Nokia N70 Comprehensive Review of Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Nokia N70

The Nokia N70 was unveiled in the second quarter of 2005, marking a memorable period in the evolution of mobile phones. This device, part of Nokia's esteemed Nseries, is remembered for its innovative features that catered to the demands of the time. Nokia N70 combined functionality, style, and reliability in one package, leaving a lasting impression on the mobile phone industry.

Design and Build

Nokia N70 boasts dimensions of 108.8 x 53 x 21.8 mm and a weight of 126 grams, offering a compact and portable design. The phone's body was crafted to withstand routine wear and tear, reflecting Nokia's commitment to durability. It came with a Mini-SIM slot and was available in three stylish color variations: Silver, Ivory/Pearl, and Black (Music Edition). The screen-to-body ratio was approximately 24.3%, encased within a robust plastic casing that ensured longevity and resilience.

Display Specifications

The device featured a 2.1-inch TFT screen capable of displaying 256K colors. With a resolution of 176 x 208 pixels, the N70 offered clear and vibrant visuals compared to many of its contemporaries. Although the pixel density was relatively low at around 130 ppi, the display was sufficient for the needs of basic mobile usage, such as calling, texting, and moderate application use.

Processing Power and Operating System

Running on Symbian OS 8.1a with a Series 60 UI, the Nokia N70's operation was driven by a TI OMAP 1710 chipset and a 220 MHz CPU. This combination delivered a seamless user experience, ensuring that applications ran smoothly even under full memory capacity. The device's software and hardware were well-optimized to handle multitasking, providing users with a reliable platform for both productivity and entertainment.

Storage Capabilities

In terms of storage, the N70 provided 22MB of internal memory, supplemented by a card slot that supported RS-DV-MMC cards. A 64 MB MMC card was included, allowing users to store essential data such as contacts, messages, and multimedia files without immediate concern for space. Although limited by today's standards, this was significantly adequate during the time of its release.

Camera Features

The camera was one of the standout features of the Nokia N70. It was equipped with a 2 MP rear camera featuring LED flash support, enabling photography in low-light conditions. Furthermore, the device supported video recording, although with limitations in resolution compared to current technology. The VGA front camera facilitated video calls, a groundbreaking feature of that era.

Sound and Multimedia

Nokia N70's multimedia capabilities included a loudspeaker for audio playback and supported a variety of alert types, including vibration, downloadable polyphonic, monophonic, and MP3 ringtones. The absence of a 3.5mm jack was typical for phones of that time, with connections facilitated instead by the Pop-Port for accessories and connectivity.

Connectivity Options

Though it lacked WLAN support, the N70 offered other connectivity options including Bluetooth 2.0 for wireless data exchange and a USB Pop-Port for a wired connection to PCs and other devices. Additionally, users could enjoy FM radio through a connected headset serving as an antenna. These features made data sharing and multimedia access quite convenient.

Battery and Power Management

Powered by a removabale Li-Ion 970 mAh battery (BL-5C), the Nokia N70 offered a standby time of up to 265 hours and a talk time of up to 3 hours and 30 minutes. This battery performance ensured the phone could last through a full day of moderate use, emphasizing the device's efficiency and power management capabilities.

Network and Communication

The Nokia N70 supported both GSM and UMTS networks, enabling 2G and 3G connectivity, respectively. It functioned across GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, as well as UMTS 2100 for 3G, ensuring broad coverage and reliable communication. The device could achieve data speeds of up to 384 kbps, allowing for effective mobile browsing and email exchange.

Release and Market Reception

Upon its announcement, the Nokia N70 was perceived as a high-end device due to its incorporation of multimedia and smartphone features, which appealed to technology enthusiasts and professionals alike. Its launch price was approximately 110 EUR, reflecting its premium status in the market. Despite being discontinued now, it remains a significant milestone in Nokia's product lineup and mobile technology history.

Legacy and Impact

The Nokia N70's contribution to mobile technology is noteworthy. It demonstrated Nokia's ability to innovate and integrate new functions in a single device, meeting the growing demands for connectivity, multimedia, and compact design. For many, the N70 paved the path towards more advanced smartphones, influencing subsequent models and shaping user expectations for the future of mobile communication.