N86 Package Contents:
- Nokia N86 Phone
- 1200 mah Battery
- USB cable
- Charger
- Stereo “IN EAR” Headset (3.5 mm)
- Remote/ Adapter
- User guide + Warranty + OVI Registration
Device Tour:
Top: Power Button, 3.5 mm Jack, USB/ Charging Port.
Left: Key Lock Toggle.
Right: Stereo Speaker #1, Volume Toggle, Camera Key, Speaker #2
Bottom: Lanyard holes.
Back: 8mp Carl Z. Camera, Dual LED Flash, Kick Stand.
Device Gallery:
Design:
The N series gadgets of the past have been plagued with reports of build quality issues and shoddy craftsmanship. In effect, the engineers over at Nokia have been staging a revolution which comes in the form of their latest flagship device – The N86. The N series revolution begins with the use of exotic components such as a tempered glass overlay which protects the 2.6 inch Active Matrix Organic LED (AMOLED) display. The glass is beset by a stainless steel bezel creating a juxtaposition of contrasting textures. Emerging from the glass face of the device is a chromed directional pad and hardware keys to match the lustrous bezel. Beneath the vivid display is a dual slider mechanism constructed from alloy. The slide’s assembly has been fine tuned over the years and now glides open with out a hitch to reveal an alpha numeric keypad. The display can also be slid in the opposite direction to uncover media centric keys. The back of the device is dominated by a large battery door which has a matte plastic finish. The N86 weighs in at a welcomed 149 grams due to the extensive use of metal components. Overall this device feels great in hand but all is not perfect as there is a millimeter of give between the two halves of the slider and the occasional creak which detracts from the otherwise brilliant construction.
Display:
The revolution continues in what many believe to be the single most important factor when purchasing a media centric device – the display. The N86 comes equipped with a 2.6 inch AMOLED display that allows for a greater range of colors, faster response time, greater energy efficiency, and thinner construction than traditional LED screens. The result is an augmented user experience even when engaged in the most rudimentary of tasks such as navigating through menus or browsing through files. The menu characters pop out to an almost 3D effect because AMOLED displays are 20% brighter than traditional displays and also because the said displays produce a more true to life black color. The only disadvantage is the over all screen size which is too small for web browsing and requires an extensive use of the D-pad for scrolling and superfluous squinting. Outdoor usage does not present a problem as screen brightness can be increased to counteract the overbearing sun.
Camera:
In an ideal world the Nokia N86 would have a glass camera lens, a top of the line CCD sensor, and a xenon flash. However the inclusion of such components would significantly drive up the price of the device as well as become a burden in size. In tackling the problem of picture quality the engineers over at Nokia decided to change the imaging game by focusing on reformulating the algorithms used in image processing as well as adding in an 8 mega pixel sensor. The results are revolutionary. Below is 5th Avenue through the lens of the Nokia n86.
The pictures have been resized but accurately represent the advancement Nokia has brought to mobile optics. We can also commend Nokia on camera processing speed. There is only a 0.5 second delay between the time a photo is snapped and when the image preview is displayed – now that is fast. Blurry images due to movement are always a problem in dealing with camera phones but the ultra fast mechanical shutter aids in reducing such unwanted photographs. Another problem is grainy pictures due low light situations but as we can see from the images above, the N86 deals valiantly thanks to a dual led flash. Unfortunately the flash is too strong when taking macro shots as some of the colors are washed out. The N86 is also equipped with 20x digital zoom but at max capacity pictures require a very steady hand. Any camera enthusiast would enjoy the host of camera setting the n86 offers including red eye reduction, scene selection, photo editor etc... The video player is not shabby either with recording at 30 frames per second.
Multimedia:
There is no doubt that the N86 is a true multimedia power house. Just insert your favorite stereo headphones and enjoy the acoustic escape provided by the latest contemporary artist. With 8 gigs of included flash memory and the option to expand through an SD card slot you will never have to worry about listening to the same track twice. The N86 plays a variety of file types including the more popular mp3 and WMA formats. If you want to share your tunes at the office, just hit play and let the stereo speakers wow the audience. Although the stereo speakers are loud, they lack bass and sound a bit tiny when playing certain songs. Fortunately the N86 gives the added option of an FM transmitter. This allows users to take over the nearest radio and playback through its speakers with a completely static free broadcast. Video playback is also possible but you will first have to convert your files to either mp4 or 3gp formats. Once again the display might detract from the movie playback experience but you can always display video on your TV or monitor via a video out cable. The native s60 browser gives you the web at your fingertips and includes flash so you can enjoy the actual YouTube site and not have to settle for the mobile version. The browser has been supercharged for faster speeds and ultra quick page renderings.
Connectivity:
One of the reasons the Nokia N86 and its s60 (3rd edition fp2) UI is so enticing is the connectivity options. In order to elaborate we will present a situation not uncommon to the average businessman – Mr. Smith. In this situation Mr. Smith has been working hard on a Power Point presentation that is due the next morning. He drags the presentation into his thumb drive and emails it to himself as a fail safe. The next morning Mr. Smith wakes up late and in a rush leaves his thumb drive at home. He realizes after he arrives at the office and there is only 10 minutes before the presentation is due. His laptop at the office is not booting up and panic ensues. Luckily Mr. Smith has his trusty Nokia N86. Smith turns on the WiFi and downloads his presentation to his phone. He opens the presentation using the included documents viewer software. Now, how to connect to the projector? Mr. Smith remembers that the N86 has video out capability but no A/V cable in sight. He then attempts to connect his N86 to the office projector via DLNA but to no avail – the projector is old. Finally Mr. Smith uses Bluetooth to connect to the projector and streams his presentation directly from the job saving N86.
Usage:
A phone is a phone first and everything else comes second. Fortunately the N86 performs brilliantly as a phone. The reception is on par with most Motorola handsets which many regard as best in class when it comes to Rf. Voices are loud and clear with no static or interference. In noisy environments, speakerphone is a must or you can always pop in your stereo ear buds. Talk time is rated at about 6 hours but this always depends on location. The N86 comes equipped with a 1200 mah battery that lasts about 2 days with heavy usage on a GSM network. This includes about 15 – 20 minutes worth of calls, 3 hours of music playback, 40 – 50 photos, 20 – 30 texts, and about 30 minutes of web browsing.
Conclusion:
Ultimately the Nokia N86 is a great phone with good build quality and an unparalleled camera. This device is just the beginning of what is to come from the Finnish manufacturer. The N86 is not perfect but we are promised continued support including an upcoming firmware update which will improve camera a functionality and your run of the mill bugs. One thing that is missing from the N86 is the newer generation of 600 mghz processors. The inclusion of such a processor would increase software performance in areas such as the photo browser and transition effects. Despite the slower processor, the N86 is a must buy.
Summary:
(+) AMOLED Display
(+) Metal, Glass, and Plastic Construction
(+) 8 MP Camera
(+) Photo Quality
(+) Battery Life
(+) FM Transmitter
(+) Connectivity
(-) Display Size
(-) Stereo speakers sound tiny
(-) Processor speed
(-) Cheap kick stand
