Nokia N97 mini preview
04 SEP 2009
Launch price
£430 (SIM-free)
Stuff says
Shaving down the dimensions and tweaking the OS of the already-capable N97 could see the mini make a major splash
PREVIEW
Those hoping for a significantly smaller incarnation of the N97 will probably be a tad disappointed when they finally get their hands on the mini version.
Still, a bit like when your jeans shrink in the wash, a little can make a big difference. The N97 mini will cost £430 SIM-free when it launches, and is packs a punch that's almost as powerful as its big brother.
Mini me
Nokia has shaved off just enough round the edges and slimmed down the added bulk to make the N97 mini that bit more manageable. There's also no lens cover on the back (every little helps) and the navigational pad has been replaced by curser keys for added precision.
Aside from that, it's pretty much the same aesthetically as its (slightly) bigger brother. The sliding tilt display is fractionally smaller at 3.2in, but disappointingly Nokia hasn't seen fit to equip it with the more responsive capacitive screen of the new X6, sticking with the resistive type that requires heavier prodding.
Review continues after the break...
The big changes come under the bonnet, seeing the N97 mini loaded up with the new 2.0 version of the
Series 60 5th Edition OS. Apparently the improvements this brings – namely kinetic scrolling to the whole phone – will compensate for the resistive screen, though we'll have to see it to believe it.
Get a lifeThe other headline-grabber is the mini's support of the new Lifecasting feature with Ovi, which will no doubt excite Facebook addicts. Heralding the start of location-aware internet services, Lifecasting allows you to update your Facebook status with where you actually are using real places on a map – even adding pictures – straight from the live personalised home screen.
Furthering the mini's location cred, Ovi Maps combines with the integrated A-GPS to offer voice navigation when walking or driving. There's also over 155,000 points of interest on offer courtesy of Lonely Planet and Michelin guides.
Slimmed-down storageAll the multimedia functionality of the N97 remains – after all, Nokia does like to remind us this is a 'mobile computer' not mobile phone. But as well as slimming down the dimensions, the Finns have also done away with the N97's 32GB onboard memory, leaving just 8GB on the mini. This is expandable to 24GB via the microSD card slot, but does seem a little stingy.
We were impressed with the N97 when we tested it earlier this year, and the improved OS and slimmer dimensions can only add to its appeal. It's just a shame that Nokia chose to go with the older screen technology, but we'll reserve judgement on that for now.