Nokia N95 Review - Messaging, Internet & Connectivity

Messaging, Internet & Connectivity

The extensive messaging features found on all Series 60 handsets are present on the N95.  SMS and MMS messaging and email are all managed by the Messaging application, which can handle POP3 and IMAP email protocols.  Setting up email access was relatively painless, and the application will automatically retrieve new email at preset intervals if you leave it running in the background.  The email client is best configured to retrieve headers only (and then re-retrieve the bodies of emails you actually want to read), given the constraints of EDGE data speeds, memory capacity, and scrolling through your Inbox on a 2.6" screen.  I was also able to access my Webmail via N95's Web browser. 

No instant messaging client come pre-installed on the N95, but the flexible Agile Messenger application is available for download.  Agile supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, and Yahoo! instant messaging, but they do charge a monthly subscription fee. 

Internet on the N95 is a double-edged sword.  On the one hand, the Series 60 Web browser is the closest thing you'll find to "the real Web" this side of a PC (or, perhaps, an iPhone).  Web pages display in full HTML glory, JavaScript generally works, and the mini-map and zoom features make it more or less feasible to navigate full-sized pages on a cell phone-sized display.  The downside is that the N95's HSDPA connectivity doesn't work in the United States.  If you're overseas, you can access the Net at fast 3G speeds on this phone, but in the US you're limited to the dial-up like speeds of EDGE data.  EDGE is fine for WAP pages, Email headers, and occasional forays onto the Web.  But it's a shame to see a phone with such a powerful browser unable to hop onto AT&T's new 3G network (Note: The AT&T-branded Nokia N75 features a very similar Web browser and is compatible with AT&T's new 3G network, where available). 

If you're within range of an open WiFi network, the N95 can hop on the Net that way with its built-in 802.11b/g connectivity.  The WLAN scanning software works quite well, and is directly accessible from the handset's home screen.  VoIP calling is also an option if you've got a compatible account and are on a WLAN network.  Of course, prolonged WiFi use is a surefire way to drain a cell phone's battery, and battery life is something of an issue with the N95. 

The Nokia N95 is a quad-band GSM phone suitable for use with T-Mobile or AT&T in the United States, and a number of GSM networks worldwide.  The phone can connect to GPRS and EDGE data networks in the US, and also to high speed HSDPA networks overseas.  802.11b/g (WiFi) and UPnP connections are also supported for WLAN networking. 

Nokia built Bluetooth v2.0 into the N95, including the A2DP profile for stereo audio.  I was able to transfer files back and forth between the handset and my computer, and also sync my contacts and calendar data.  Bluetooth printing is available with compatible printers, and printing and file transfer is also supported via the integrated mini-USB 2.0 jack.  The N95 can also be used as a data modem for laptop tethering via Bluetooth or USB. 

If you're a Mac user (like me), note that Nokia is the most-Mac friendly cell phone company this side of Apple themselves.  I was able to download an iSync plug-in from Nokia.com that enabled flawless iCal syncing, and Nokia now offers an OS X application for easy media management on compatible handsets including N95. Next: Conclusion »