Nokia fans underwhelmed by the N81 have been given one more shot at true love in the form of the N82
candybar. From the model numbers and quick glance, you might think that
the N81 and N82 are actually just the same phone in different form
factors, but it turns out that's pretty far from the truth -- besides a
camera upgraded from 2 megapixels to 5, the N82 features GPS and a
physical design just a little more befitting its price tag and position
at the top of Nokia's range.
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Since we're all well familiar with S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 and
the standard Nseries software load, we're going to keep this short and
sweet by concentrating on physical design. In a nutshell: the N82 has,
once again, set a new standard for Nokia build quality. No creaks, no
loose-fitting pieces, nothing that feels unsubstantial. In fact, from
the front, the N82 almost looks like it's fashioned from a single piece
of metal (or, at the very least, metal-like stuff).
Around back, though, we find that's not true. Instead, it's all plastic
here, but it's extremely high quality plastic. We were digging the
pearlescent, patterned battery cover.
The camera is a 5 megapixel autofocus unit accompanied by a xenon flash
and a Carl Zeiss-sourced lens, typical of Nseries devices. Of all the 5
megapixel cameraphones we've tested, we found that we had the easiest
time taking a decent shot in any lighting condition with the N82. Let's
put it this way: if we had to attend some event where we knew we needed
to take pictures and we forgot our camera, this is the phone that we'd
want in our pocket.
Naturally, the N-Gage
teaser is included here, though we weren't able to put the production
service through its paces (should be available any day now -- can you
feel the excitement building?). The N81 might be a little more
appropriate for serious gamers thanks to its two top-mounted control
buttons, but at least you'll know that the N82 has the horsepower to
run anything Nokia can throw your way.
Speaking of controls, we were a little wary of the N82's tiny keys.
Until we used them, that is. We were absolutely shocked to find that we
had no trouble using the keypad, probably because they're separated
just far enough part to prevent 95 percent of double presses.
Unfortunately, the N82 lacks the N81's nifty "Navi wheel" that allows
users to scroll through lists by touch, but anyone used to typical S60
navigation won't miss it, and the d-pad is one of the better we've used
on an Nseries handset anyway.
So look, Nokia, the bottom line is that we're really close to being
sold. We love the N95-besting camera, the GPS, the 3.5mm headphone
jack, the killer build quality, and the... dare we say, chic design.
You know the drill, though: just send us a N82-3 with HSDPA 850 / 1900
and the deal will be sealed, because this is one little powerhouse
deserves more -- way more -- than EDGE.
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