iPhone 3G

iPhone 3G

It's finally here - the iPhone 3G. No, we mean that literally. It's finally at our office and boy, are we excited! GPS, HSDPA purring under the new iPhone hood with a hefty number of software enhancements.

But all them software goodies are available for the first-gen iPhone too - so is it worth the fuss? It may as well be, but we never know before we take it out for a spin.

Apple iPhone 3G official images

Key features:

• 3.5" 16M-color TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
• Quad-band GSM support
• Tri-band UMTS support with HSDPA
• Built-in GPS receiver
• Wi-Fi
• 8 to 16GB of onboard storage
• Accelerometer, proximity sensor and ambient light sensor
• 2 megapixel camera
• Silky smooth user interface with multi-touch user support
• Unsurpassed web surfing experience
• Push email with MS Exchange support
• AppStore access for direct application download and installation
• Redone rear
• TV-out port

Main disadvantages:

• No video calls over the 3G network
• The handset wobbles on hard even surfaces
• There are a number of messaging downers
• Camera has no auto focus, nor video recording… nor any settings at all
• Safari browser doesn't support Flash and Java, doesn't have a download manager
• Bluetooth support limited to headset use only (no A2DP or file transfers)
• No office document editor
• No copy/paste functionality
• You cannot sync Notes and TO-DOs
• No memory card slot (but knowing Apple there will never be one)

Now, since we'll be heavily comparing the old and new iPhone, how about the following arrangement - the first one we'll call Number One and the newbie will be Number Two. Sorted. Wait a minute, no good? Crap, we knew it. OK then, the first one will be the iPhone 1G (as in "generation" of the device), while the new one will still be iPhone 3G (as in "generation" of the wireless network). That might sound inconsistent, but it's short and we like it this way, so before you go ballistic in the comments section, remember Number One and Number Two.

The iPhone 3G 16GB (White) in hand

So, back to the drill - the 3G-enabled iPhone was rumored ever since the iPhone 1G surfaced last year. Now that we have the real thing in our hands, it doesn't seem that groundbreaking anymore. Nevertheless, there are quite a few things to cover so we think reviewing it in detail is worth it. There's the updated design, the new white color (which we happen to have), the new iPhone 2.0 firmware/software/OS (call it what you will) with AppStore on board, the push email functionality and, finally, the GPS and HSDPA topping.

The Apple iPhone 3G

We will also be on the lookout for improvements in terms of audio quality, loudspeaker volume and camera image quality against the iPhone 1G.

Seems like quite a workload, so let's waste no more time and get to it. Join us after this short break for more on the iPhone 3G.

Nokia 5310

Nokia 5310 made thousands of fans with its very announcement. Packing a 16M color QVGA display, dedicated music keys, stereo Bluetooth and FM radio in a sleek thin body, this neat handset is sure to appeal to quite a lot of slim phone admirers. Plus, the XpressMusic logo is a good enough premise for music phone fans to be on the watch-out too. With the first XpressMusic bar-shape we have an amazingly thin and lightweight handset with serious sonic power.

Nokia 5310 official photos

Key features

• 9.9 mm slim and lightweight
• 3.5 mm standard jack
• Lots of preloaded applications
• 2" 16M color display with QVGA resolution
• Ambient light sensor
• Decent keypad
• Bluetooth with A2DP
• S40 5th edition user interface
• Stereo FM radio with RDS
• Dedicated music keys
• microSD card slot (2GB memory card included)

Main disadvantages

• Mediocre camera with no flash or auto focus, really slow
• Tri-band only
• No 3G
• Memory card slot under the battery cover
• Inadequate QCIF video recording
• Uneven backlighting

It seems that Nokia is more determined than ever to get its fair share of the slim phone market. Releasing 5310 right after the 6500 classic comes to prove that producing phones less than 10 mm thick is no problem for the Finns. Moreover, Nokia 5310 seems an attempt at winning the hearts of the music loving masses and, as we see it, might just be the right stuff for that.

Nokia 5310 views

Reflecting on its corner of the mobile phone market, we think Nokia 5310 will face the strongest competition from Sony Ericsson W880 and W890, when the latter hits the shelves. Other potential rivals are the Samsung Ultra phones, as Samsung is well known for the high audio quality of its handsets and true mastery of the slim shape.

Nokia N81 8GB

Nokia N81 8GB

The Nokia N81 8GB is a truly exciting smartphone combining the power of Symbian 9.2 OS spiced up with the new N-Gage platform. What we have in N81 8GB is entertainment and multimedia unleashed. Not only does its specs sheet impress, but it promises tons of fun. With that said you cannot blame us for being too eager to test it out, can you? So please make yourselves comfortable and join us for this review.

Nokia N81 official photos

Key features:

• Massive storage space (8GB version)
• Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3.1 UI
• Wi-Fi support
• Unique gaming experience with the new N-Gage platform and dedicated gaming keys above the display
• Brilliant 2.4" 16M-color QVGA display
• 2 megapixel camera
• 3.5 mm audio jack
• Touch sensitive Navi wheel
• Dedicated music keys and hardware keypad lock switch
• 3G with video calls
• Nice multimedia menu

Main disadvantages:

• Mediocre camera
• Awkward D-pad
• Hefty weight
• Uncomfortable keypad
• No HSDPA

As you all know, there are two versions of the handset - standard and 8GB. The standard version features a memory card slot, the other has none but offers the exciting 8GB of onboard memory. We are looking at the Nokia N81 8GB but all of it holds true for the standard Nokia N81 as well. Therefore, from now on we are going to simply call it Nokia N81.

Nokia N81 review photos

Both versions of Nokia N81 have been in the spotlight ever since their official announcement at the Nokia Go Play Event in London back than in August. The air is getting thick with anticipation, as N81 seems to have earned quite a lot of fans. No wonder with a specs sheet like this, though we know better than taking anything for granted. After all, the question is whether performance cashes the checks written by the specs. Besides, we just couldn't wait to play a few games and see if those dedicated keys are worth the fuss.

A word of warning is due as our review is based on a beta version of the handset it's possible that the retail version will have some minor changes. But enough chit-chat, you are welcome on the Nokia N81 tour right after the jump.

Nokia N82

Nokia N82

Nokia N82 is considered the next N-series bestseller and, guess what, it has already hit the shelves. Following the sweeping success of Nokia N73, it was a pretty sure bet that a worthy successor wouldn't take long to appear. As we see it, Nokia N82 fits that description perfectly and our eagerness to test it for you should come as no surprise. So join us as we explore the world of Nokia N82.

Nokia N82 official photos

Key features

• 5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
• Xenon flash and active lens cover
• 2.4" 16M color QVGA display
• 128 MB RAM
• Wi-Fi with UPnP
• Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
• Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
• Convenient standard 3.5 mm audio jack on the top
• 3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
• Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 UI
• TV-out functionality
• Automatic UI rotation
• Stereo speakers
• Large capacity battery

Main disadvantages

• Controversial design and questionable ergonomics
• No RDS for the FM radio
• Below average GPS performance
• Extra charges apply for voice assisted navigation
• No office documents editing application
• Doesn't charge off USB

Nokia N73 is said to be the most successful Nseries handset to date, with monstrous sales figures compared to the rest of the N-series lot. N82 comes to succeed it and become the most affordable of feature-loaded Nokia cameraphones. The Finns quote its price at 450 Euro pretax, which sounds reasonable, given the included features and the 2GB of memory card supplied in the package.

Nokia N82 review photos

The almighty Nokia N95 8GB should probably also feel threatened for the lack of the sweet Xenon flash and the auto UI rotation of its N82 sibling. We still believe though the extra 0.4-inch difference in the display size will also play a major role in choosing between these two devices.

Nokia N82 compared to Nokia N95 8GB

Another potential rival is the Sony Ericsson K850 although being a non-OS device actually puts it in a different market niche. Still, it would be wise of cameraphone lovers to carefully consider both devices before purchasing their next handset. So, to them, and any other interested in the qualities of Nokia N82 for whatever reason, our review takes off after the jump.

Nokia N82 all over

Nokia N78

Nokia N78

Love it or leave it won't do here, we're afraid. Love it or hate it is more like it. There's so much to get excited about with Nokia N78. The excellent display and capable camera, topped with Navi wheel, FM transmitter, GPS and Wi-Fi sure round off a nice deal. And yes, the latest FP 2 is a downright treat. If only… Well, you must know already what we think of the package. Anyway, you're welcome to read on. Nokia N78 has a whole review up ahead to unleash its potential and a lifetime to beg for a facelift.

Nokia N78 official photos

Key features:

• 2.4" 16M-color display of QVGA resolution
• 3.2 megapixel camera with auto focus and LED flash
• S60 UI with Feature Pack 2
• FM transmitter
• Navi wheel
• 3G with HSDPA
• microSD card slot, 2GB card in the retail package
• GPS receiver and 3 months of free voice-guided navigation
• Wi-Fi
• Stereo speakers
• 3.5mm standard audio jack
• FM radio with RDS
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity (microUSB port)

Main disadvantages:

• Keypad or whatever they call it
• Shaky battery cover
• Not our kind of design
• Call, End and C key placement
• FM transmitter has weak signal

Nokia N78 stacks up just below the top of the multimedia phone market. The megapixel count and screen size are probably the only things to stop it from directly competing with the N95. It is still quite close and even offers a few features that the omnipresent Nseries ruler lacks.

Nokia N78 views

A nice - even if somewhat humble - alternative of Nokia N78 is Samsung i550w. Carrying a very similar feature-pack, it trades the FM transmitter and the Navi wheel for a trackball and a larger 2.6" screen. The best part about the Samsung is that it costs a great deal less than the Nokia N78, retailing at about 260 euro. Now, the FM transmitter and FP 2 are not exactly the first things one would choose to trade, but we can understand those willing to save themselves some money.

Another handset to rival the N78 is Nokia N82. The best cameraphone by Nokia to date is currently available for about 300 euro. The 5 megapixel camera comes with protective cover and Xenon flash, while a built-in accelerometer is also on offer. On the other hand, N82 too lacks the FM transmitter, which might sound as a deal-breaker to some.

Nokia n96

Nokia N96

Nokia N96 is a quad-band handset with dual-band HSDPA support for worldwide coverage. It runs on S60 3rd edition, FP2 and has a 2.8" QVGA (240 x 320 pixels) TFT display with 16M colors. Other features of this true powerhouse include GPS with A-GPS support and geo-tagging for photos, Wi-Fi, the stunning 16GB of onboard memory, plus a microSD slot. If that feature pack doesn't grab your attention, hardly anything will.

Nokia N96 live photos

Nokia N96 has a 5 megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics and powerful dual LED flash. It also records video in VGA resolution at 30 fps.The connectivity set sports Wi-Fi b/g with UPnP support, microUSB v2.0, DVB-H class C, a 3.5mm stereo headphone plug and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP stereo audio.

Nokia N96 weighs 126g, and did feel a little bulky in our hands. The display however seemed on par with the Nokia N95 8GB (read: great).

Photos from our second encounter with Nokia N96