browsed Google map to get directions, check news online for about half an hour, took about twenty photo shots, talked on the phone for about half an hour, and I still had several bars of the battery left. As long as you don't overuse WiFi or GPS, you should be fine with everyday charges.

GPS - This is my least favorite feature in the phone. It is simply too slow to lock down the location. I find myself using Google map (for mobile) more often than this feature.

Design - It is passable, but certainly does not look like a $700 cell phone (since it won't attract others, is this a good thing?) One thing that bothers me the most is the front slider. It is wobbly, so whenever I press a button it makes that 'click' sound. You do get used to it after a couple of days, and there is a DIY way of fixing this (available on the internet), but I don't think I want to open up my phone and risk breaking my $700 investment!

Conclusion - I was a bit hesitant at first because of the price and the well-known drawbacks discussed above. But if you're a semi - power user like me and wouldn't mind the features being just above average rather than fantastic, you will not regret the purchase.

iPhone or N95? - I pondered waiting for the iPhone, but ultimately decided against because 1) I don't like the idea of using touch screen to make phone calls. These are first and foremost cell phones, so the convenience of making phone calls matters the most to me. 2) iPhone does not have 5mp camera. 3) I do not want to make a two year commitment to AT&T (I like my month-to-month contract with T-Mobile, thank you) and who knows how much it will be if unsubsidized? Also, I don't know when it will be actually available unlocked. 4) I love Apple's simplicity and elegance, but I needed flexibility (of a Symbian based smartphone) and functionality.

Alternatives? - I also considered getting Sony Ericsson's upcoming W960, but I coulnd't wait that long!

I have to admit, Nokia is a client of the company I work for, but I assure you, this review is written from my perspective, and not the company I work for.

The N95, in my opinion, is the most amazing phone ever made. iPhone? Doesn't even come close to what this baby can do. With it's built in GPS, 5MP Carl Zeiss digital camera, DVD like video, and the amazingly sleek look, I wouldn't use any other phone.

I do have some negatives with it though, so this isn't all roses. I don't like how when I slide it down for the media controls and it switches to landscape that it doesn't switch back to profile when I slide it back. I also don't like that it doesn't work on American 3G (or HSDPA). Over seas, of course, this isn't an issue.

Things that I like:
-The layout of the front keys is a vast improvement over the N80 and the N73.
-The number buttons really stand out and let you feel for what number you mean to push.
-The image on the screen is brilliant and beautiful.
-The quality of the camera is BREATH TAKING!
-It's light and small even compared to the N73.
-Everything else about this device.

I've had this phone a few weeks now and I'm not particularly impressed overall.

The good:

- Reception is good where I currently live;
- Functions well as an MP3 player;
- Display is nice, but certainly dwarfed by iPhone;
- You're not stuck with AT&T/Cingular;
- Great PC interface;
- 3.5G is nice (they have it where I currently live);
- Overall very functional for day-to-day use.

The bad:

- GPS is almost completely worthless. You have to be standing still at least 10 ft outside of a building or car to get it to lock on to enough satellites to locate you, and even then, it'll take 2-10 minutes to do so. And if you get in a car and start moving or are walking in a big city (i.e., where you might actually need the GPS), it has a really hard time tracking you;
- Battery life is good for 1-2 days depending on use;
- It's not a very convenient size;
- Camera, though 5mp, takes pretty unimpressive pictures under most lighting conditions;
- Enormous price tag.

I probably would not buy this phone again, but mostly on account of the GPS functionality. That was the main reason I bought the phone, and the GPS has also been my biggest disappointment. You're better off buying a cheaper phone and buying a separate GPS unit that actually works.

First, let me just say i'm a gadget freak! I've been through A LOT of cell phones. From the motorola startac back in 1995 to my recent N95 (1st batch Asian edition). I got mine overseas cos it wasn't available here yet at that time.
True, the symbian OS sometimes slows down if you have too many applications open, but all u have to do is close them if you're not using them. Just think of it as a computer with only sufficient RAM.. and for the issue that the phone freezes and reboots, you'll find that in the long run it happens less frequently to none. Like a computer your phone is learning how you use it. My phone doesn't even do it anymore and sometimes i'll have 3-5 applications open at the same time.

I'm not gonna tell you what all the features this phone has cos you can just go to the nokia website and they'll have a better presentation for you. But i will tell you that the all these features packed into one beautiful gadget is better than any phone out there.. specially the iphone! I'll just give you a few examples..

The video quality is the best you will ever see from a cell phone(true DVD quality), once i even saw a reporter in a news video using his N95 to capture the same news event.

The mp3 player sound from the speakers is the best i've heard, clear and crisp! i even compared it to my friend's iphone, no contest!

Mine is an Asian version, yet the GPS works over here. I just needed to update the firmware to get faster GPS signal capture.

As for pictures, 5mp is more than you'll need unless you're a pro photographer, and like with all other digital cams keep ur hand and subject steady and voila! Great pics!

Radio tuner works very well! I use my phone to download and read books from mobipocket so why would you even buy thos big bulky digital readers?

I even watch TV on mine when i'm out and about, via internet connection or through GPRS.. well that's cos i have a slingbox media and i downloaded the free media player onto my phone.

Buy the bluetooth wireless keyboard and you can work on documents and spreadsheets while texting or having a conversation on your favorite instant messenger.

Often people stare with amazement, when i'm having my java at the local coffee shop or at the bookstore, while everyone else is on their laptops i'm typing away on my keyboard and looking at 2"x2.4" screen. Well i guess i know why they're staring. =) So much more stuff, but i'll leave all that for u to experience yourself.

About 3G, mine came with 3G but is useless to me since my carrier is TMOBILE who doesn't work on that netowrk. I can't wait until the US carriers start supporting VIDEO calls cos this phone is PERFECT for that! Oh and here's a tip if you decide to get the phone.. if you're not using 3G change you're network mode settings to GSM instead of dual for longer battery life(well at least that's what the salesman told me).

Ultimately, I personally think that whenever you buy a phone you have to accurately match it with your lifestyle and your needs. With the N95, I think this phone aims to please almost everybody. Well except for the apple worshipers. =)


note: To all US carriers.. SUPPORT VIDEO CALLS NOW!!!

Years ago, I replaced my regular home phone with VoIP but now it looks like I'll be replacing my home VoIP phone too! This Nokia N95 *is* my VoIP phone when I'm home! AND... I can take it with me everywhere I go.

You can be anywhere in the World and as long as you have a WiFi connection, your phone numbers will be active for incoming and outgoing VoIP calls. I say "phone numbers" because with VoIP you can have multiple international numbers ring on the same phone. i.e. I have a Miami number, a London UK number and a Caribbean phone number all ring on the same Nokia N95 phone. How? You need a good VoIP provider that offers multiple numbers on the same account (called DID's).

Throw all your other phones away!!! Seriously - but give yourself a couple of weeks first to get acquainted with this phone. It's different from handling a Blackberry... both physically and operationally. It took me a couple of weeks to get used to it - in fact, it was a week before I took it for a walk outside the house :) It's just a few ounces in weight and it feels very delicate - like it might break or drop. But that's only because I was used to handling a Blackberry which is much bulkier and heavier.

VoIP guys - Bear in mind that you MUST install a SIM chip to get the phone working properly - without the SIM chip, the phone goes into "off line" mode and it basically impossible to get it to do anything. i.e. you can't get the VoIP working if the SIM chip isn't installed.

Of course, there's so many other features like GPS, Camera, etc... there's a pretty steep learning curve but it's definitely worthwhile!

Give yourself enough time and you'll fall in love with this phone!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

I'm the Chief Engineer for a major San Francisco Bay Area radio station and when my old phone died, I went over to the AT&T store to get a replacement. I wanted one that would do audio streaming, wifi and played mp3's, AAC+, AAC files and, well just about everything. It also HAD to have a STANDARD headset jack so that I could use it with the headset of my choosing. I didn't want any goofy adapters or delicate plastic parts that would break off and leave me without service. AT&T didn't have anything like this. They also wouldn't sell me an unlocked phone that I need when traveling internationally. I did some research and found the Nokia n95. While expensive, I decided to get one and hope that it didn't suck. It's possibly the most satisfying technology purchase I've made in a decade.

It has the cleanest audio of any portable device I've found, including the IPOD and other mp3 players that I own. I found other features that I didn't think would be useful, like the GPS and even VOIP support. I get real time traffic and navigation from google maps and the included GPS enabled map prgram has proven very useful. The 5 megapixel with Carl Zeiss lenses takes great pictures and the smaller videoconferencing camera is useful too. It even has a high quality FM radio! The included software package installed painlessly and even made it simple to 'flash' the phone firmware to the latest revision,and sync up with my PC. No problems, frustrations or surprises. It's GSM and EDGE (data) here in the USA (AT&T and T-mobile) and 3g worldwide (where available). Bluetooth, USB, IRDA and WIFI connectivity.

Nice job Nokia! The feature set and hardware beat the Iphone in every area except possibly user interface, and I'm not at all unhappy with the UI. I'm amazed and recommend it to you now.

I received my phone just fine, and started it normally, and it was great. Except that when I tried to use any of the functions of it, it went black. That's not exactly the kind of thing you want when you buy a phone of this price!

I have to say spending so much money on a phone made me nervous, but I have to say having an unlocked GSM phone was great. I was traveling outside the country and my provider uses CDMA, so I needed a way to stay in touch with family and friends in case of emergency. I picked up this phone and the MOBAL sim card deal that Amazon has, and I am very pleased with the combo. I also have the slingbox and when I bought the phone they just released a mobile player for it for the symbian OS. The phone worked like a champ.

The good things are having this phone, I had a way to take photos without having to carry another camera with me when I just wanted to walk on the beach. The only bad thing about the phone and the reason I gave a 4 out of 5 stars is that the battery is weak. It only lasts about 2 days without the need of a recharge. Other than that, it is an amazing phone.