Nokia N96 Vs Samsung INNOV8 : Pre-Release Battle Of ‘The Titans’
August 7, 2008 – 11:17 am | by Ani
This is no ordinary battle as the best in the market are here to battle it out for the top spot in this Pre-Release Review. At one side we have the Resilience & Durability of Nokia and on the other side we have the Elegance & Charm of Samsung both being backed by the Symbian S60 platform thus making the comparison even more interesting. Let’s build up a few introductory points before we go on for the real comparison.
We all know that Nokia have been boasting about their much awaited Nokia N96 S60 device for over more than 6 months but still have at the same time failed to get it into the hands of the consumer. On the other hand we were totally surprised by Samsung which announced the launch of their stunning INNOV8 (unorthodox way to spell INNOVATE) an S60 based device. So on initial thoughts the N96 has already started to fade away into the blue before actually going public.
I have used Samsung devices in the past which I felt were rather rigid and monotonous in user experience and less diverse in terms of software, games & skin (customization) compatibility as compared to the varied diversity of Nokia phones which have been providing with rich user experience and great multimedia support with the support of the Symbian platform. Well the past is now a past and Symbian is no longer restricted to Nokia so let’s look into both these devices without wasting any time.
Before we begin let me add that I in no way was paid by Nokia or Samsung to write this post and I do not work for either company. This is my personal take on both the devices.
Anatomy & Histology (Built, Design & Microscopic View)
The Nokia N96 is a more bulky looking device as compared to INNOV8 which is theoretically correct as it is 0.8 mm thicker but at the same time is amazingly light in weighing only 125g compared to the 140 g of INNOV8. Thus Nokia continues its streak of bulky looking phones but INNOV8 is a fresh solid design with a more masculine effect. The Black colour of both the devices looks good but the silver Rim of the N96 seriously needs a second thought. This puts N96 into a back seat when it comes to the First-Look-Effect. The built of INNOV8 is more solid and sleek compared to N96. On the other hand the back support provided to the N96 adds to another feature to the design of Nokia device. Both devices are based on the Slider concept. Starting with Nokia N96 first, it is a dual slider on the path of Nokia N95 with dedicated music keys contrasting with the INNOV8 which is a uni slider. The keys are laid in regular fashion and are pretty much the same. The dual slider of the N96 gives it an extra edge when it comes to music playback. When both the phones are in the smallest dimensions i.e. keypads closed the keys defined outside are more or less the same.
On final grounds of built and design INNOV8 has an edge with its solid, statement making Anatomy.
Network Support & Data Transfer
Both the phones are capable of high speed connections with range spanning from 2G to 3G which includes GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 and HSDPA 2100 / 900. Well, there appears to be no point of discussion here as things are pretty much the same but putting the things under the microscope we find that 3G speed of INNOV8 are much more than N96, nearly twice as fast. The N96 has a 3.6 Mbps HSDPA where as the INNOV8 has 7.2 Mbps HSDPA. Considering that 3G is the future INNOV8 has put in another 100% to that score but none the less has compromised in other data transfer speeds which include EDGE being just Class 10, 236.8 kbps as compared to N96 which boasts of a Class 32, 296 kbps; DTM Class 11, 177 kbps. Not only has this N96 had support for HSCSD which the INNOV8 lacks completely. The GPRS too has been on a back seat in the INNOV8 with speeds only up to 32- 48 kbps which is no way near to the N96 GPRS of Class 32, 107 / 64.2 kbps speed. Bluetooth and USB are the same in both the devices, being v2.0 with A2DP and v2.0, microUSB respectively. The last point and a very important one is the WLAN support which by much is the same as Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, only contrasting with the UPnP technology which comes with N96 and DLNA which is packed in INNOV8.
On final grounds on the Network & Data transfer issue N96 has a much better and diverse Network support.
Display
Interestingly both phones feature a 2.8 inch TFT display screens with 240 x 320 pixels resolution. It is good to see both devices with big screen display units which will bring a better user experience. Nothing more can be added here as yet because I had not had hands on experience with any of them but I will update it as and when I do.
On final grounds of Display issue both are same more or less.
Camera
There is a huge contrasting difference between the cameras on the both devices. Where N96 has a 5 MP, 2592×1944 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, Autofocus, camera with a movie recording video(VGA 30fps), a flash; and a secondary VGA videocall camera. On the other side INNOV8 boasts a 8 MP, 3264×2448 pixels, Autofocus, camera with Image stabiliser, with a movie recording video(VGA@30fps, QVGA@120fps), a flash; and a secondary videocall camera.
I really don’t know how the lone 8 MP would stand out against the 5 MP Carl Zeiss and having experienced the latter already I would balance them as same with a little edge by INNOV8 only on Video Recording at QVGA.
CPU & Memory
This is the most important point of the battle as this would eventually decide the capability of the device to work with utter smoothness. The CPU and RAM are crucial factors which pave the way of a fast user experience and application workload on the device processor. The N96 has a 128MB RAM and a Dual ARM 9 264 MHz CPU which would sure speed things up. Also the extra 256MB storage memory provided on board would make multimedia a great experience and graphics would truly come alive whether you are playing a game of watching a video clip. The INNOV8 has a 128 MB RAM which is ok but lacks a dedicated memory for multimedia experience thus this might make the INNOV8 to move at a slow pace than anticipated as it is packed with high 3D graphics and galley features. The Internal memory on the N96 is 16 GB which can be expanded to 24 GB with a microSD (TransFlash), i.e. up to 8GB which is same as the INNOV8 (it comes in either 8 GB or 16 GB internal memory)
On final grounds pertaining to the CPU & Memory issue the N96 scores more than the INNOV8
Features & Software
Both phones run on the Symbian OS v9.3, Series 60 rel. 3.2 operating system which makes both the phones highly diverse with the amount of application, themes, games and ringtone support. Thus the operating system being the same will make the user experience more or less the same but its integration in the INNOV8 with some amazing 3D graphics will certainly turn a lot of heads and eyes wide open. It will be a rather new experience for a S60 user from the daily cup of espresso to feel at home after a all new interior decoration. Messaging features are the same which include SMS, MMS, Email, IM in both the devices. INNOV8 has a little more with the built in Push Email already present. Both have Browser application which is WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML ready with N96 having an extra feature of RSS feeds too which I feel is pretty awesome. Games like FIFA 2008 and Asphalt are provided and more can be downloaded over the air as well, with Nokia N96 having an edge with their N-Gage portal up and running. Common feature share by the two include a Built-in GPS receiver with A-GPS function. Support for Java MIDP 2.0 and MP3/AAC/AAC+/eAAC+/WMA. Both feature a 3.5 mm audio output jack and a TV out with Stereo FM Radio with RDS. Features like Organizer, Voice dial/memo and Built-in handsfree are present in both. Accelerometer and Auto-Rotate are again a common feature to both.
Apart from the above features the INNOV8 has a multitude of other unique features tagged only to its name, such as
1. Camera geo-tagging, auto-panorama shot, face, smile and blink detection
2. Business card scanner
3. DivX/H.263/H.264/WMV/MP4 player
4. Video editing
5. Optical mouse
On final grounds of features and software INNOV8 is clearly superior.
Battery Life
The N96 and INNOV8 phones will only be useful if the battery can support their features for long. The earlier phones too we have are provided with good multimedia features but they lose out on stand-by time. Featuring here with a Standard battery of Li-Ion 1200 mAh the INNOV8 gets a boost of Stand-by Up to 310 h Talk time Up to 8 h 30 min contrasting with the Standard battery of N96 featuring a Li-Ion 950 mAh (BL-5F) which can provide a descent Stand-by Up to 220 h Talk time Up to 3 h 40 min.
On final grounds pertaining to the battery life INNOV8 is a clear winner.
UPDATED: As pointed out by Andrei on the price
Price
The INNOV8 is expected to be priced at appx 620 Euros where as the N96 is expected to be priced appx 640 Euros. Thus INNOV8 Wins the price battle.
Picture Gallery
N96
INNOV8
Final Verdict
Some of my friends have called INNOV8 as the N96 Killer Phone and other have mentioned that Nokia is no longer a leader in the S60 Smartphone world need to read this pre-sales comparison review and see for themselves.
Thus adding up the above individual point to point verdicts INNOV8 only has a BIG edge over N96 in this Pre-Release Battle. Given me a chance to buy the INNOV8 now or wait till the N96 is released (somewhere in October I suppose), I would pick the former and go for it as INNOV8 has got me good.
SAMSUNG WINS
Related Posts
Tags: innov8, n96, Nokia, review, s60, samsung, symbian
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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i feel that innov8 is much better than n96 it has 8 mp camera, divx support, image stabilizer and much more. this is not a good comparison.
i disagree, Ani has done an awesome job to compare these phones as im sure they will be the hot cake in the coming days. Amazingly detailed review and comparison. good one Ani…
Cool compare. On an overview Innov8 looks good but getting down to the complete matter N96 wins for sure.
@ Dirty Dude
i too don’t agree with you buddy, this is a great comparison.
Thank you guys!
@ Dirty Dude, i knw that INNOV8 has a lot of new features but here i have taken into account all the possible issues which would affect the phone and user experience. After all this is what the review is all about.
I think N96 is a great device, however that Samsung is better in design I think so..
this comparison is wrong .
its clearly i8510 is so much better than N96 .
8MP - QVGA @ 120 - Face,Smile,Blink Shot .
i8510 more BEAUTIFUL than N96 .
battery is much better .
the samsung display better than nokia screen .
i8510 is wins .
You seem somewhat Nokia bias. You forget the build quality? The slide of the I8510 feels much stronger and smoother and its spring loaded. The nokia n96 is different there.
Secondly how can you even compare them without a hands on???
Quote “I had not had hands on experience with any of them but I will update it as and when I do.”
DVB-H is completely useless here in the UK and barring that functionality I see no real added bonus to the N96 above the N95 8GB.
The only issue which will prevent the INNOV8 from being the defacto s60 device, is usability. Somehow I can’t see Samsung messing up in that department, irrespective of whatever products they have released in the past.
@ CHARLES
Thats Right INNOV8 has a pretty solid design something which you don’t really feel looking upon N96
@ Rima
I totally agree with you that INNOV8 has a lot of features provided straight out of the box, but the screen is the same as N96 and the dual LED is practically useless. With a lack of Xenon flash the 8MP is also a debatable issue. In dark conditions both cameras are more or less the same.
And you forgot the most important point here - The price. 750 Euros is a lot of money. (I mean you could get a better digital camera at even one fourth the price, if that seems your priority)
Still its your personal take, what features you want will decide your outlook. On a whole they are the same.
@ PSP Hacks
Good point dude. Well this is a Pre-Sales Review and i will update or post a new one when i get my hands on one, which will be pretty soon
I have been a Samsung mobile user for 4 years and have always loved their designs and build. The review here says just that. And yes i am not Nokia biased at all. The comparison is based on the official press releases so bias is not present and i would love to buy INNOV8 as much as N96.
@ Dukeswharf
Right On, Wait N Watch
I would love to buy both too. need lots of $$$. I’m sure the Innvo8 will drop in price to compete with the n96
I am sure that innov8 beats n96 hands down. I am neither a nokia fan boy nor samsung’s. Steve at all about symbian has done a preview of innov8’s camera and so far it seems to blow off the pants of a carl ziess 5 mp camera from n95, in terms of optics, details, noise etc. I am sure taht n96’s camera is not much different from that of n95 …
and not to mention the built in panorama camera
I think the Innov8 is a surprisingly exciting new phone! The parity between the two will only benefit the consumers even more. I feel that despite the price and specification differences between these two power houses, the deciding factor will come down to software compatibility. Will third party applications currently being used on high end Nokia phones work on the Innov8? Additionally, could common Nokia applications work as well? I also wonder if a NAM version of these devices will be released at some point?
@ LT
Excellent Point
Third party software compatibility is an important aspect. But another one is support and Firmware update and other downloads which i feel samsung is missing.
@ viscous
This is why its a tough call between the phones as samsung is way sloppy when it comes to support and firmware updates.
Does innov8 have dual camera, one in front and one in back? N96 does…..which can be used for video call, i guess using skype.
@ Apurva
Yes INNOV8 has a secondary camera for video call functionality.
ok thanks, I just could not see it in the pics of INNOV8. Also, Nokia N96 GPS application can be used in pedestrian mode. Can that be used with INNOV8? Or does INNOV8 have something like that?
My general question is if both the phones have same OS why are does applications have to be phone specific?
As far as i know Pedestrian Mode is a feature of Nokia Maps and it will cost you something, just like voice guided navigation.
For more information on Nokia Maps - Walk follow the following link http://europe.nokia.com/A4984212
About the INNOV8, im pretty sure it will support the same as the hardware is same.
Now having the same OS does not always mean that all applications would work on both devices to and fro. Why? Well, just see for yourself that there is a huge difference in application support btw N95, N95 8GB, N82 etc. all cause of different hardware and firmware. Things are a lot complicated behind the scenes
As for the camera I’m going to wait to see how the lens is and how quick the shutter action is.
Nokia is unbeatable…Samsung will not rule the mobile market,just wait and see.
N96 has already launched in india with dvb-h in delhi while it wil only launch in uk in october . Innov8 is available on 1st september in uk with carphone and mobiles.co.uk. Except for nokia auto update and pc software, i find innov8 much better. Hope Samsung beats iphone with omnia 5 mp and n96 with innov8 8 mp. As I live in london, I have no use for gsm and edge which are better in n96. Also I hate the small battery life of my n95, so n96 no good either. Also hope all my s60 apps work on innov8 and 3/three uk gets it so I can use skype audio/video on innov8
hey ppl i jst bought the innov8 itz a pretty gud device for sure.the features are gud.i dun noe why didnt any1 thought about the optical joypad of innov8 itz superb in use.i alwayz was a nokia lover buh dis device really turned thngz arnd .keepin it short da camera of innov8 is way more btter .1 thng i wud lik to mention here is evry1 is sayin da innov8 has a better battery buh itz nah da case infact the battery performance is really poor .
Samsung Innov8 user in peace
just to let you know, I upgraded from a Nokia N95 8Gb -
Now the N95 8Gb IS more powerful processor wise, but I love my new phone. Great build, excellent camera, many apps run that I have tested myself
The processor is an OMAP 2430 running at 329MHz with PowerVR VGP Lite and MBX Lite, an FPU and an ARM 1136 co-processor.
so, slower than the N95, but still very capable. OpenGL capable; and not getting into a war here - but does the N96 have a graphics chip for 3d? If not, than it can’t play 3d games. Bad move by Nokia. N95 8Gb still the king then, in my opinion.
Innov8 is a great phone though btw, I recommend.
GPS
wich Gps is better.
Samsung INNOV8 or the n96.
Looks like the gps on n95 is very poor ,just works out door.
Actually its not 200e difference.. 620e for innov8(8gb version), 640e for n96(not im in finland home country of Nokia :))
On ebay you can get innov8 for 599e easy… so they are same price.. innov8 wins hands down!
Thank you for the update Andrei
Hi
I think this is a great review. Just one question, I read somewhere that samsung has a dnse 2.0 enhancement processor, does this work only wor headphones or for the speaker sound as well. I have the n96, and i am sorry i bought it…
Also the push mail is something that works well for the samsung…
yup innov8 has that and it works for both
UPDATE: - I have tried the N96 and it totally fails to impress. Will come with the review shortly