Nokia N95 does GPS too – but is it worth your money?
Mar 23, 2007 gps navigation, nokia, phones
As you may have already heard Nokia started shipping its first GPS integrated Nseries phone N95. We’re not sure if the N95 will fly off the shelves with its 550€ ($730) price tag but it may well be worth the price if it does a decent job at all (or most) of its features.
First off it is a 5MP digital camera (if only it had optical zoom…) with Carl Zeiss optics and Tessar lens – the stuff Sony uses in their CyberShot series. These days a standalone 5MP digital camera with that lens should cost at least $200 (guessing here). See the full-size photo captured by N95 – and decide for yourself; not our area of expertise. Nokia also says N95 can shoot DVD quality videos. Again watch these sample videos and see for yourself.
Secondly it is an MP3 player that supports MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, WMA, and M4A formats. It also does playlists. If you’re not an audiophile it should definitely do the trick. The only issue here is memory: The N95 takes microSD cards but only supports upto 2GB. We could compare it with a 2GB iPod Nano which costs $150, but that’s not fair for the N95 because Nokia threw in an FM radio, something Apple hasn’t managed to do for years now. But anyhow, you can pick up an 2GB MP3 player for $80 or so.
Obviously the N95 is also a phone. It is a tri-band GSM phone that supports high speed networks such as EDGE and WCDMA 2100 (HSDPA) and has a large 2.6″ TFT display with ambient light detector. It also has integrated wireless LAN (802.11 b/g) for web browsing and more and also includes bluetooth wireless. Let’s say you can get such a phone for $300 – a low estimate.
OK, now the fun part. The Nokia N95 is also a personal navigation device. It has an integrated GPS chip inside. It comes with maps of 150 major cities around the world and you can add more from smart2go, a service launched by Nokia earlier this year. To compare the value of the GPS system included in N95, you can compare it with maybe Mio H610 or Pocket LOOX N100 since they have a similar screen size. These devices range from upper $300’s to $500. But you’re not getting anything decent for less than $300.
We’re not sure what brand of GPS chip Nokia put inside N95, but the fact that it is hidden underneath a layer of plastic is going to increase its time-to-first-fix. It may take upto a minute or even more. However once that’s done it should be good. And if you’re not happy with the navigation software you can install a new one yourself or just point your browser to Google Maps which loads the maps and the directions in real time, including live traffic info. What else are you going to use that 3Mbps download speed anyways?
So if you add all that money spent on separate devices ($200+$80+$300+$300) it costs a lot more than the price of an N95 ($730). Yes we know our math and logic was extremely fuzzy but we just wanted to give you an idea. We think the N95 is a good deal. While Europeans can enjoy N95 starting this week, us North Americans will have to wait.
We’d love to hear what you think. How do you think the Nokia N95 compares to the iPhone?
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April 3rd, 2007 at 5:47 am
Hi,
I’ve heard from a number of sources that most UK providers are going to have firmware which charges for GPS usage. As many of the people in mobile phone shops are largely numpties, I’m not sure whether to believe it. Have you heard anything about this? Obviously, GPS itself shouldn’t involve the carriers at all. So are:-
a) The carriers oney grabbing b*stards who will charge for GPS somehow anyway (in which case I can’t justify upgrading my N91 to an N95),
b) The shops and people hearing wrong – instead referring to the premium goodies on smart2go,
c) The shops and people getting it wrong and referring to using the GPS when accessing the internet,
d) Something else entirely…
Would love to hear any response, as I’m planning to get an N95 this week (as soon as the Vodafone shop has any in stock…)
Ian
April 3rd, 2007 at 1:21 pm
We’re guessing it is B. Very unlikely it is A. C also sounds plausible.
April 4th, 2007 at 6:58 am
Okay, I’ve now got my N95 (vodafone), and thus far I love it (apart from the Scan Barcode app, which I still can’t get working).
If you go to Tools > Settings > General > Positioning methods, you find three options which can be independently turned on/off:
- Bluetooth GPS
- Internal GPS
- Network based
By default (on vodafone) the internal GPS and Network based are both enabled – hence you will probably be charged for using positioning by default, as the Network Based will class as data or similar. However, turning that option off leaves just GPS, which should be free – I’ll be up in arms otherwise.
On the maps program, it appears that there _aren’t_ any street-level maps for the UK on the phone by default. Hence, if you’ve got the internet access enabled, it will download the streetmaps, again charging you for data. I’ve yet to check out whether I can use the smart2go to download maps via my laptop, but I see no reason why it won’t work.
So, storm (well, light breeze anyway) in a teacup methinks.
Ian
April 6th, 2007 at 7:55 am
Ian,
Can you elaborate a bit on GPS system. I have read N95 review in which guy said that GPS, maps, positioning and route planning are all free. But if you want to Navigate to a place (with text and voice directions) this function will not be active unless you got a subscription for this. Can you confirm please?
Thanks,
M.
April 9th, 2007 at 2:47 am
I am using smart2go maps on a Nokia E61 along with a bluetooth gps unit. Downloading individual maps using wifi is free. Navigation – route planning – is free. You have to start paying if you want turn-by-turn or voice directions. Road maps for Ireland are excellent – better then Symbian based Tom Tom or Route 66 apps. I was using the programme in rural Estonia earlier this week and it was perfect. I didn’t need network connection at any point.
April 19th, 2007 at 9:14 am
Hi, Just got my N95 this week, and I am not experienced with using/knowing about GPS software, but I have a Bee in my bonnet about it!!
What would a person want to use the N95s GPS for if it can only navigate/simulate, but not tell you the way. Does the navigation option not tell you which way you need to travel if setting co-ordinates?
I know it’s possible to get premium services which enable this, but I find it a farce that after shelling out a considerable amount of money for this technology, we can’t even use it to get from A to B.
Thanks
Alex
April 26th, 2007 at 4:33 am
Look, 25 in the military been around the world and am currently in california. I got my nokia N95 and the GPS(turn by turn) on it works alot better than alot of actual GPS’s i’ ve seen in cars. Yes, it sucks that you have to pay for subscription but thats why they offer subsciptions from a week to a whole year….there shouldn’t be any reason why you’d needs turn by turn directions everyday for a whole year, and if you do…. damn…you must be makin alot of dough! And if you’re makin’ alot of money…there aint no reason why you should be complainin’ about dishin’ out 750 bones.
Now for as it’s regular Maps….it’s useful too if you’re really cheap and you know a bit about the area you’re headed to. It still actually shows you all the roads you need to take turn by turn but isnt at “RealTime”.
You guys need to remember that this is a “phone” that is GPS capable…not a GPS that makes phone calls…
Alot of people are complaining about it’s keypads……but I believe its better the way it is. who needs a damn full keyboard on there phone?! they might as well put there notebook pc’s in there pockets.
Its internet capabilites are quite good too, especially with the WIFI.
But if you plan on surfing myspace through WIFI on your N95…cmon now, you should’ve done this before you left home or the office! Remember people this is Phone.
Now I know that nokia introduces it as a computer but…ITS A PHONE!
People are talking about Lag on the N95….but mine don’t lag at all. I really don’t see what the problem is…unless you get impatient after 1 second..2 at the most.
Its constantly getting compared to the iphone….this is sooo funny! Ok, the iphone…looks good, but I bet that touchscreen feature aint doin’ it anygood!
it’s thin..it’s small…it’s cute! whooopteedoo! whatever!
Speakers….omigosh!!!…..you just got to hear it to believe it! Look I have the SE W900i music player….but this…..damn, you just got to hear it!
Memory size is justifiable…. There ain’t no reason why i’m going to Copy 3-4 entire movies then convert it to 3gp just so that I can watch the whole movie on my phone.
128Mb internal, 1G-2G external….thats more than enough, cmon people….we got sites where we could stream videos and view pics we shouldn’t need to have our entire life’s album stored in memory. remember it has internet capabilites!!
My favorite thing about this phone is the VoIP (Voice over IP) I’m making calls not having to pay for jack Sh…! At a place where theres no Signal coverage but has a WIFI signal you’re saved !
Now for the bads…..
The US can’t use UMTS 2100 cuz the military uses it, we got UMTS1900 ..meaning you can’t experience the HSDPA.
battery life….I’m charging this damn phone once a day. But, with my SE W900i i usually charge that phone every 2-3 days.
Another thing that sucks arse is that it only comes in Sand and plum….they should’ve came up with full plain silver.
Compared to other phones…YES, The nokia N95 is a beast!
Everyone has there own needs though when it comes to phones, unfortunately I need more features than just the average phone.
People that complain about “it” not doing this and that are the same people that are walking into the cingular/Tmobile/sprint store and scratchin’ there heads for 30 minutes deciding wether they want the free phone with the $20 power package or they want the phone that looks nice but can’t afford the extra fees for the extra services.
Get the phone if you can….it’s a great buy!!! I made a great choice switchin back to Nokia.
April 28th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Absolutely the best phone money / contract can buy. I’ve had it for 3 weeks now and there are so many features, there is not enough battery life to go through them all. If you are the blogging type then with a few free services such as SHOZU you could be taking photos or video with the phone and sending them direct to your blog site. Trust me it works really well.
The multimedia is brilliant. The media player works better than most MP3 players I have owned in the past, and the 3.5mm jack makes listening a pleasure because you can use any headphone set. As for watching videos, youtube, google video – AWESOME!!!
The Sat Nav works well too. I’ve never owned a Sat Nav before, so can’t compare it to TomTom or the other brands, but for getting you from A to B via C or D or E, it works perfectly. The basic software that comes with the phone works just fine if you are use to reading or following a map. I paid £4 via the phone and purchased the advanced package that offers voice instruction for 4 days. There are other options and pay packages. It downloaded a huge area of England and after two weeks it still works (meaning the voice commands are still there). I am not sure then what the difference between the 4 day license and 3 year license. It does take a while to aquire a GPS Position and it’s best to be aquired outside when you try.
By far the best feature for me is the Internet Access. I am on T-Mobile, using Web n’ Walk and the fast Internet HSPDA is incredible even outside of the M25 (UK). My train journeys are a pleasure these days. Using the phone sideways or wide screen is amazing. Accessing web pages is super fast, as if I was sitting at my PC. Better still is some software called FRING, which incorporates MSN Chat, GoogleTalk, SKPYE into one package, so you can CALL or CHAT on your phone to friends and family. The VOIP packages available on the Internet make Voice of IP a brilliant option for this phone (T-mobile users have no restrictions it seems, but sadly Vodafone and Orange do). I am using Truphone at the moment. All calls to UK, US landlines are mobiles are free and even calling countries such as Namibia and South Africa are still cheaper than most phone services.
I even got Google Mail on the phone and it has all the features you would expect and more. Very quick and easy to use.
The only negative I have is the battery life. As mentioned above, if you use the phone extensively, the battery drains quickly. I would say this is a charge everyday phone, but you can turn this negative into a positive by buying a simple powerjack to USB (brilliant) which can plug into your PC so while you are working it is charging, and / or a car kit for around £14 which charges the phone while on the move. I got both cables from eXpansys.
This is an awesome phone, with so many features it’s hard to believe it all fits into a 120 gram package. I can’t fault the phone. It is worth every penny. There are so many web sites, blogs, support sites, that you can not go wrong with it.
GET IT NOW!
:-)
May 2nd, 2007 at 2:24 pm
I haven’t gotten my N95 yet, but I went to the Nokia store in NY today to test a theory I have. I’m interested in this phone because I’d like to start a travel video blog, but I wanted to make sure that if I recorded sound that it would work over the bluetooth mic.
So I went to the store and hooked up the mic. I had the salesperson film me while I walked about 15-20 feet away.
On playback there was the audible bluetooth crackle because I was too far away from the phone… but it recorded wonderfully.
So anyone who wants audio when they travel and shoot on the phone, you can use your headset with no problem..
Also. Here’s my questions about the N95. It’s a whole sleu of things I’ve been thinking about and also my counterpoint to the iPhone.
I was wondering, for those folks who have been using the VoIP capabilities in their phone, can you ONLY use it in the Wifi areas or have you been able to do it over your data plans (ie EDGE, 3G networks?)
That way it would cost you ONLY for the data plan and all calls would be “free”
The front camera. I know in Europe can actually video chat over your 3G network, will we in the US be able to use iChat or some other video chat over either EDGE or Wifi?
Next, for you in Europe, can you get TV broadcasts? I know the N93 will receive TV signals in Europe, but the saleswoman said that the N95 doesn’t have the capability, does anyone know the answer?
Two more quick bluetooth questions.
1. The nokia pen. Useable with the N95? Also if you have the headset paired?
2. The bluetooth watch. Is it possible to have all of these devices paired at the same time?
Thanks for all you help.
I’ll be getting my N95 soon
Sean
May 22nd, 2007 at 9:39 am
Hi,
Here is a detailed analysis of N95 and its features including GPS.
http://www.allaboutsymbian.com/reviews/item/Nokia_N95-part_2_the_Navigator.php
May 31st, 2007 at 4:01 pm
there’s a free alternative to the software of Nokia:
http://www.nav4all.com
see for yourself, works like a charm with my new N95!
June 28th, 2007 at 12:47 am
hi,
i’ve purchased the Nokia N95 and it’s good, what i would like to know is
– Am i charged for mobile internet usage while using the GPS functionality to get a live positioning?
i could not get a concrete answer from my service provider and i don’t want to access something that’s going to cost me a bomb, i did consult my pal who has the same handset on 3g in Aus and even his service provider could not give him an answer,please help!!
July 5th, 2007 at 4:16 am
Clint Pinto,
As far as your question, “Am I charged for Mobile internet usage….”
That depends. If you predownload maps using the FREE Nokia Map Downloader, then no. Otherwise, YOU WILL GET CHARGED. There are no maps preloaded on the N95. When it picks up the GPS signal, it then connects to the internet via GPRS and downloads the maps for that area.
Hope that answers your question.
March 15th, 2008 at 11:24 am
Hi All
I just got may N95…and yes within the first 24 hours knocked up £11.oo worth of extra cost by using the gps, did not know i would get charged for this.
I have now set the it not to use a network for the gps but now it will not show a street picture, i have downloaded all the maps to my memory card.
So why will it not….. anyone help.
ps it will pick up gps signal but nothing shows on screen just blank with cross hair in the middle.
September 30th, 2008 at 2:22 am
nice post i haave RSS’d you, please update more often
thankyou