The third device in the Nokia Navigator range, the 6710 continues to build on the legacy of the 6110 and 6210 navigator devices. There are some significant improvements from the 6210 Navigator which was released last year. Let’s take a look at those in more detail. At first glance, you could be forgiven for thinking that the 6210 Navigator and the 6710 Navigator were identical, apart from colour. They both weigh the same, 117g, and the dimensions are almost identical, too. One of the first things the more observant will notice from first glance is the screen. Whilst the 6710 Navigator retains the ever popular QVGA TFT screen, with 16 million colours found on most all Nokia devices, the 6710 Navigator has increased the size over its predecessor by 0.2 of an inch, now measuring 2.6 inches from point to point. This puts it in league with devices such as the N95 Classic version, and is very welcome given the navigation focus of the device. In car, the larger the screen on your device the better.
Design wise the 6710 Navigator is a compact slide phone, mirroring the 6210. On the front of the phone, under the screen, we find the send/end call keys, two soft option keys for selecting various menu items, along with a five way navigation D-Pad, Symbian menu key and a clear/cancel key. All seem to be well spaced out and easy to select. Sliding the phone open we see a standard 12 key alphanumeric keypad, with all keys well sized and easy to select. Nokia can sometimes come out with some quite silly keypad designs; it is a pleasure to see something resembling normality on this device.
The 6710 Navigator runs on the latest version of the S60 firmware, FP2. This gives nice eye candy style transitions when navigating the menu. Thankfully these can be turned off; I find them both annoying and also that it slows down the menu navigation. Not too noticeable, but enough to bug me.
Being a Navigator device, there should be no surprises in hearing the 6710 Navigator includes a built in GPS receiver, with additional aGPS support. The device also ships with the latest version of Nokia Maps, version 3.0. This works well, and the device will also work with other Navigation/Maps software; Google Maps works particularly well on the device. When using the maps, there is also a digital compass which helps with understanding the direction you are moving in, for a better navigation experience.
Away from navigation, looking through the specs, we find another couple of enhancements from the 6210. Firstly, the device is equipped with a 5.0 megapixel camera, which supports autofocus, and has an LED flash along with Carl Zeiss lens. Pretty much the norm for a mid range Nokia these days, and an improvement from the 6210 which had a 3.2 megapixel camera. Video recording on the 6710 Navigator is also improved, offering video capture at 30 fps.
Another noticeable improvement is the inclusion of WiFi, and also HSUPA high speed data uploads. As we see from the impressive spec list, this device is not just about navigation. For entertainment, the handset has a built in media player, with support for MP3, eAAC+ and AAC music files, and also plays back MP4 video files. Another addition is the inclusion of a standard 3.5mm audio output jack. This allows you to use your own comfortable headphones with the device, instead of the standard supply ones which aren’t always of best quality. Other media options include a built in FM radio, and also a podcasting application, so you can download and archive your favourite podcasts on the move. There is also support for the Nokia internet radio application, although it is only recommended to those in a WiFi covered area or with an unlimited data plan, as internet radio is very data intensive.
There isn’t a great deal of memory built in on the handset, with just 50MB available. This should be enough for most people’s needs, but to be sure this can be expanded with the addition of a micro SD card. A 2GB card should be included in the box (operator dependent) with the device able to support up to 16GB more. This would allow you to store maps for the whole world, plus have room for 1,000’s of pictures and music tracks, too.
Overall the Nokia 6710 Navigator is a capable navigation device, with a welcome improvement in screen size. Alongside this we find a variety of features that will offer something for almost all users, and should carry the appeal of the 6710 Navigator across market segments. Availability Q3 2009, check back for updates.
Related Nokia 6710 Navigator Links
- Compare the latest Nokia 6710 Navigator deals
- Compare Nokia 6710 Navigator pay as you go prices
- Read user Nokia 6710 Navigator reviews
- Full list of Nokia 6710 Navigator specs
- View gallery of Nokia 6710 Navigator pictures
- Watch latest Nokia 6710 Navigator video