• Nokia N97 vs New Apple iPhone


    Here at the Systemagic offices we like to keep up to date with the latest developments in technology and mobile phones are often a hot topic of conversation. For many years we used exclusively Nokia handsets. We're an Orange Independent Authorised Retailer and a wide range of the Nokia phones are available on Orange so it has made sense. As we've taken on new staff though recently, they've bought with them their iPhones and have been telling everyone how great they are. After a bit of peer pressure, we now have 3 iPhones in the office along with our Nokias.

    I've personally had a Nokia handset for over 10 years, upgrading every year or 18 months. I currently own an N82 which i've been really happy with. The time has come though where it's time to upgrade again, and the big question is do i go with the new Nokia N97 which comes out this week, or do i jump ship and get a new Apple iPhone 3GS which also comes out this week.

    I've spent many hours over recent weeks checking out the specs and canvassing opinion about which phone to get and what has become apparent is that people have very strong views. A bit like Marmite you either love the iPhone or you hate it, and many current iPhone users think Nokia is a dirty old fashioned word. We've collated together some of the main points to help you choose, and as both handsets come out over the next week or we'll keep you updated as to what our decisions are.

    Major Areas
    From the measurements alone there isnt much in it. The N97 weighs 150g compared to the iPhone 3GS at 135g. The Nokia is 117.2 (L) x 55.3 (W) x 15.9mm (D) compared to the iPhone 3GS 115.5 (H) x 62.1 (W) x 12.3mm (D). The screens although similar in size have different resolutions with the N97 showing 640 x 360 in 16:9 format compared to 320x480 for the iPhone.

    I use the camera on my N82 a lot and of the things making me lean towards the N97 is the 5 mega pixel camera with flash. The iPhone only manages a 3mp camera with no flash. The N97 comes with 32Gb standard storage which is expandable to 48Gb with an additional memory card and the Apple comes in 16Gb or 32Gb versions.

    One of the biggest let downs with the Nokia looks likely to be the lack of decent applications. iPhone users can choose from thousands of apps, many of which are free. Nokia are far behind with a very low number although hopefully this will expand over time. The usability of the iPhone is without a doubt a better experience but the N97 is a far step ahead of previous handsets so we'll have to wait and see how it actually works when we get our hands on one.

    The arguments in the office between iPhone fans and Nokia fans will probably continue long into the future and in my opinion both have benefits. If Apple had put in a better camera then maybe that would convince me, or if Nokia had a better range of apps then the decision would be harder still.

    We're expecting pricing on the N97 in the next few days but in the meantime if you're with Orange and want to upgrade to an N97 or you want to move to Orange then get it touch. If you want any advice and guidance with your iPhone then also get in touch as we'll be pleased to help out.