Comments on: How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone Tue, 07 Feb 2012 18:25:25 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: The Prodigal Fool http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3406 The Prodigal Fool Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:11:43 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3406 It's been a very long time since I was called a boy. I thank you. (Note to self: keep using the moisturiser; seems to be working.) It’s been a very long time since I was called a boy. I thank you. (Note to self: keep using the moisturiser; seems to be working.)

]]> By: like it or not http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3405 like it or not Mon, 07 Feb 2011 10:20:27 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3405 I phone is full of hype, american hype that is. Truth of the matter is I phone fair worse than even a 2006 nokia model in terms of functions and specs. whether you limit yourself to bluetooth connections on headphones alone doesnt hide the grave flaws that plagued the iphone. looking at your review really exposes your unheathy biasness. You didn't fail to stress out when "your" iphone scored a point, but when n97 mini does, you just state it. Anyway, Iphone only has once advantage over any other manufactural, that is the UI, but that's where it ends. Its catchy for those who want to be noticed but when it comes to what your phone can do, iphone is a daft, uninteligent phone. It has problems managing alot of apps except when connected on pc. But we are always on the move, that's why it's a mobile phone. we have little time sitting down with our mobile phone with a computer. It's no coincidence that what matters most to you in a phone are pretty lame, odd and funny. Since must users differ alot more on that. That makes you unfit to write a balance comparison. You are clearly an iphone fan boy. You can see that iphone 4 failed it's expectations. And soon iphone maybe knocked out of the game. It's getting boring. I phone is full of hype, american hype that is. Truth of the matter is I phone fair worse than even a 2006 nokia model in terms of functions and specs. whether you limit yourself to bluetooth connections on headphones alone doesnt hide the grave flaws that plagued the iphone.
looking at your review really exposes your unheathy biasness. You didn’t fail to stress out when “your” iphone scored a point, but when n97 mini does, you just state it.
Anyway, Iphone only has once advantage over any other manufactural, that is the UI, but that’s where it ends. Its catchy for those who want to be noticed but when it comes to what your phone can do, iphone is a daft, uninteligent phone. It has problems managing alot of apps except when connected on pc. But we are always on the move, that’s why it’s a mobile phone. we have little time sitting down with our mobile phone with a computer.
It’s no coincidence that what matters most to you in a phone are pretty lame, odd and funny. Since must users differ alot more on that. That makes you unfit to write a balance comparison. You are clearly an iphone fan boy. You can see that iphone 4 failed it’s expectations. And soon iphone maybe knocked out of the game. It’s getting boring.

]]> By: Stefan http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3404 Stefan Mon, 11 Oct 2010 12:39:44 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3404 Nice review - I have owned a N97mini for 2 weeks now and although I am not an experienced smartphone user, it seems to me that you have pinpointed the pros and cons with the N97, particular the issues with the slow touch screen and annoying mailboxes, but also the nice keyboard, the good phone+camera and the really nice Ovi maps. In my opinion, a really big issue with the iPhone is the prize! Here (Sweden) it's about 25% more expensive than the N97mini and then you're also stuck with the same telephone company for 2 years. I strongly believe that the freedom of changing telephone company is important - after all, it's your only way of "voting". But again - a fairly accurate review! Stefan Nice review – I have owned a N97mini for 2 weeks now and although I am not an experienced smartphone user, it seems to me that you have pinpointed the pros and cons with the N97, particular the issues with the slow touch screen and annoying mailboxes, but also the nice keyboard, the good phone+camera and the really nice Ovi maps.

In my opinion, a really big issue with the iPhone is the prize! Here (Sweden) it’s about 25% more expensive than the N97mini and then you’re also stuck with the same telephone company for 2 years. I strongly believe that the freedom of changing telephone company is important – after all, it’s your only way of “voting”.

But again – a fairly accurate review!
Stefan

]]> By: A Prodigal August « The Prodigal Guide http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3403 A Prodigal August « The Prodigal Guide Mon, 06 Sep 2010 13:41:45 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3403 [...] number 6 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? - In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that Cupertino could [...] [...] number 6 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? – In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that Cupertino could [...]

]]> By: A Prodigal July « The Prodigal Guide http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3402 A Prodigal July « The Prodigal Guide Sun, 01 Aug 2010 08:48:52 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3402 [...] number 7 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? - In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that [...] [...] number 7 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? – In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that [...]

]]> By: A Prodigal June « The Prodigal Guide http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3401 A Prodigal June « The Prodigal Guide Sat, 03 Jul 2010 14:10:07 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3401 [...] number 6 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? - In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that [...] [...] number 6 – How does the Nokia N97 mini fare against the iPhone? – In which we pit Nokia’s current flagship against the – then – best that [...]

]]> By: rima http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3400 rima Mon, 21 Jun 2010 21:13:22 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3400 VRY NICE VRY NICE

]]> By: Does lightening ever strike twice? The Nokia E72 « The Prodigal Guide http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3399 Does lightening ever strike twice? The Nokia E72 « The Prodigal Guide Mon, 15 Feb 2010 09:01:20 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3399 [...] One thing’s for sure: non-touch S60 is miles ahead of the touch version in terms of usability and stability. When it comes to software, everything on the E72 just feels like it was designed that way from the beginning – that’s something we can’t say for the contrived N97 mini. [...] [...] One thing’s for sure: non-touch S60 is miles ahead of the touch version in terms of usability and stability. When it comes to software, everything on the E72 just feels like it was designed that way from the beginning – that’s something we can’t say for the contrived N97 mini. [...]

]]> By: The Prodigal Fool http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3398 The Prodigal Fool Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:32:20 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3398 iphoneseriouslyitsajokeright, dear boy, you should really have a stab at writing sentences and paragraphs. You'd find that your arguments were rather more convincing that way. You see, your comment reads like a spec sheet not a reasoned argument. We specifically said at the beginning of our review that "what follows is a pretty subjective comparison between the two. It’s about what matters to us in a phone, but it’s not an exhaustive review of the N97 mini". The reason for this is because we're all human beings and so different things matter more to different people. Gadgets in general and phones in particular are very personal technology. Lining two devices up on spec grid and comparing them doesn't tell you which is best; using them for your daily needs and judging the overall experience does. So, well done, you've managed to find some technical specs that the N97 mini has but the iPhone doesn't. What does this mean in real life? Very, very little. Let's have a look shall we? Ovimaps - You're right iPhone doesn't have Ovi Maps. That's why we clearly said in our review that when it comes to navigation, the N97 mini wins. Bluetooth - Our iPhone connects seamlessly to any Bluetooth headphone we throw at it. That's the only thing we've ever wanted to use Bluetooth for because we think Bluetooth headphones always kind of suck and file transfers are a non-issue since it's all done via cable or Wi-Fi. Flash and 5mp camera - We guess you mean the camera. You're right. That's why we said that when it comes to photography, the N97 mini wins. By the way, the real advantage the N97 mini enjoys in this area is neither the flash nor the 5mp spec but rather the great Carl Zeiss optics. Flash in the browser - Yeah, no Flash on the iPhone, true. Do you know how impacted we are in real life? Not at all. The only thing we really use Flash for is YouTube and guess what? The iPhone comes with a fantastic YouTube client that the browser automatically brings up whenever needed. It's a non issue. Themes - You're right the iPhone doesn't have them. So what? If you UI looks great out of the box, why do you need to change it. The reason we like themes on S60 so much is because Nokia normally doesn't design very nice default ones and you need third parties to step in and fill the void. Multitasking - Oh yes, that old chestnut. Well, let me tell you something: I can get from one app to another faster on the iPhone than I can on S60. Because the UI and processor are so good and the apps remember where I left off. In the real world, multitasking doesn't matter to anyone but hard-core geeks. Widget - I think you're referring to the desktop / home screen. You're right here. Again, we gave this to the N97 mini. We only wish Nokia had bothered to implement the widgets properly so that were actually useful... FM Transmitter - Yep, I nice to have but I never use it. Front camera - Eh, we'd argue that the point of 3G is fast data not video conferencing. I don't actually know anyone who uses video conferencing on their mobile so I can safely say that I don't miss a front-facing camera at all. There's no point in cramming features in just for the sake of having them their. They should serve a purpose. Form factor - Yes, we totally acknowledge that the N97 mini has a great form factor. Shame it's such a frustrating experience to live with. iphoneseriouslyitsajokeright, dear boy, you should really have a stab at writing sentences and paragraphs. You’d find that your arguments were rather more convincing that way.

You see, your comment reads like a spec sheet not a reasoned argument. We specifically said at the beginning of our review that “what follows is a pretty subjective comparison between the two. It’s about what matters to us in a phone, but it’s not an exhaustive review of the N97 mini”. The reason for this is because we’re all human beings and so different things matter more to different people. Gadgets in general and phones in particular are very personal technology. Lining two devices up on spec grid and comparing them doesn’t tell you which is best; using them for your daily needs and judging the overall experience does.

So, well done, you’ve managed to find some technical specs that the N97 mini has but the iPhone doesn’t. What does this mean in real life? Very, very little. Let’s have a look shall we?

Ovimaps – You’re right iPhone doesn’t have Ovi Maps. That’s why we clearly said in our review that when it comes to navigation, the N97 mini wins.

Bluetooth – Our iPhone connects seamlessly to any Bluetooth headphone we throw at it. That’s the only thing we’ve ever wanted to use Bluetooth for because we think Bluetooth headphones always kind of suck and file transfers are a non-issue since it’s all done via cable or Wi-Fi.

Flash and 5mp camera – We guess you mean the camera. You’re right. That’s why we said that when it comes to photography, the N97 mini wins. By the way, the real advantage the N97 mini enjoys in this area is neither the flash nor the 5mp spec but rather the great Carl Zeiss optics.

Flash in the browser – Yeah, no Flash on the iPhone, true. Do you know how impacted we are in real life? Not at all. The only thing we really use Flash for is YouTube and guess what? The iPhone comes with a fantastic YouTube client that the browser automatically brings up whenever needed. It’s a non issue.

Themes – You’re right the iPhone doesn’t have them. So what? If you UI looks great out of the box, why do you need to change it. The reason we like themes on S60 so much is because Nokia normally doesn’t design very nice default ones and you need third parties to step in and fill the void.

Multitasking – Oh yes, that old chestnut. Well, let me tell you something: I can get from one app to another faster on the iPhone than I can on S60. Because the UI and processor are so good and the apps remember where I left off. In the real world, multitasking doesn’t matter to anyone but hard-core geeks.

Widget – I think you’re referring to the desktop / home screen. You’re right here. Again, we gave this to the N97 mini. We only wish Nokia had bothered to implement the widgets properly so that were actually useful…

FM Transmitter – Yep, I nice to have but I never use it.

Front camera – Eh, we’d argue that the point of 3G is fast data not video conferencing. I don’t actually know anyone who uses video conferencing on their mobile so I can safely say that I don’t miss a front-facing camera at all. There’s no point in cramming features in just for the sake of having them their. They should serve a purpose.

Form factor – Yes, we totally acknowledge that the N97 mini has a great form factor. Shame it’s such a frustrating experience to live with.

]]> By: The Prodigal Fool http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3397 The Prodigal Fool Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:13:22 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3397 Good question, gtdmouse. In fact, we did both. We started off trying to use the screen like we do the iPhone, i.e., using our finger. But you're absolutely right, we soon realised that you can't really do that; the resistive screen demands a fingernail for proper accuracy. I'm sorry to report though that - even using that method - the experience was far inferior compared to the iPhone's capacitive screen. Good question, gtdmouse.

In fact, we did both. We started off trying to use the screen like we do the iPhone, i.e., using our finger. But you’re absolutely right, we soon realised that you can’t really do that; the resistive screen demands a fingernail for proper accuracy. I’m sorry to report though that – even using that method – the experience was far inferior compared to the iPhone’s capacitive screen.

]]> By: iphoneseriouslyitsajokeright http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3396 iphoneseriouslyitsajokeright Wed, 03 Feb 2010 16:47:51 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3396 Iphone doesn't have free ovimaps Iphone doesn't have bluetooth compatibility like n97 have Iphone doesn't have flash Iphone doesn't have browser with flash Iphone doesn't have 5mp pixels Iphone doesn't have theme Iphone doesn't have multitasking Iphone doesn't have widget Iphone doesn't have fm transmettor Iphone doesn't have frontal camera.What the point having 3G without this? Iphone dosen't have the perfect N97 form factor but hell yeah it has capacitive touch screen. Sorry but when you buy a phone @700pound make it worth ;) oh by the way it's not 4widget it's 5 but yes you are just an applefanboy sorry to show you the truth :( Iphone doesn’t have free ovimaps
Iphone doesn’t have bluetooth compatibility like n97 have
Iphone doesn’t have flash
Iphone doesn’t have browser with flash
Iphone doesn’t have 5mp pixels
Iphone doesn’t have theme
Iphone doesn’t have multitasking
Iphone doesn’t have widget
Iphone doesn’t have fm transmettor
Iphone doesn’t have frontal camera.What the point having 3G without this?
Iphone dosen’t have the perfect N97 form factor
but hell yeah it has capacitive touch screen.

Sorry but when you buy a phone @700pound make it worth ;)

oh by the way it’s not 4widget it’s 5 but yes you are just an applefanboy sorry to show you the truth :(

]]> By: gtdmouse http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3395 gtdmouse Wed, 03 Feb 2010 14:41:31 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3395 I'm curious if when you were touching the screen you were using your finger as you would an iPhone or if you were using the tip of your fingernail. I've been using the regular N97 for some time now and I find the screen very usable and actually more accurate than using the bottom of my finger. I can see how people can get frustrated if they were trying to use it like they would use a capacitative screen. I do agree though that Nokia has a lot to learn in terms of general user friendliness. I think they've gotten the message loud and clear though, and the new symbian versions coming out later this year will be much better. I’m curious if when you were touching the screen you were using your finger as you would an iPhone or if you were using the tip of your fingernail. I’ve been using the regular N97 for some time now and I find the screen very usable and actually more accurate than using the bottom of my finger. I can see how people can get frustrated if they were trying to use it like they would use a capacitative screen.

I do agree though that Nokia has a lot to learn in terms of general user friendliness. I think they’ve gotten the message loud and clear though, and the new symbian versions coming out later this year will be much better.

]]> By: Why the N97 mini can only be compared to the iPhone 3GS… « WOMWorld/Nokia http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3394 Why the N97 mini can only be compared to the iPhone 3GS… « WOMWorld/Nokia Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:52:41 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3394 [...] Guide has provided a nice balanced article which pitts the N97 mini up against the iPhone 3GS. He acknowledges that the iPhone comparison thing has been done to death, but explains why it’s the only device [...] [...] Guide has provided a nice balanced article which pitts the N97 mini up against the iPhone 3GS. He acknowledges that the iPhone comparison thing has been done to death, but explains why it’s the only device [...]

]]> By: Diogo Neves http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3393 Diogo Neves Sat, 30 Jan 2010 19:11:45 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3393 Yes the capacitive screen does the difference! And to be honest about it, I dont think that Symbian would work with a capacitive one... It has things that need the precision of a nail... The iPhone has its OS so unified and so bug-free that its a pleasure to use ;) Yes the capacitive screen does the difference! And to be honest about it, I dont think that Symbian would work with a capacitive one… It has things that need the precision of a nail… The iPhone has its OS so unified and so bug-free that its a pleasure to use ;)

]]> By: The Prodigal Fool http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3392 The Prodigal Fool Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:09:33 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3392 Thanks for the feedback Diego. I think you've confirmed my point about the screen: if you've never tried a capacitive screen you might think Nokia's resistive screens were OK but once you have, it's impossible to use a resistive screen without feeling you're being short-changed. Capacitive is in a different league. Thanks for the feedback Diego.

I think you’ve confirmed my point about the screen: if you’ve never tried a capacitive screen you might think Nokia’s resistive screens were OK but once you have, it’s impossible to use a resistive screen without feeling you’re being short-changed.

Capacitive is in a different league.

]]> By: Diogo Neves http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3391 Diogo Neves Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:48:02 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3391 So true... I cant talk about the iPhone as I haven't tested one but the homescreen widgets are SO badly implemented. They just go blank from time to time and you have to wait for them to reload... ridiculous! The email client is still so confusing to me. I wondered if I was suposed to use Nokia Messaging or the built-in one for days. Had to say that on my end, no problems with HTML rendering on Nokia Messaging so far... More to add, the resistive touchscreen. To give the screen a fair review as I never used a touchscreen phone before, I went into an Apple Store and just spend 1 minute with the iPhone... Gave it w touches and I realised the N97 mini one is trash when comparing it with the iPhone. Felt so disapointed... More problematic was the RAM. OMG, the RAM is ridiculously low!!! I mean, I came from a 2 years old phone and I would buy the mini without thinking twice if you has sticked 265mb of RAM on thid. Heck, I would even live with the resistive touchscreen!!! Wakeup call for Nokia: MAEMO ISN'T YOUR ONLY MULTITASKING OS! SYMBIAN CAN DO IT AS WELL, SO GIVE US RAM! Well that is what I have too say sumarised. Full review coming later at thoughtsfromhell.net. Br, Diogo Neves So true… I cant talk about the iPhone as I haven’t tested one but the homescreen widgets are SO badly implemented. They just go blank from time to time and you have to wait for them to reload… ridiculous! The email client is still so confusing to me. I wondered if I was suposed to use Nokia Messaging or the built-in one for days. Had to say that on my end, no problems with HTML rendering on Nokia Messaging so far… More to add, the resistive touchscreen. To give the screen a fair review as I never used a touchscreen phone before, I went into an Apple Store and just spend 1 minute with the iPhone… Gave it w touches and I realised the N97 mini one is trash when comparing it with the iPhone. Felt so disapointed… More problematic was the RAM. OMG, the RAM is ridiculously low!!! I mean, I came from a 2 years old phone and I would buy the mini without thinking twice if you has sticked 265mb of RAM on thid. Heck, I would even live with the resistive touchscreen!!! Wakeup call for Nokia: MAEMO ISN’T YOUR ONLY MULTITASKING OS! SYMBIAN CAN DO IT AS WELL, SO GIVE US RAM!

Well that is what I have too say sumarised. Full review coming later at thoughtsfromhell.net.

Br,
Diogo Neves

]]> By: An open letter to Nokia CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo: The 10 things you need to do today to be a contender in the high-end smartphone market again « The Prodigal Guide http://www.theprodigalguide.com/2010/01/26/how-does-the-nokia-n97-mini-fare-against-the-iphone/#comment-3390 An open letter to Nokia CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo: The 10 things you need to do today to be a contender in the high-end smartphone market again « The Prodigal Guide Thu, 28 Jan 2010 09:16:36 +0000 http://theprodigalguide.com/?p=2159#comment-3390 [...] than an iPhone. And our old 8800 Scirocco still gets palm time even now. More recently, the E75 and N97 mini have both impressed – albeit with caveats. And we continue to use our trusty N86 which we think [...] [...] than an iPhone. And our old 8800 Scirocco still gets palm time even now. More recently, the E75 and N97 mini have both impressed – albeit with caveats. And we continue to use our trusty N86 which we think [...]

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