Nokia N96 16 GB Unlocked Phone with 5 MP Camera, 3G, GPS, Media Player, and Micro SD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Black)

by Nokia

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 4.1 x 2.2 x 0.7 inches ; 4.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B001DN5030
• Item model number: N96
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #64,908 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

What's in the Box
Handset, battery, travel charger (AC-5U), connectivity cable (CA-101), video-out cable (CA-75U), wired stereo headset and remote (HS-45, AD-54), mobile car charger, documentation

Product Description

N96 3G UNLOCKED GSM 5MP CAMERA

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

83 of 92 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Specs, Too Many Short-Comings, Way Too Pricey, December 31, 2008

By 

D. Diskin (California, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nokia N96 16 GB Unlocked Phone with 5 MP Camera, 3G, GPS, Media Player, and Micro SD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

(What's this?)

I was extremely excited to open up the Nokia N96, because from its specs it looked to be one of the most powerful mobile phones on the market. It certainly lived up to its expectations in some areas, and exceeds them in others, but fell short with some very common issues.

For anyone looking for a camera/media device that also does phone calls, this might have been a serious contender.

The media player works well for audio, the built-in FM tuner is great, and the internet radio feed was easy to use and loaded with content. This phone does everything well, but not nearly well enough to justify its astronomical price tag.

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Things Done Right:

Browser - The browser on the phone rendered the pages I tried perfectly and it was very easy to navigate using the device. Bookmarks and other features you'd want were all there.

FM Radio - This worked like a charm! It was very cool to have this in a mobile device.

Light Weight - The phone weighs considerably less than my AT&T Fuze and Tilt.

Massive Storage - The phone's best feature is its internal 16 GB of storage.

Looks - Trust me when I say the phone looks even better in person.

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Half-Way There:

Mapping - Rather than relying on a live internet feed for maps, it had very detailed maps of the US right on the phone. This is great if you are in an area with patchy service and need directions. But, it's no Google Maps. I've been spoiled by having Google Maps on my Windows Mobile phones for some time now, and while the mapping application on this phone is good, it's not Google Maps. Plus, many of the advanced features of this application require an extra fee such as turn-by-turn directions and traffic reports.

WiFi - Connecting the phone to my home wireless network with WPA/PSK was a breeze. HOWEVER, many of the features on the phone such as the mapping tool, internet radio, and others required use of data plan, even if you were connected via WiFi. And despite trying, I could never get it to connect to my computer for WiFi Sharing.

Help - The phone has online help for nearly every menu, most of which was well-written and useful. Some of the more rare settings had no help, however.

Camera - While this phone won't replace your $200 digital camera, it's better than what I've seen on most mobile phones. I especially liked the on-screen menus for making adjustments on the fly. The flash on the back of the camera is great for close-up subjects.

Voice Command - There is a utility which reads you your messages to you, which was pretty neat. And, you can dial your contacts through voice command, plus launch applications. Unfortunately, that's all. Voice command apps on other devices allow you to dial numbers as they are spoken, play specific media, or dictate text messages.

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More Work Needed:

No Keyboard - This device lacks both a keyboard and touch screen, limiting all input to the numeric pad and a plethora of other buttons. If you are a heavy text/emailer, this is going to be a deal-breaker for you.

IM Difficult - The phone includes an IM application, but it was intimidating to configure with settings that I had no clue about. Other phones include apps which are preconfigured for Yahoo, AIM, and MSN, but that was not the case here. The manual and help were useless here.

Micro USB - Every portable device I own uses Mini USB for sync and charging, but the Nokia N96 introduces the even smaller Micro USB. That means that I need to carry yet another cable.

No USB Charge - To make it worse, you cannot charge via USB. While the phone comes with an AC charger and a car charger, its proprietary and means yet ANOTHER cable to carry.

WMV Playback - Despite being touted as a media player, the phone would not play any of the WMV files I copied to it. These were non-DRM files that worked fine on other phones.

AGPS - The manual claims that the phone supports Assisted GPS (to speed up your positioning) but it would not work.

Other Annoyances - There were a few other things that bothered me about the phone. For instance, the music playback stuttered while using the phone for text messaging or mapping, and there was no option to disable the power-saving features while on AC power.

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In Conclusion:

For the price that this phone sells for, and comparing it to other devices on the market at half the price, I find it very hard to justify recommending the phone to anyone.

Its only real saving grace is the 16 GB of storage, although some of its competitors will support memory cards with 4-16 GB of capacity.

If the price came down considerably, and they issued a software upgrade to fix several of the above issues, it would probably beat its competitors hands-down. But until then, I recommend passing this phone up for any of its half-priced competitors.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Weak battery and crazy voice command, December 12, 2008

By 

Jelly "jelly" (socal) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nokia N96 16 GB Unlocked Phone with 5 MP Camera, 3G, GPS, Media Player, and Micro SD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

It's a nice little phone. The one I had just had a few bugs to work out. The battery I got in this first one did not last as long as the second one I received. The voice command on this first one was jinxed. About one out of 20 names I would say would 1st pick a wrong name, (which can be expected) but then would commence to shutting itself off and then restart. If I said the same name, it would do it consistently. Like I said it would do it on about 5% of the names. I called Nokia of the problem and ordered one from them because it was so new, and I wanted one made in Finland as Stu promised. It was also from China. The video and photos aren't near as good as I expected. They were OK if taken in bright light. I want a qwerty pad. So I am going to wait for the N97 coming out in June or July 09. The N96 locked up on me about twice a day, especially if I was doing heavy internet chores, (on wifi). Sometimes if I would just wait it would catch up. But if it was in the middle of something and I got bored waiting I would try to back out and do something else and it was too much for the little thing to absorb so it would lock up. At this point I would have to remove the battery to get it to reset itself. And the release and the little catchs on the rear cover are sort of chincy and it didn't feel like the rear cover would last very long removing the battery so often.

It's nice to have the tv out cable ability but the stuff we record does not play back as well as a 99MB travel piece that they have for us to playback. This tells me that they record that on a good camera and downloaded it into the phone. I could get the predictive text shut off on some things but not on the internet browsing. I would have to enter letters til the thing told me to spell the word myself, which I wanted in the first place.

On the toggle buttons for the volume, they're OK but the volume goes up one way so you would think that when the buttons are used for zooming that to zoom in would be the same direction as the volume increase. Nope. While this is not a big deal It just takes a bit more memorization. The screen shuts off way too fast, (to save battery). This can be reset but that poor battery doesn't like this new setting. The second N96 I got seemed to last longer with the battery.

If I wanted to hear the sound out of the speakers I would have to shut my bluetooth off. The screen protectors are good just make sure you have every piece of dirt and lint of the screen before install it or it will make a bubble around the piece of dirt.

The thickness of the phone did not bother me either.

I thank Amazon very much for having a place for these reviews. I read them all the time before I purchase anything.

28 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Phone, but not for T-Mobile 3G, November 13, 2008

By 

Alan Maubouche - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nokia N96 16 GB Unlocked Phone with 5 MP Camera, 3G, GPS, Media Player, and Micro SD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Black) (Wireless Phone Accessory)

This phone is amazing. But please keep in mind that you will NOT be able to use this phone on T-mobile's 3G network, because the frequencies are different than HSDPA 850 / 1900 (american version). If you dont care about 3G, I really recommend this phone; however you don't need to get the US version ($100 more expensive than buying it from someplace else) if you are on the T-Mobile network.