Nokia N97 Review

Messages and text entry:

The different ways of entering text on the Nokia N97 are completely the same as these on other devices running the same operating system less one. Apparently the manufacturer has decided to relieve the phone of its software QWERTY keyboard, because the device sports a fully functional hardware one. We don’t like this at the very least! Let´s just remind you that many Android users had been dreaming of a software QWERTY for quite some time before they finally got one with version 1.5. We do hope Nokia follows suit and comes up with software update to provide the option that is available on other makes.

We don’t really think working with emails feels really comfy after seeing what Nokia Messaging is capable of (please, take a look at our review of the Nokia E75). The standard Symbian client features quite many options, such as support for attached files, sorting messages by sender, date or header. But it is far from being as comfortable to use as Nokia Messaging. Still, it allows you to read HTML messages and switch between different email accounts fast. If people using the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic can have Nokia Messaging, we do believe those buying the N97 have the same right and we hope they get support for the highly acclaimed app soon.


Connectivity, Internet and GPS:

Let´s not forget the Nokia N97 is being vaunted for its internet capabilities. Let´s see how it fares against the competition.

In terms of functionality, the N97 internet browser is similar to the version found on the Nokia 5800 XpressMusic, Samsung OMNIA HD and Sony Ericsson Satio in almost every single aspect. The only difference being it's the first time the standard Symbian S60 browser has been equipped with the so-called "active kinetic scrolling" or in simpler words - scrolling inertial momentum that remains when you have moved away your finger from the screen. Web pages and their Flash elements, including the YouTube player, load with almost no issues and navigation on such a large screen is a great experience. Double taps are used to zoom in and out on things, while keeping your finger pressed against the screen switches the handset to full screen and this is something we quite like. In case the page is too big to fit on screen, you can use the Overview function to move around faster.

As a whole, the Nokia N97 browser is notably faster than the versions found on devices running the same operating system, but there are no other new things aside from this.



The phone connects to a computer via Bluetooth 2.0 or the microUSB cable that comes in the box. It allows you to pick from several available modes that also determine data transfer speed. These are PC Suite, Mass Storage, Media and Image Transfer. Choosing the first means transfer of 31 images with total size of 30MB takes about 25 seconds and less than 4 seconds in Mass Storage, although the latter doesn’t allow for synchronization of your device and you can transfer files only. In Media Transfer, copying the same data takes about 15 seconds.

Unlike previous makes of the manufacturer, the old, well-known PC Suite software pack used to connect your phone with computers has been replaced with a new one, Nokia Ovi Suite. In fact, this is a compilation of several different applications and device drivers – Nokia Connectivity Cable Driver, PC Connectivity Software, Nokia System Utilities, Nokia Ovi Suite, Nokia Photos, Nokia Music, Home Media Server and Orb home remote access. As a whole, Ovi Suite looks pleasing and really easy to get used to. In a nutshell, you will be able to sync your contacts, pictures, messages and other multimedia content with either your computer or Ovi service account over the Internet.


GPS:

As we mentioned at the beginning, the Nokia N97 sports a built-in GPS receiver (A-GPS) and comes with Nokia Maps 2.0 Touch that has been optimized for touch sensitive screens. Its interface remains pretty much the same as the standard edition, only options appear larger. The app is free to use for 3 months in certain regions, so you better enquire about the license at your local dealership when purchasing the phone.

Localizing takes about a minute after cold restart, without Internet connection and in a place surrounded with tall buildings and the module gets operational in less than 5 seconds after hot restart. Switching on the internet connection, so that the latest satellite position coordinates can be downloaded means device is operational in less than 40 seconds after cold restart and you get almost instantaneous response after a hot one.