Nokia N82 Review

Camera:

The N82 is advertised mainly for its camera capabilities, featuring 5-megapixel resolution, Carl Zeiss lens and Xenon flash. According to the Product Manager of the phone, new algorithms are used for the images, due to the new flash that delivers white-colored light. As it is much stronger too, the results should be much better.

And this is true – when shooting in dark environment using the flash, the N82 gives excellent for phone results, similar to the K850 which also uses Xenon. The two phones surpass the competition with well lit photos, more realistic colors and better detail. Even in complete darkness, the object will be in focus thanks to the very strong assistance light. It creates a large red “spot” where the phone is pointed, which may be unpleasant for the others but does its job excellent. Although both Samsung G800 and LG Viewty have Xenon flashes, they both have mediocre performance next to the N82.

The photos during the day are not bad at all either. They are very similar to those of the N95, which is one of the good cameraphones on the market. The detail and noise levels are good and so is the exposure, with the only problem being the unrealistic color representation in some situations. Still, we would have liked to see improvement over the older models also here, but we guess this will happen with the next generation high-end cameraphone of Nokia.

Expect our 5-megapixel cameraphone comparison soon!


To start shooting, just open the lens cover by moving the switch next to it, or if it is opened, use the shortcut on the right side or the menu. Nokia touts the improved speed but the starting time of 3 seconds in the same as of the N95 8GB and similar to the rival models. However, when taking lots of pictures, most will appreciate that Nokia has managed to shave a second off the focusing and saving time. The interface is the same as the N95 phones and uses the whole display as a viewfinder, with shortcuts to the options in the right. Even though it doesn't offer speedy access like in phones such as the K850 and the G800, it is still pretty convenient thanks to the large in size selection fields.

Multimedia:

As the N81 and the N95 8GB, the N82 comes with the new multimedia menu, which has six tabs with different functionality. It may be convenient for some, but others won’t use it and will prefer to go to the main menu.

The music player’s interface is the one from other phones using the same version of the operating system. The album cover is visualized in the display’s upper part while below it is the information on the currently played track. In the bottom there are icons indicating the function of the D-pad.


The Music Library menu allows you to sort the songs by Artist, Album, Genre, Composer and you can also create playlists. In the options there are the standard repeat and shuffle functions, as well as an equalizer with 5 preset modes (bass booster, jazz, pop, etc.), but custom ones can also be added.

We are not really impressed with the sound quality through the built in stereo speakers. While it is not bad at all, the stereo effect almost disappears as both are situated on the right side, which puts it a step behind the N95. The sound is still clear and at a reasonable level.

As always, we recommend using stereo headphones for listening to music on the go; attaching your standard ones won't be a problem thanks to the 3.5mm stereo jack, but if you want them to be wireless, there also is Stereo Bluetooth support.

Тhe FM radio can be used, оnce the wired headset is attached. Nothing has changed when compared to previous models and we think that it is high time for Nokia to upgrade the interface.

What would a multimedia phone be without decent video player? The 82 N-series is equipped with the Real Player you'll find in its siblings and there is nothing to surprise us. While the viewing experience on the 2.4" is not as great as on the 2.8" of the N95 8GB, it is still not bad at all, especially when the fullscreen option is turned on. We think that Nokia should implement DivX playback in its high-class multimedia phones, to compete with devices like the Viewty by LG or the F500 by Samsung.


Software:

The Symbian-running N82 comes with the standard for the N-series applications. QuickOffice will allow for reading of Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents but if you want to edit them you should purchase the full version. For entertainment, the N-Gage platform is preloaded with two demo games, just as in the N95 8GB and in addition there also is the classic Snake game.





As in other recent models, the GPS receiver (for navigation) is "assisted" which means that it can use Internet connection to reduce the time required to lock a position. Although it still cannot be compared to the best ones in the class, this is a good upgrade that makes the system usable. Preloaded of course is the Nokia Maps software which offers maps for most countries free of charge. If advanced features such as extended City Guides or turn-by-turn-assisted navigation are necessary, then the paid version is required. Having in mind this is a smart phone, in case the application doesn't satisfy your needs, there are others easy to install (e.g. TomTom or Route66).