Nokia N9 review: Once in a lifetime

14 October 2011
When the first touch-only OS debuts on one of the hottest pieces of hardware this year, you can bet we want a piece of the action. Windows Phone is where Nokia want your attention, but it might turn out that MeeGo is the place you want to be. Not shown much love by its own maker...

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  • D
  • AnonD-23822
  • mEb
  • 15 Oct 2011

I think N9 has been given a fair change here, everything is pretty much as it's expected to be. Though I'm kind of disappointed in the speaker's volume level and especially in the video recording. Haven't noticed the same thing on other videos though, so maybe that's a software glitch. Speaking of which, are you going to give the software update another review? 3500 fixes and features sounds like a major release, much more so than an operator variant of a phone.

Ok, some contradictions...

First of all, I'd add Nokia's navigation software as a key feature, it's sort of vaguely there. Those things are worth around 80 euros.

You've knocked out FM Radio without mentioning that the hardware is there but the software is still on it's way. TX probably won't work due to the missing antenna but RX should. Not that I see FM Radio that important a feature but still.

"It’s not the slimmest and it doesn’t have an exceptional build or finish." Was there any further info on this? To me the device looks and feels of premium quality. Also, the truely unibody construction alone makes build quality exceptional and means it won't start creaking nor will the non painted body's color peel off. It might just hold it's form like no other phone. Actually, is slim good? Probably due to the fatness of the phone, all 12.1mm of it, it's very comfortable to hold in your hand.

When comparing to SGS2 you mention "There’s a better AMOLED technology here (no PenTile matrix)". It's better because at an extreme close distance you may see a different pixel structure but the fact that N9's display is much brighter and usable in daylight doesn't hold a candle here? Personally I find the screen alluring, plus the curved glass is a nice touch. SGS2 is bigger, but it would be better with N9's display. Apples and oranges?

Since N9 is only sold in limited markets, it's not a mass product. I hear it's selling above expectations and overall I think it'll sell enough to interest a few developers, but you won't find a lot of variations of the same programs. All in all, if we'd only made purchases based on bang-per-buck, there wouldn't be premium products like the N9. Once in a lifetime ;)

    • ?
    • Anonymous
    • v0X
    • 15 Oct 2011

    Aww no apps.. This phone are for techie & nokia fans only

      • S
      • Shaoul
      • 45R
      • 15 Oct 2011

      I think the N9 wipes the floor with the iphone 4s. In fact, it's very mesmerising.

        • T
        • TT
        • svk
        • 15 Oct 2011

        AnonD-252, 15 Oct 2011I was very intrested in N9, and even considerd the problems... moreYou are right. Nokia N9 is an excellent phone, not god. It is simply the best phone that money can buy.

          • s
          • sake_tsu
          • nts
          • 15 Oct 2011

          is there any possibility to trasnfer files from pc to phone without using nokia pc link?

          the program is for windows 7 only.. and i dont plan to use it atm >.

            • D
            • AnonD-11807
            • kWT
            • 15 Oct 2011

            Great phone, nice review. Sadly it is true. The N9 and the Meego is two years too late. Only a dedicated few will buy and support the phone. It will be the one biggest mistake Nokia ever did amongst others. You went to bed with Microsoft when all along you had Intel backing Meego even before the Microsoft marriage and thus the capability to go head to head with iOS and Android b4 they got too huge.

              • ?
              • Anonymous
              • IVA
              • 15 Oct 2011

              get one dude! its your only once in a lifetime experience..

                • S
                • Sails
                • pVm
                • 15 Oct 2011

                Nexy, 15 Oct 2011Is it true it can't recive mp3 over bluetooth?No.

                I've transfered several MP3s from PC to N9 over bluetooth.

                  • N
                  • Nexy
                  • m}x
                  • 15 Oct 2011

                  Is it true it can't recive mp3 over bluetooth?

                    • T
                    • TheArch
                    • N7$
                    • 15 Oct 2011

                    AnonD-669, 15 Oct 2011So as the N900...but where is it now?The N900? Still running strong with a large community dedicated to support it. They are already running Meego on it.

                      • D
                      • AnonD-5542
                      • Xuk
                      • 15 Oct 2011

                      excellent review. I like it. Keep it up gsmarena.

                        • D
                        • AnonD-669
                        • t7r
                        • 15 Oct 2011

                        TheArch, 15 Oct 2011In terms of apps, remember this is a linux-based phone. It ... moreSo as the N900...but where is it now?

                          • T
                          • TheArch
                          • N7$
                          • 15 Oct 2011

                          In terms of apps, remember this is a linux-based phone. It won't be belong before 100 000s of linux (Debian etc.) apps are available. Also Delvik will port all android apps (also linux based) to Meego. Apps won't be a problem.

                            • a
                            • aaa
                            • vIh
                            • 15 Oct 2011

                            elop should should be fired for killing this.....

                              • D
                              • AnonD-2815
                              • uph
                              • 15 Oct 2011

                              Truely nokia n9 is masterpiece of art.. It's UI stunning yet simple. It's nokia's answer to touchscreen smartphone world,

                                • m
                                • madmic
                                • ns4
                                • 15 Oct 2011

                                The email application has search functionality. Just drag the list of emails down and the magic starts ;)

                                  • D
                                  • AnonD-4392
                                  • 2SR
                                  • 15 Oct 2011

                                  How come there's no mention of the Dolby Sound enhancement for headphones???

                                    • D
                                    • AnonD-20221
                                    • mcj
                                    • 15 Oct 2011

                                    AnonD-22393, 15 Oct 2011For all N9 fans.Great news.first update coming with tons of... moreIts all okay mate but I wish they would work on more apps for N9... For me the only thing that keeps me from buying this is the lack of apps which is a big downer for me... Dont get me wrong though as I feel Meego is a brilliant OS and it could really have been among the top OSs if only Nokia had not foolishly abandoned it... I dont think Meego would really get much apps in the future but I would be happy if I am proved wrong about that...

                                      • B
                                      • Blankman
                                      • sX0
                                      • 15 Oct 2011

                                      It's like a princess who never gets to go to the ball, who...despite being beautiful, is denied any life.

                                      I felt sad reading that review, it's such a shame, and maddening that Elop scored ANOTHER own goal. Nokia has become Microsofts bitch, and might as well sell up now and get it over with.

                                      You can imagine the R&D team telling ELOP "but we've spent millions on developing this OS for x years, and we've got this amazing new design for the handset that will run it!" with Elop saying:

                                      "No, my bosses aren't interested, we'll just use this device for the hardcore symbian geeks to move over to, before we shut you and Symbian down. That new design looks interesting though, I'll take that for Windows thanks"

                                        • S
                                        • Stephens_Eloped
                                        • k2d
                                        • 15 Oct 2011

                                        As a previous owner of the amazing N900, I was very much looking forward to this next iteration of Maemo. When it was on the cards, under the new Meego canopy, I thought, can't wait. Then February 11th 2011 happened and when Elop announced the new partnership with Microsoft I lost all interest in the N9. It is a beautiful device, and Meego looks like a masterpiece. But I can't part with $750 for a phone that is essentially still-born, no matter how pretty. I need support. As we all know, support from Nokia is erratic at the best of times; support for the N9 will be enthusiastic and then zero, very quickly. I feel that my $ will be better spent in 6 months time on a Nokia Windows phone, as I'm certain with two titans of tech working together rather than alone, the OS will actually get proper, continued support.