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Nokia N85
Forget the sins of the Nokia N96, as the Nokia N85 is here to save the phone model in distraught. This gizmo is a real entertainer, having been equipped with music and video playback features, 3D gaming and GPS and unlike N96′s robustness the N85 features a slimmer and sleeker frame.
Commonalities between the N85 and N96 still exist; one is the two-way, sliding keypad mechanism. Push the phone upwards to reveal the traditional keypad and push it downwards to reveal four multi-function buttons that change in every mode. These buttons light up as playback controls in media mode, extra control buttons in game mode and zoom in/out buttons in web browser mode. Sliding the phone also changes the phone’s display layout. Show the normal keypad and it is in landscape mode; show the media controls and it is in portrait mode. N85′s usage of the Organic LED screen is a first in the N series handsets, a cool change since OLED displays consume less power compared to TFT screens. While the usage of OLED to other phones yields some disappointments, N85 did it right with its bright and vivid colors, although getting used to it is a little challenge especially for TFT-addicts who might find the N85′s screen look different.
Its music department comes with top-notch features including the standard, easy to use S60 music player. Store hundred, thousands of songs in the 8GB microSD card and listen in private with your favorite headset by plugging it in the standard headphone jack. You better think twice if you really want to replace the bundled headphones that are actually pretty good, and it comes with an inline remote control, microphone and hands-free calling. Another cool feature is its built-in FM transmitter for beaming tracks to your car stereo or FM radio at home.
Gaming is another plus points to the N85, with the rebirth of the NGage software platform embedded in the unit. Preloaded games include FiFa 08 and System Rush.
Connectivity-wise, the N85 also excels. It has Wi-Fi and HSDPA. There are some complaints with the web pages, but it’s good news that they load and display smoothly and quickly. There is always a solution with the bittersweet browser though, just download Opera mobile for the phone and experience the improvement. The built-in GPS also works wells with the Nokia maps software.
There are two cameras in the Nokia N85, one in front for 3G video calling and the 5-megapixel, with Carl Zeiss optics, on the rear. The sensor is covered with a lens cover, and when slid back, the phone automatically switches into camera mode. The rear camera has both autofocus and a dual LED flash and the image quality is bordering on the okay side.
To date, voice calls and SMS/MMS capabilities are nothing but the core and reviewing them is sometimes unnecessary. Most phone reviews are targeted on the extras and basing on this criterion, the N85 does well.