The new Nokia N97 Mini is a companion device to the extremely popular N97, which was launched back in June. Another of the new handsets announced at the Nokia World event last week (the others being the Nokia X3, Nokia X6 and Nokia N900) the Nokia N97 Mini takes all that is good about its big brother, adds in a few social networking tools and crams it all into a compact, pocket friendly size. Oh, and the price of the N97 Mini means it should find itself on some very competitive deals from the networks, whereas the N97 has been sitting as a premium product ‘til now. First comparison now is between the measurements of the two N97 devices – just how ‘Mini’ is the N97 Mini?
Well, the N97 measures in at 117.2 x 55 x 16 mm and weighs 150g, whilst the N97 Mini is 113 x 52.5 x 14 mm, and weighs in at 138g. So, in mobile terms that is a significant difference in weight and also thickness, and the Mini is quite a bit shorter too. Too allow for this size difference a few sacrifices have had to be made, amongst these is a smaller screen. The pixel resolution remains exactly the same, at 360 x 640 pixels, but the screen size is physically smaller, with the N97 Mini having a display at 3.2 inches compared to the 3.5 inches of the N97. Otherwise, the display options remain the same; the N97 Mini has a TFT resistive touchscreen, supporting up to 16 million colours.
Entry on the handset can be via the onscreen keyboard, with both an onscreen alphanumeric and QWERTY keyboard available, plus support for handwriting recognition. There is a proximity sensor included, so the touchscreen is disabled whilst you are in call, which stops you accidentally activating items when the phone is pressed against your cheek. The display also has auto rotate, with a built in accelerometer, which allows the screen to automatically flip between landscape and portrait mode.
Along with the N97, the N97 Mini has a unique hinge mechanism, which allows the screen to fold up into an angled position, so when the device is placed flat on a surface it can be used as if it were a mini laptop. The N97 Mini has a full QWERTY keyboard included, but in another difference to the N97, there is now no longer a D-pad to control operation on the handset, this is now done by four arrow keys. Despite the smaller dimensions of the handset, the QWERTY keyboard is still more than usable, and can easily be used for composing an email, or writing a blog update.
Another area where the N97 Mini differs from the N97 is in terms of internal memory capacity. Where the N97 offers a huge 32GB of internal space, with memory card expansion, the N97 Mini has to make do with ‘just’ 8GB. There is room for expansion here, with MicroSD memory cards, and as the N97 Mini can handle up to 16GB, the built in memory should be more than adequate for the majority of users. You’d need a fairly large collection of music and images for this not to be the case.
Otherwise, the N97 Mini matches up very well to the N97 feature for feature. So, we find on board a 5.0 Megapixel camera, with Carl Zeiss lens, autofocus and a Dual LED flash. As with other recent devices with the Dual LED flash, the light can be used also for video recording, enabling a better output in low level light conditions. Video can be captured at 30fps, with a VGA resolution, and the N97 Mini also has a front facing VGA camera for video calling. The N97 Mini camera does not have a camera lens cover, the lens is continually exposed. As early reports on the N97 suggested the lens cover actually scratched the lens, it is debateable whether this is an issue or not.
One of the major additions to the N97 Mini is in its software. This includes the option for Lifecasting. Lifecasting is a way of recording your life online, for your own requirements or ideally for sharing with friends and family. Initially working with Facebook, the Lifecasting option on the N97 Mini allows for tighter integration with Facebook, so it is easier to upload your videos, pictures, and status updates as well as keep up to date with the movements of your friends. This option will be made available for N97 users in an upcoming firmware update, due soon.
Other options on the N97 Mini include a full media player, with multiple format support, for both music and video. There is a TV out option, and an FM stereo radio, with FM transmitter. This allows you to stream your music from the phone to a nearby FM radio. Simply select a free frequency on your FM radio, and match that on the handset, this works well on a home stereo but really comes into its own when used in a car.
The N97 Mini has a full compliment of connection features; As well as Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, we find HSDPA, WiFi with UPnP support, as well as GPRS, HSCSD and EDGE. GPS is also included, which works with the pre-installed OVI Maps and also offers a Geotagging option with the camera.
With a smaller price tag to match the smaller sized product, the Nokia N97 Mini should prove to be as popular as the N97 has been. If your need for a larger screen or maximum memory is not critical, the N97 Mini may well fit the bill, and you shouldn’t have to wait too long to get your hands on one. The N97 Mini is expected to launch as soon as October 2009.
Related Nokia N97 Mini Links
- Compare the latest Nokia N97 Mini deals
- Compare Nokia N97 Mini pay as you go prices
- Read user Nokia N97 Mini reviews
- Full list of Nokia N97 Mini specs
- View gallery of Nokia N97 Mini pictures
- Watch latest Nokia N97 Mini video
4:14 pm
Hey this might sound slightly stupid but many of the deals for this phone don't offer unlimited web access, is this essential? I ask this because I am 14 and my dad wont let me have a contract over £30 and all the deals with internet are £35 and over. If anyone knows of a contract that offers unlimited internet and texts (I'm not too bothered about calls) for around £20-30 for this phone I'll be very grateful.