The Nokia N82 Mobile Phone - Martin's Quick Review

It has been observed that the Nokia N82 has almost the same specifications as the N95, which is touted as the best smartphone of 2007 and will be difficult to surpass in 2008. The N82 is similar in that it is a Series 60 phone running on Symbian OS, with GPS navigation, 3G video calling that's bolstered by HSDPA, wireless LAN, 5 megapixel camera, Real Player, a TV out so that you could view pictures and video on a larger monitor, and a rather large memory. Of course, not as large as the N95's 160MB internal memory with either 4 or 8GB external microSD memory card, although at 100MB internal memory and its inclusive 2GB card, the N82's capacity to store files and applications is not very far behind.

At first it would seem pointless for Nokia to create a clone of their best mobile phone, but although most of the features are exactly the same, there are reasons why people will want to buy the N82 instead of the N95.

You might be wondering how this is possible when the N82 leaves a lot to be desired in the looks department, especially whilst standing beside the sleek N95. Encased in a boring silver on silver plastic casing, the N82 is the candybar version of the N95. It is slimmer than the N95 but longer because it is not a slider and the screen ought to be large enough for GPS. The longer unit looks rather awkward, as do the tiny protruding buttons that serve as its keyboard.

Some users, however, have expressed preference for the N82's tiny keys, perhaps because they are elevated, unlike those of the N95, which are flat, placed too close together and easy to press by mistake. Also, there are not as many buttons in the N82, turning out to be more user-friendly.

If you do not mind the plain, uninspired design, you will be delighted at its unbelievably low selling price – in effect, you are purchasing a smartphone at the level of an N95 for £150 less. And some users already been drawn to the price will attest that the N82 is superior in other ways.

Its main attraction will be the 5 megapixel camera. Like the N95, it is equipped with autofocus, but trumps the older phone with xenon flash, which is equal to a real camera's flash quality. Photos taken at night are the best with the N82. Accordingly, the video quality is superb as well. Additionally, the camera has a protective cap which easily switches open and shut when necessary.

Nokia has since improved on the bugs of the N95, so the N82 may even seem a superior mobile unit as it is not prone to crashing or hanging as the first N95 units were. Features on the Nokia N82 also seem more streamlined than on the N95, particularly the GPS navigation feature, which opens and detects satellites faster. However, since the N82 has a smaller screen, maps are still easier to read on an N95.

Overall, if you're not particular about what your phone looks like, the N82 is a gem of a mobile phone, at a gem of a price. If looks matter to you, however, hold out for the Nokia to update its firmware for the N95.

If you'd like to spend less, compare free Nokia N82 contract deals and prices, or alternatively take your pick of the U.K.'s best pay as you go mobile phones and offers to ensure that you get the best value in the marketplace.