Well with a comparison with the N97 done, we have highlighted what is the difference between the mini and the original N97, and as you can see it is quite a bit.
But let’s move on and talk about the N97mini as a device. Over the next few days you shall get to read more about the mini.
Design:
Since this is a miniaturized version of the N97, one would say that it is hardly any different except that it does not have a D-Pad and a lens cover. Well, then I hate to tell you but you are wrong. The N97mini is a hugely different device, yes it is essentially a miniature version of the N97, but that’s where the association ends.
The Nseries team of designer seem to have paid a lot of attention to certain details about the device that many of us might not have even talked about. Let me point out the differences in terms of design besides the obvious,
- Smaller screen size has resulted in an overall compact device.
- The device is more rounded, meaning easier and more friendly to hold in the hand
- The camera key protrudes out a little bit but that is rather helpful when it comes to clicking vs. a depressed key.
- The sensors are placed in a different manner
- The incline of the screen once opened is different from the angle that is on the N97
- The menu key is now more of a porous key, the countless small holes in it means that the breathing light actually can be seen
- The micro USB is placed in an inverted position compared to the N97 and the light beside it is brighter.
- No lens cover to keep the overall profile thin (bad move I say!)
- Metallic cover at the back gives a unique look to the device
- The keypad is definitely different in feel and usage than the N97 (more on it later in the post)
- Rubber stoppers under the screen prevents marks from appearing on the backside of the screen due to the keys.
As you can see it’s quite a long list of changes making it more than just a D-Pad ‘less’ N97. Let’s look into a few things in detail. With a smaller screen I thought that the N97mini would really not look that great, but I found the smaller screen size to be much better. The touch aspect has been tremendously improved upon by Nokia. I have to say on record that the touch on the mini is way better than on the N97 also. It is extremely responsive and a pleasure to use. Because the resolution is the same, everything on the device looks sharper.
A more rounded design means that the device is much more comfortable to hold and provides much better natural grip than the N97 provided. It’s definitely more pocketable too.
The camera key seems to protrude out a little more than one would normally find in a camera phone. I have to admit that it works better like this, the button gives a positive ‘click’ sound when you press it, lovely!
Since this device is not as wide as the N97, the sensors have been placed differently, thus making the N97 distinctive and yet the same as the N97. The incline of the screen is also different, from a 45ish degree angle to a more flatter angle. This approach makes the device easier to use when walking and using with both hands. We found it to be pretty neat, but when put on a table it was too flat for our liking. If that was not all the menu key has also changed. It now has many small holes on it making it porous, this allows the breathing light to be seen and a design step which should have been taken during the N97′s design itself.
Another positive design step was put rubber stopper beneath the screen enclosure of the phone, this has put a small gap to the shutline of the device, but it has also ensured that the keys do not rub against the backside of the screen enclosure, this indeed is a very good thought and deserves to be appreciated.
The one thing which I did not like is to have removed a lens cover for the mini. Without a lens cover the lens is bound to get scratches and that would only affect the quality. This is a rather poor thought, and I feel it should not have been done.
The metallic cover for the battery has definitely given the device character and easily makes the device look and feel like an upmarket device, the fact that it is matte and not glossy makes it even more beautiful, the brown color also adds to the appeal. I hope metal becomes a permanent fixture from now on in the Nseries phones.
Lastly, the keypad. This is one aspect which was criticized by many of us. A soft keypad with very little travel was a major grouse, but no more, the mini completely fixes that giving the keys ceramic coating. This helps as one can feel the keys much better while typing. The travel of the keys has been improved upon, firstly the travel is slightly more and also the keys have been made harder to press. This dual change makes the keypad a much more enjoyable experience. Kudos for finally getting it right guys! The omission of the D-Pad is noted, but the direction keys require just a little bit of learning.
I guess it is evident that a lot of effort has gone into the redesigning of the phone and it’s not just a smaller version only. In terms of the design I’ll give it a 8/10. Some real improvements to design along with some omissions deny it from taking a top score. Undeniably a better looking device than it’s older sibling though!
Stay tuned as we will bring you more on the N97mini….
Do let us know what you think about the mini….
In case you want to have a look at the complete gallery of N97mini pics, click here.