Apple’s iPhone 3G S and Nokia’s N97 are creating lots of buzz around the world. These two phones are truly next generation phones as they have mind-blowing features to fulfill all needs.
iPhone 3G S is popularly known for its iPhone OS and advanced touch screen capability where as Nokia N97 has 5-Megapixel camera with high-quality Carl Zeiss optics and cool internet browsing facility.
Even though these handsome phones have some amazing utilities, they lack in vital features. Michael Sherlock has compared iPhone 3G S and N97, which gives us perfect idea about these phones. Check the following iPhone 3GS VS Nokia N97 video.
I personally love iPhone and after watching above video I can say that N97 has also impressed me to certain extent. Let me know your views on N97 and iPhone 3G S
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i will give credit where it is due.
the iphone is fast and the UI is fantastic to LOOK at.
BUT….apart from that the iphone does nothing else
that phones from 2-3 years ago didnt…
there is no real “wow” for me….
the new iphone 3g s has “boasted” of its:
3mp camera,ability to shoot video,copy and paste, MMS(which as ive heard
is still not available from the AT&T network or something in that understanding) it has a
digital compass……
ill do a quick comparison to the aged nokia N80 from 2006
3mp camera,video,mms,copy and paste and it can send files via bluetooth…
you may now argue that it is slow and lacks gps and a digital compass….
thats just my point! that was 3 years ago!
so as the apple fans will now interject and say “the app store”
agreed you have an app store….symbian has ovi, and even though not as polished
as the app store one cannot underestimate 3 points:
1. symbian is an open source platform ie developers of applications do just that and there
applications are available instantly…
unlike the app store which MUST go through Apple’s requirements etc and should it not be “apple-ized” (read doesnt stop apple from having a firm grip on THEIR (yup not YOUR) device) it can then make it through to the app store
2. i am free to download apps from anywhere….any developer site…unlike the iphone which is limited to the app store (i stand corrected here)…if i want an app i just “google” for it….and get it…(yes having a dedicated one shop is preferable yet still…..freedom of choice is better)
3. the ovi store is just about 3 weeks old….in 6 months we can then put things into perspective……
therefore the iphone does absolutely nothing that we havent seem some 3 years ago.
Innovative? Yes….the UI…and thats where it stops….the iphone reminds me of the original
Motorola Razr that was all the craze worldwide…yet really did nothing except be stylish and innovatively thin…..then we saw the v3i v3x v3xx…..all with little innovation compared to the predecessor….and were still functionally behind other devices (sounds familiar?) but they all looked stylish…
so for me i choose the N97….which actually is technically gifted, with an open platform, and innovative (the combination of multimedia features and the qwerty of the business devices) homescreen widgets and ACTUAL multitasking…..
my $1 worth…..
Well, now I’m going to come off as a Apple fan boy, but whatever. First off, you greatly underestimate the importance of the device’s UI. It is essential for the user experience, which goes without saying. What Apple has done very well is provide their users with a fast, responsive UI. A higher spec Nokia or other still feel sluggish in comparison.
I do agree that Symbian is more “open” if by open you mean that anybody anywhere can make available applications without a screening process. On the other hand, the amount of crappy apps that that openness allows, well, staggering (not saying that many iPhone aren’t crappy. Remember the fart app? I mean come on…). It’s the same thing with regular ol’ java apps for other platforms. As a developer, the iPhone platform is wonderful to create apps for. If you need a custom app that will only be deployed within a company or you own iPhone, that’s not a problem. The only hurdle (granted, a big one for many) is the screening process in the App Store should you decide to offer your app for sale.
And come on, “yup not YOUR device”… That’s a tired and a factually – and logically – wrong argument. You are mixing ownership with something else. It sounds as if you have not tried iPhone development yourself. Then you would know that the main reason many apps look Apple like is that the SDK allows for quick development using standard features and elements. If you like, create the UI in any way you feel like. What you stated is just wrong.
The iPhone is in essence a small computer. If you know your way around the hardware and OSX, you can create some impressive apps.
Finally, there is more than hardware spec’s. Yes, the iPhone could have 5 MP and many other small improvements, but honestly – what can you do with a 5 MP pic that you can’t do with a 3 MP pic? The amount of MP alone is not, and has never been, the only definitive factor. If you need a good camera, buy a camera. Really. The main reason the iPhone is such a massive success is in many ways tied to the UI. If freedom of choice would be the definitive factor to consider, I’d buy an Android phone and only use my Linux flavor of choice.
And Mr. RobertH that’s exactly why you would perhaps never drive a Mercedes Benz or Apple would never hire you to work for them.
Products from Apple or Mercedes Benz which are companies that are centered around “design”, CAN NOT be evaluated solely on innovation grounds.
It is difficult to understand or to quantify the concept of user experience.
User experience is about how far is power window button from my thumb when my hand is comfortably resting on the door armrest as I grasp the steering wheel with my right arm. How easy is it to reach the button on the steering wheel, how do they feel to the touch, how easy are they to see in the dark, how distracting is the self illumination to the driver, this list can go on and on for eternity.
When you buy an Apple product vs a Nokia it’s not a case of bulleted list of features comparison to weight does product A support Protocol X but Product B doesn’t. It’s a matter of design and experience.
YOU personally may not understand this and not “experience” it because human mind is a very powerful thing and quite unique amongst different individuals. Your mind might be filling in much of the gap in the design shortcomings of the N97 interface/interactivity and as a result the negative impact of the Experience hurts you less than it would some other users.
In the end, from a designers perspective (yours truly included) N97 was designed by some amateur, perhaps contracted on an hourly rate in some grey cubicle. Nothing about the “N97″ is timeless. A good functional design by inherent nature and out of necessity becomes beautiful and often timeless.
On the n97, you can also show opened background apps when you press and hold the menu button.
There’s an amazing array of apps in the app store for the iPhone and that alone is worth getting the iPhone. The iPhone’s OS is also more responsive and easier to use. Gets things done without much hassle. Once you’ve used the iPhone, nothing else comes close.
The inovation on the iphone is the simplification of tasks you need, while retaining functionality. When I use Nokia (or similarly other phones) the menu options are really too overwhelming. You’ll play with these functions for a while, but a lot of the time you’ll just forget what you can do on the phone.
A case in point, on my old N95, I remember I was really not using GPS functionality, and only when I really need to, since the interface was just awkard. Maps app on the iPhone is nothing short of a breath of fresh air. Granted, the new Symbian is more polished, and the touch screen is nice, but it’s still glitchy and not polished as it could be. It’s the experience that sells the phone. My iPhone 3G is still a joy to use everyday.
LOL. Sorry man, but do you even have an iPhone? I am in no way an apple fan (in fact, I strongly dislike Macs) Everything you mentioned about the N97, the iPhone can do. The only thing the N97 has on the iPhone is the camera. And who cares about the physical qwerty? I can type as quickly on the iPhone has I can on those keyboards. It’s all about which you are more used to. Also the speed at which the iPhone can switch between apps is close enough to multi tasking anyways. Only difference is the n97 has it in memory but again, what advantage does that give you? By the way, benchmarks on the iPhone and n97 show it is quicker in every possible way. Lastly about your ovi store argument, the iPhone will always have more applications than the n97. Why? Because there will always be more people with iPhones and iPod touches than the n97. Posted from my iPhone 3GS btw.
I generally agree with RobertH above and the comparison with the Motorola Razr is interesting. I have a Nokia N96 which does more things than the current iPhone 3GS but there are significant flaws to using those features. The UI is a mess, web browsing is frustrating, drilling down into menus is archaic and time consuming, oh and battery life is worse than the iPhone, etc etc. Because of that I just don’t use those features, it’s a waste. Sure Nokia may of had those features years ago, but as with the Motorola Razr disease, they have failed to innovate. So I hope that Nokia has pulled their finger out and done a total revamp with the N97. Don’t under estimate the usefulness and attraction of a good UI. Little point having a ton features when it is cumbersome to use even though it looks good on the specification list.
So RobertH, what does the N97 do that a phone of 3 years ago couldn’t do? I don’t get your point. I think the iPhone is very innovative.
Just 1 thing phones of 3 years ago didn’t have? Multi Touch.
The Nokia just looks so big and clumsy in comparison to the iPhone. Everything the guy in the video does on the iPhone he seems to do without thinking, but he seems to be stumbling around trying to use the Nokia.
really glad that i got these responses let me start:
@ swedish- crappy apps from symbian….you compare the garbage in the app store to the the few nonsense apps symbian has? the app store has. yes the iphone does have some decent apps but a vast majority are utter nonsense. the fart app, the beer drinking app, pop corn machine…then again the iphone is catered to certain levels of entertainment….i dont think your point is valid on this one….the app store produces much more nonsense apps than symbian…
i can see from your lack of command for the English language(you cant have something which is “factual and logical” then place a negative…eg “exactly identical almost” )that you also lack understanding of my second point…
im not talking about the way apps are designed or look…im talking about the choices!
if it (the app) in any way allows the iphone to use some hidden functionality of the iphone or allows the iphone to increase user ability beyond predetermined by apple, it wont be allowed by apple! ie its still their phone as you have no freedom with your device! ie the term FIRM grip!
WHY WOULD I DEVELOP APPS? Am i a developer? No.
invalid point there….thats like me asking you what is the exterior angle theorem?
you havent the foggiest on an instant reply right? exactly.
why would i attempt to do sdk and develop when im CLEARLY not a developer? thats your job.
“the iphone is a small computer….” finish your sentence “…..that lacks proper multitasking, document processing ability (spreedsheets powerpoint etc) Bluetooth capabilities etc.”
hey i never mentioned the camera…you did…touche?
@ Tan- buried deep? i bet youre one of those guys/gals that need to have the latest thing even if they have absolutely no need/experience in how to use it? from your statement im (in)correctly deriving that thesis….
as with the n95 you could use (wait for it) the same google maps that the iphone uses (gasp!) or you could use Garmin,TomTom and plenty other map applications that are present (which brings me back to the freedom issue)
secondly tan if they were so buried….why didnt you just move them to the root folder? ie to the menu screen,or shortcuts?…….exactly….you just dont know how to use the phone but will be the 1st to say it didnt work………another reason i like symbian….personalization……no real personalization…
@ andrew- had the first iphone gave it away…
“the only thing the N97 has is the camera” really? ok well lets just listen to some music via our stereo bluetooth headsets…
oh right 2nd thing huh? (this is where you say “but thats it..and i constantly prove you wrong….ummm no wont waste time)
symbian has been around for about 10years and there is s60 and s40 (s40??? what……)therefore i can reinterate tha symbian has much more USEFUL apps than apple….read first talk later…..
@Robin- dual LED flash 16:9 video @30fps recording (in nHD) 5mp camera hspda 32gb mass storage with a memory card(up to 32gb as well) touch and qwerty combination carl zeiss tessar optics 2mp secondary camera for video calling…..i hope outside isnt too cold when you have your gloves on and need to multitouch….
@plutoprime(saved you for last) BMW M3 2008/09…… fact being that apart from being stylish it is functional…..so if mercedes sold you a vehicle which you couldnt drive youd still be happy? as the design is still there………
btw my n97 connect wirelessly to my stereo and plays my playlists….so my vehice and device are in sync….can the iphone do that? nope…so my driving experience is
safe to me and other drivers (as i dont need to take my hand off the wheel to skip to the next track as the stereo buttons on my wheel can control this)….now isnt that innovative?
i wish i had some more time to continue…but the lack of simple debate with valid points depresses me….most of these points are regurgatated….i will advice you to read more indepth….before you just follow the bandwagon…..
i bid you adeiu
lmaooooo “i hope outside isn’t too cold when you have your gloves on and you need to multitouch……” hahahah yyo!
really the only reason why there are more iphones than the N95-N97 series is the mere fact that nokia (although i identify as a nokia fan) i have to say they do not do a great job on advertising their products, Apple also has a stranglehold on the north american market for the smartphone sector, this is evident in canada where the N95 was released when the N96 was released in other parts of the world, not to mention every other phone in canada is extremely outdated relative to the phones in asia or europe…the 5800 Xpressmusic isnt even in canada yet for a good example
if nokia would do a better job advertising and release its newer phones into the north american (canadian) market they would have a lot more apps than the iphone because i believe the N97 would be more versatile than the iphone
Glad I bumped in to this post as i decided to get an iphone 3gs after years of using the n95gb and recently upgrading to N97.
It was so surprising how much I missed Nokia over the last week, the things that frustrated me with the iphone are below:
• The level of restriction
• Gimped Bluetooth (eg no tethering for free over bluetoth)
• Bad camera and video quality with no flash (it is not just about the nokia 5mp it is the quality of the camera)
• Lack of flash support in the browser
• Quality loud speaker
• Option of physical keys
• Options in map software and current inability for turn by turn although it is coming soon at a price, I had Nokia maps goggle maps and tom tom on my nokias
• When I travel abroad I am restricted to AT&T sim
• Industry-Standard USB Port
• Removable Battery (so annoying when phone crashes)
• User-Configurable Equalizer
• User-Accessible File System
• After cracking screen I missed the durability of Nokia devices.
Luckily I was still able to sell the device and hook back up my N97 on to at&t with a $15 data plan.
I am an apple man as I am a video editor by trade, I own tens of thousands of dollars worth of apple product, I love the software on the I phone but it is too restrictive. If you have used symbian devices for a long time, you just know how to do stuff and you get so much out of your device. It seems weird for first time users but there is just so much you can get out of a top Nokia phone its hard to explain, it is defintley not for those that like idiot prof devices, its more for those that want more from their device.
Its great market competition. I had to see what the I phone was all about, but I just cant justify leaving Nokia.
Nokia dont need advertising they hold 40% of the entire mobile world maybe theyre not that succesful here in the US but do you guys think it matters to them they dont even bother having a carrier here because theyre confident with what theyve got, thumbs up to apple theyre good at sweet talking people to buying their stuff,
its like comparing xbox to ps3, xbox will never ever have a blueray player same with apple and nokia.
Nokia is more innovative because they make an all in one device and they do it because they can, ask apple why they dont do it? apple is the one trying to catch up to nokia not the other way around…
Hi guys, I live in Singapore and i’m currently… still… using Nokia N97.
Design:
I’ve regrets purchasing this mobile, really… it ain’t really well-built/design, or though it may appear to be. For a Start, i hate its keyboard layout. It has just 3 rows instead of a well space-out 4 or 5 rows like u would find it in HTC or Blackberry. The spacebar is awkwardly positioned, which i would prefer it to be in the middle, & as a matter of fact, its keyboard is the least comfortable in similar mobile i’ve used for the past 2yrs. Its exterior looks ok, but construction feels like it won’t last if u’re a little careless.
Performace:
This ain’t the fastest mobile out in the market, could be one of the slowest in terms of processing power. I really don’t recommend multi-tasking with it, u need alot of patience.
Touch-Screen:
N97 is still using the old-technology for its touch-screen and does not support multi-touch. Playing games would not be as entertaining with such screens.
Ovi store:
In this department, Ovi store really has miles to catch-up to AppStore. I’ve just downloaded one paid app and it isn’t even comparable to free-apps my mates downloaded from Apple’s AppStore. In Ovi, i don’t seems to be excited about App-shopping, i wasn’t @all spoilt for choice, i was screaming for alternatives.
The number one factor i hate about N97… it ain’t sufficient enough for me. It lasted 10hrs on average per day, sometimes just 8hrs. I did emailing, web-surf, and approximately 70mins of calls per day.
Camera:
Isn’t really important to me, i don’t really care if they pump-in 5mp or 8mp, they all capture similar quality based on such tiny lens.
My reasons for NOT recommending N97
-Bad battery life
-Below average performace (patience needed for multi-tasking)
-Bad keyboard buttons, layout and construction
-Ovi Store not as application rich and useful as Apple’s AppStore.
If given a 2nd chance, I believe i would’ve chosen iPhone 3GS.
Since most of my buddies and my younger brother have bought iPhone3GS recently, i’ve experience enough of their fun & thrills of using iPhone. It’s really hard not to be Appletized once u experience it, as it is much easier to navigate thru its menus in constrast with Nokia’s N97. I’ve to admit that iPhone’s touch-scr keys need some practice, but it’s pretty easy to get used to, besides…it uses spell-correct to eliminate input errors and it work flawlessly. I can’t find a reason to dislike iPhone.
I’m choosing iPhone 3GS and dumping my Nokia N97 because:
-Speedy processing
-Longer Battery Life (24-26hrs, based on my current usage)
-Massive amount of useful Free Apps as well as Paid Apps.
-Entertainment value (Better & More Games)
-Newer technology in multi-touch screens & smooth response
-Accessories (Massive choice for good leather Folio, cases, sports-band, charger… etc.)
……me too, for the internet…..lol im poor, so I don’t have a laptop or pc at home ….so im on my slow ass n97 alot, but can’t change that now so I have no choice but to stay with it. (yeah, yeah I know, but I somehow manage to spend all that money on a n97 right? I only had to find 300…the rest came easily after selling my 3G and 1st gen.)
Just love the new 32gb iPhone. Ultimate gadget for me. Nice post. Thanks.
N97 is. . . . . .THE BEST
lol…….smh, why ya’l arguing over devicies for?….listen to ya’l selves…haha the guy just asked for alil opinion on the 2 phones, and evry body end up cussin’ each other. C’mon guys its christmas…lol! Lets just hold hands and sing “silent night”…………….then ya’l can go back, arguing- since this is a phone opinion, here’s mine. I had the iphone 3G right, but now i got the n97…..the truth is….I love the internet browsing on the iphone better..I recommend it, internet browsing on the n97 sucks. I love the n97’s camera and home screen tho. So if your planning on buying one of these phones, dont buy……the phone just cuz its hot and its the most talked about, buy a phone that you know has what you want..so basically im saying I dont regret switching from iphone to the n97 im just saying that I rushed into something without knowing much about it cuz just b’cuz it was eye catching. Overall the n97 is still a good phone as well as the iphone 3G and S, one great benefit of the 97 is that, if im going to jamaica….ima bring it with me and just slip a digicel sim card in there and im good to go, but with the iphone….you can’t go international b’cuz its locked. After experiencing both phones, I now know I personally want a fast easy access web browser which the iphone 3G S has, great pictures from the n97’s 5MP, E-mail, video and music……..that’s me. Both phones are ight, but ima wait for something that’s more me all together. And remember my advice.