Nokia N85 – Successor to the N96
Fans of the Nokia N96 looking to upgrade their mobile phone should consider the Nokia N85.
This handset is, in all areas, vastly superior to the N96. Firstly, build quality is a vast improvement. It has built in Nokia Maps and features such as dedicated multi media buttons which reveal themselves when you slide the screen up instead of down.
The N85 has a powerful and capable 5MP camera with powerful LED flash which performs well for both still images and video.
The main plus point for this mobile phone is its striking screen. This large OLED display promises improved battery life and the same brightness from an LED powered display, whilst having an exceptionally high contrast ratio.
Pre-loaded applications include the N-Gage gaming platform, which allows the user to purchase games, download trial versions and share high scores and messages with other players. Business users will love the phones email, web browser and document readers. For email, existing POP3 or IMAP email accounts can be used, as well as Mail for Exchange. HTML emails cannot be viewed.
As a music phone, the handset benefits from the dedicated media buttons and a dedicated key, which provides quick access to all of your key services.
This handset is such an improvement over the N96 that it really must be considered when looking to upgrade your handset.
A Credit Crunch Busting Walkman Phone from Sony Ericsson
If you are looking for a cheap, music mobile phone then take a look at the Sony Ericsson W302.
At around £80 this handset may be near the top of your budget, but you certainly get cracking value for your money, especially if you use your phone to download and listed to music.
The handset design is slim and solid, giving a no nonsense feel and is available in silver or black.
The buttons on the front of the handset may be a little small for some, but usability is assisted by the well laid out call and end buttons clustered under the screen.
Inside you will find the usual Sony Ericsson Walkman features such as Stereo Bluetooth, email support and a 2MP camera. 3G connectivity is however absent.
The Walkman music player takes pride of place in this handset and offers superb sound quality whilst being incredibly easy to use. In addition there is an FM radio with RDS support.
Side buttons increase the usability of the Walkman by providing dedicated access to both the music and camera functions.
For just 2MP the camera is surprisingly impressive. However, lack of flash means it only performs well in well-lit surroundings.
In terms of memory the phone has an internal capacity of 20MB and this can be increased by adding up to 512MB via an external memory card.
This handset is sure to prove popular with fans of Sony Ericsson Walkman phones, thanks to its price and features.