My Take on iPhone 3G versus Nokia Nseries
Ted Wallingford did a “smackdown” comparison between the Apple iPhone 3G and the Nokia Nseries devices. His assessment, while the Nokia Nseries has more functionality, the iPhone gets the nod “for those who want a frustration-free, minimal-hack cell phone experience.”
While regular readers know I have a dog in this hunt, and I’ll admit I haven’t spent a lot of time looking the Apple iPhone (i.e. the competition), here’s what I’ve been able to piece together based on my limited use of the device and what research I’ve been able to do.
The Apple iPhone is a media consumption device. Clearly the interface lends itself to easily consuming media, be it music, videos, photos, or web pages. However, as a media generation device, it is not so great. The camera is bad, typing on the iPhone screen has been described as hard by some, and certain classes are third-party apps are simply not available because Apple hasn’t (or won’t) approve them.
The Nokia Nseries are also media consumption devices. They can sync with Windows Media–complete with DRM. They support downloading podcasts direct from the phone using Nokia Podcasting, and some models even support the FM radio. The interface is not as refined as the iPhone, but the basic functionality is there and, in some cases, surpasses the iPhone. Nokia’s Music Store–available in only a few countries–allows purchasing of tracks over the air from the handset.
Unlike the iPhone, though, but many of the Nokia Nseries devices–particularly the newer ones–are media generation devices. The Nokia N95 and N82 can take videos in 640×480 and pictures in 5 megapixel glory. For me, that’s good enough to replace my dedicated video camera and still camera for “everyday” stuff.
I tend to agree with Alec Saunders on Squawkbox, who discussed this topic ad-nauseum on yesterday’s Squawkbox. He said that comparing these two devices was a bit like comparing a hammer and a screwdriver. They are different tools that do different things. Bravo.
Meanwhile, the problem that all of these devices have is quite simple: battery life. (Yes, Sheryl, I noticed the comment you made on yesterday’s Squawkbox). When you bring 3G into the equation, it seems like they both fall flat. Perhaps that’s why the Blackberry has better battery life at the moment–there isn’t a 3G version available (at least in North America)! Wonder how they will compare with 3G.
Edit: If my “dog in this hunt” statement wasn’t obvious before, I work for Nokia. However, my job has nothing to do with mobile phones except as a user and occasional beta tester. This is my own blog and my own opinions.
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Tags: apple, iphone, nokia, nseries, ted wallingford Fnord
Comment by Sheryl Breuker
Dameon, I think you’re right on. I guess without 3g, which is only today hitting the Blackberry Bold in Canada, there are bandwidth and consequently battery life issues. You are probably correct that this is the cause. Now…I can say Ken and I talked extensively about this subject. On Squawkbox again this morning the discussion actually wound up with people making tongue in cheek comments about 3g and the lack of effectiveness on the iPhone. I don’t have an iPhone so can’t say. They also commented that in some places it’s still not usable. Dan York for instance made that comment. He says in New Hampshire where he lives he has no 3g service.
Our current model of Blackberry doesn’t have 3g ability and I don’t know how important it is if the battery will die within a short period of time. I don’t need the bandwidth for email and gtalk or any of the other IM services I use. Personally for a cell phone, and data service device, I can’t imagine a better mobile than my BB. Having said that, I do not have a Nokia e71 et al. Perhaps had I gotten one of those for my first smart phone I wouldn’t have been so in love with my BB. I like the N95. I like nokia. I just really like the qwerty keyboard and as I have BB service I see no need to buy an iPhone or Nokia device simply to add another bill to my already extensive mobile cost per month.
Now…if someone GAVE me one, I might be more inclined. As that isn’t happening, I’ll stick with what I have and continue loving it.
(Thanks for noticing my comment yesterday)
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Comment by AC
Great piece!
FWIW it seems to me that the standard for both video consumption and creation is YouTube, this is where Nseries really pulls ahead of the iPhone, with apps like emTube & MobiTubia letting you save YouTube content locally on your device, and the the 30fps VGA camera for creating content of your own…
Comment by Lilly Evans
I have had Nokia N73 for over two years now and would not swap it for anything other than N95. I also have Nokia 6220 but I am afraid they can not compare. I use MacBook and iPod so I love Apple interface.
After I got N73, I was totally boring about my new gadget - and this was the first time ever! It is an amazing combination of functionality and durability. This year we went to Ecuador and my phone was one of just two in our group that could work on their networks. The battery life is great - I use both Visual radio (would prefer FM though), media player and internet access on daily basis. I often read news on my mobile on the train going to town (London). Having a great camera is fantastic, and I have often made better photos with it than those around me with dedicated cameras. I very rarely use the video. having bluetooth on both phone and my laptop makes transfers a doddle.
I have GoogleMaps on my mobile which allows me to find directions when I need to - not exactly very fast but it is there and works when you need it.
Oh, and I should say I am 59 year old woman (though I am an electrical engineer and computer scientist by training).
So, my vote is for NSeries!!!!
So, I would not get iPhone
Comment by Vajid
Nokia rocks, Apple sucks!!
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Comment by Hannah
I have an iPhone and it has to be said I am gaining more and more of a dislike to it. I am quite tempted to take it to the second hand electronics store in town and exchange it for a N95!
I am just trying to convince my other half that it is in fact a good idea! I take a lot of photos and wish i could take videos from my iphone. I do like the internet access on the iPhone but ultimately if i can get to google i can find out the answers to the random questions i ask of it!
With the 8GB model I can fit all my music and still lots of room!
Comment by PhoneBoy
The N95 8GB is one of my favorite phones for sure. I can get more than enough stuff on it. I’m having a hard time deciding how I am going to fill 16gb on the N96!