N95 8GB vs N82 The Real Battle Begins Part 6: Conclusion

Here at The Nokia Guide I’ve pitched the N95 8GB against the N82 in several categories, trying to answer the difficult question of what to get.

In the first part I covered low-light camera performance: Despite the fact that the N95 8GB and the N82 have the same 5megapixel camera module, the N82 produces cleaner images with more detail and truer colors. The N82 also performs better at higher ISO levels retaining a clean image and lot’s of detail. It’s also obvious by now that the N82’s Xenon flash is superior to the N95 8GB. The N82 is the clear winner here.

In part 2 I discussed Music, where the scores of both devices were pretty close, but it was the N82’s audio quality through the 3.5mm jack is what pushed it ahead. Worth mentioning is the N95 8GB’s impressive stereo speakers and the fact that it does have music controls.

Part 3 where the performance aspect was discussed showed almost no differences between the N82 and the N95 8GB.  This should come as no surprise as both devices have the OMAP 2 under the hood, basically bringing both devices to a tie.

The N95 8GB’s larger and brighter screen, plus better outdoor screen visibility makes it the clear winner in part 4 where both devices were put against each other in the video category. Currently the N95 8GB is still the only Nseries with Flash Lite 3 support, making it the only Nseries device that can play full-blown Flash content from the browser. The N82’s smaller screen doesn’t stand a chance here.

And lastly in part 5 I talked about the design and the “Bling Bling” factor of both devices. While both devices look good, the N95 8GB’s unique double slider, black color and large screen makes it stand out. The N82’s more traditional candy bar design isn’t as eye-catching as the N95 8GB and has more in common with your average phone. If you want something that blends in, the N82 is for you. But when it comes to standing out the N95 8GB takes the crown.

If we take all of these categories into consideration this how the two stand:

Conslusion

From the chart it may seem like the devices are equal, however I feel that the N82 represents a more convincing package not only due to the better camera, better flash and a slightly better 3.5 mm audio jack sound quality, but also due to the form factor. As a device with a candy bar design it feels more sturdy with no slide to break, get loose or wobbly slider issues. As a candy bar design with a compact body it’s easier and quicker to handle, can slip easily in your pocket, but most importantly it’s  about the size of normal phone and should appeal more to general consumers. As an MP3 player it helps that the audio quality through the 3.5mm jack is a tad better and the fact that the audio jack is placed on top and not on the right side like on the N95 8GB. In the N95 8GB’s defense it does have a bigger screen, has music controls and having an IRDA port is a plus. Most would also agree that the design is eye-catching and stereo speakers are better than those on the N82, in fact better than most phones out there .

In the end I feel that N82 is the better product when compared the N95 8GB and could even prove to be a good buy over the upcoming N96 as it appears that the camera on the latter isn’t as good. The rest of the features are pretty much the same, save for the DVB-H mobile TV. Also considering the fact that 16GB and higher microSDHC cards are planned there shouldn’t be much difference in the storage department when compared to the N96. Based on this, the N82 is proving to be quite future proof despite the impending release of the N96 and should be an excellent and cheaper alternative to the N96 while still rivaling Nokia’s latest flagship in features.

If Nokia manages to add a minimum of 3X optical zooming, Optical Image Stabilization, a larger screen, flash light, music controls, move one speaker to the other side and the charger connector to the bottom of the device, then I think the N82 and its future versions will be a formidable force in the mobile world.

If you still can’t decide on what to get I suggest you take a look here where I point out the major difference between the two devices.

Comments

[phrank_vzl]

"Prefiero el n95 gasto más pero gozo de mejor música mejor pantalla...mejor velocidad de wifi...etc."

No vale.. mejor musica? mejor velocidad wi-fi? es exactamente lo mismo en ambos celulares.! y con respecto a la pantalla.. tienen la misma resolucion, asi que a la final es casi lo mismo..

[John S]

I agree that the N82 is certainly a better handset. I own an N82 and havent had any issues with it, the photographs are brilliant and the flash is still the only xenon Nokia offers. Hopefully with a 16gb card in it, it should be more than match any new offering from any of the manufacturers.

[Devin Balentina]

As far as I know there shouldnt be any difference over Bluetooth earphones.

Devin

Is there any sound/Audio quality difference between N95 8GB and N82 through stereo Blutooth headphone?

[Pintitas]

Prefiero el n95 gasto más pero gozo de mejor música mejor pantalla...mejor velocidad de wifi...etc.