Mobile Phone News

Filed under: Handsets, Nokia, Symbian, GSM, EDGE, HSDPA

When the N95 was released, it was all but universally adored. Even today, nearly two full years after it was first revealed, it’s still one of the most respected in Nokia’s lineup. From the get-go, we knew the N96 was more evolutionary and less revolutionary; after all, the two handsets even look alike. The general consensus this time around is about what we expected: the N96 is a fine phone, and a worthy successor, but probably not worth the high price it’s currently demanding. Oh sure, the call quality was stupendous, battery life was satisfactory and the multimedia playback was superb, but some critics were a bit displeased with the fit and finish given the premium price tag. All in all, don’t go into the links below expecting any very big surprises — the N96 is a nicely revamped, high-priced N95, and if that’s what you’re looking for, there doesn’t seem to be any underlying issues that should hold you back from indulging.

Read - PhoneArena (”Nokia seems to have taken more of a lateral step than pushing forward with innovation.”)
Read - MobileArsenal (”…doesn’t have anything we didn’t see before…”)
Read - LordPercy (”…an improved, quality phone…”)
Read - Mobile88 (4 out of 5 stars)

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Filed under: Handsets, Features, Motorola, GSM, EDGE

Why doesn’t Motorola offer the aerodynamic U9 in the States? After spending a little quality time with a unit recently, we honestly have no idea. The way we see it, it’s a potent alternative to the RAZR 2 V8 for anyone who wants the V8’s MOTOMAGX-based innards and high-grade music capabilities in a slightly different package. We were especially impressed with the quality of the “floating” external display; Moto obviously put some thought into the graphics and animations used in this place, and they came out great. We’d be a bit concerned about the long-term resistance of the glossy plastic shell to scratching, though, which could ultimately end up clouding that display beyond recognition. A worthy successor to the original PEBL? Give us 3G, and we’d be convinced.

Thanks to the good folks at Wireless Imports for the hookup!

Gallery:

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