Digital Trends

Nokia N95

April 7th, 2008 | by Mike Kobrin

WiFi

Web browsing and is speedy on 3G (HSDPA), though we got noticeably better performance via WiFi and a cable modem connection. Nokia's built-in OSS browser had trouble with some Flash-based sites, though it does do Flash Lite 3.0, and we often ran into Java-related browser compatibility issues when surfing. We were able to upload our videos and photos (all under 10MB each) to our blog with surprising speed over the 3G network. But along with email and text messaging, Web browsing would really benefit from a full keyboard.

You can also connect the N95 to your computer via infrared, Bluetooth, or USB to use it as a cellular modem. Streaming video, photos, and audio on your home network runs over the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocol, which is supported by a handful of devices as well as Windows Media Player 11. 

GPS

The built-in GPS receiver easily located us in New York City. The on-screen turn-by-turn directions use Nokia Maps, which provides 2D/3D views and route preview with voice guidance. If you want voice-guided directions in real time, you'll need to fork over $11.81 a month or $91.93 a year on top of your voice and data plan. The points of interest database is fairly large, and you can call up plenty of trip stats. The GPS also works with optional navigation apps like Where, Slifter, CellFire, and Earthcomber.

Bluetooth

We easily paired the N95 with our Etymotic ety8 and JBL Reference 610 Bluetooth headphones or our Samsung Bluetooth speaker, and we didn't hear any flaws other than those inherent in Bluetooth. You can also transfer files and contacts wirelessly and connect wireless keyboards for a much better typing experience.

Battery

With so many wireless features, the N95's battery runs out quickly. You can conserve by shutting off WiFi and Bluetooth when you're not using them. But realistically you'll need to charge the N95 every day to a day and a half if you're using all those features. (We were able to kill the battery in under 5 hours.) For what it's worth, Nokia rates the battery at about 3.5 hours talk time for WCDMA or nearly 7 hours for WCDMA, as well as 250 hours of standby (with wireless features disabled).

Conclusion

It may not have a touchscreen or QWERTY keyboard, but the N95 is well-suited to multimedia lovers who don't want to lug a laptop around. Of course, if you're doing any real text blogging, you'll definitely need a Bluetooth keyboard. The included 1GB microSD card also isn't really enough to hold all your media plus photos and video captured on the phone; we found an 8GB SanDisk microSD card really did the trick.

The N95's $699 list price is intimidating, however, and although the phone sells on the Web for hundreds less, we wish carriers subsidized the price. If you're more into PDA functions and need a full keyboard, check out the AT&T Tilt, which also sports a touchscreen.


Pros:

• 3.5-mm headphone jack
• Built-in WiFi, GPS, and Bluetooth
• Excellent still/video camera with flash and autofocus
• Great blogging tools

Cons:

• No QWERTY keyboard or touchscreen
• Slider opens too easily in pocket
• Features drain battery life quickly