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Price and specifications of Nokia N78 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Release Date
2008, May
Camera
3MP
Battery
1200mAh
Screen
2.4"
Storage
76MB 96MB RAM , microSD slot
Ram
96MB RAM
Operating System
Symbian, S60 rel. 3.2

Introduction to Nokia N78

The Nokia N78 is a memorable entry into the mobile phone market, as it embodied many of the technological advancements that Nokia was known for during the late 2000s. Launched in 2008, the N78 aimed to offer a comprehensive smartphone experience through innovative features and robust hardware. With its sleek design, multimedia capabilities, and connectivity options, the N78 was targeted towards tech-savvy users seeking both functionality and style.

Design and Build

The Nokia N78 features a classic candy-bar design that was common among smartphones of its time. The device measures 113 x 49 x 15.1 mm and weighs 101.8 g, making it compact and easy to carry. It comes in a choice of colors: Brown, Blue, and White, which adds a personal touch to its aesthetic appeal.

The phone sports a TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels at a size of 2.4 inches. This affords the user a satisfactory visual experience for tasks such as browsing and photo viewing, despite the relatively low screen-to-body ratio of 32.2%.

Hardware Specifications

Under the hood, the Nokia N78 is equipped with a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor. This CPU, while modest by today's standards, was capable of handling the features offered by the Symbian, S60 rel. 3.2 operating system, ensuring smooth performance during its time. The internal memory includes 76MB storage coupled with 96MB RAM. Moreover, the N78 supports expansion via a dedicated microSD slot, which allowed users to store more data.

Camera Capabilities

The main camera of the Nokia N78 is a 3.15 MP shooter complete with autofocus, Carl Zeiss optics, and an LED flash. This configuration is capable of capturing decent photos and recording videos at 480p@15fps, suitable for everyday photography at the time. Additionally, the phone includes a front CIF video call camera, which enhanced its functionality in terms of connectivity and communication.

Connectivity and Network Support

One of the highlights of the Nokia N78 is its extensive connectivity options. The device supports GSM and HSPA networks, ensuring reliable mobile service and faster data connectivity with speeds up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps. In terms of local connectivity, it includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, which was quite advanced at the time, enabling users to connect to wireless networks for internet access.

Other notable communications features include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio streaming, GPS and A-GPS with Nokia Maps for navigation, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfer and charging.

Multimedia and Entertainment Features

Nokia ensured that the N78 was not just a communications device but also an entertainment hub. The built-in stereo speakers and the 3.5mm headphone jack provided quality sound output for music lovers. The phone was equipped with an FM radio and FM transmitter, enabling broadcast of music to home or car FM radios. Additionally, it supported a variety of audio file formats and downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones.

Software and Navigation

The N78 runs on the Symbian OS, S60 rel. 3.2, which was one of the most popular platforms at the time. It featured a user-friendly interface that supported various third-party applications. The device also came pre-installed with Nokia Maps, enhancing its utility as a navigation tool. The browser could handle WAP 2.0/xHTML and HTML, ensuring that web exploration was efficient and satisfying.

Battery Life

Powering the Nokia N78 is a removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-6F). This battery offered a respectable standby time of up to 320 hours on 2G networks and up to 312 hours on 3G networks. It provided a talk time of up to 4 hours and 20 minutes on 2G and up to 3 hours and 10 minutes on 3G, which was adequate for regular users.

Conclusion

The Nokia N78 was not just a phone; it was a window into the world of mobile technology advancements during its era. Its combination of multimedia capabilities, connectivity options, and navigational functionality made it a sought-after device among tech enthusiasts. Although it has been discontinued, the N78 remains a testament to Nokia's innovation and market leadership in the mobile industry. Its design, specifications, and features embody a time when mobile phones were rapidly transforming into the multifunctional devices we know today.

Nokia N78 Key Features

  • Network Technology: Supports GSM and HSPA
  • Compact and Lightweight: Weighs only 101.8 g with dimensions of 113 x 49 x 15.1 mm
  • Display: 2.4-inch TFT screen with 16M colors
  • Operating System: Symbian S60 rel. 3.2
  • Performance: 369 MHz ARM 11 CPU
  • Storage: Expandable via microSD card slot
  • Main Camera: 3.15 MP with Carl Zeiss optics and LED flash
  • Audio: Equipped with stereo speakers and 3.5mm audio jack
  • Connectivity: Features Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, A-GPS, and microUSB 2.0
  • FM Radio: Includes stereo FM radio with RDS and FM transmitter
  • Battery: Removable 1200 mAh battery providing good standby and talk time

Disadvantages of Nokia N78

  • Small screen size with a 32.2% screen-to-body ratio, which may not be optimal for media consumption or modern applications.
  • Low resolution display with only 240 x 320 pixels (~167 ppi density), providing a subpar visual experience.
  • Limited internal memory of 76MB with only 96MB RAM, which may affect the performance and storage capabilities for applications and data.
  • 3.15 MP main camera with only 15fps video recording, which may not meet modern photography and video standards.
  • CIF resolution front-facing camera, limiting quality for video calls and selfies.
  • Discontinued status, meaning no official software updates or support from the manufacturer.
  • Uses outdated Symbian OS, which lacks compatibility with many modern apps and may lack security updates.
  • Limited processing power with a 369 MHz ARM 11 CPU, affecting the ability to run demanding applications smoothly.
  • No advanced sensors available like modern smartphones (e.g., gyroscope, accelerometer).
  • Low battery capacity (1200 mAh), resulting in limited battery life especially under heavy usage conditions.
Network
Technology GSM / HSPA
2G bands GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands HSDPA 900 / 2100
Speed HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps
Launch
Announced 2008, February. Released 2008, May
Status Discontinued
Body
Dimensions 113 x 49 x 15.1 mm, 76.5 cc (4.45 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)
Weight 101.8 g (3.56 oz)
SIM Mini-SIM
Display
Type TFT, 16M colors
Size 2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Resolution 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Platform
OS Symbian, S60 rel. 3.2
CPU 369 MHz ARM 11
Memory
Card slot microSD (dedicated slot)
Internal 76MB 96MB RAM
Main Camera
Single 3.15 MP, AF
Features Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash
Video 480p@15fps
Selfie camera
Single CIF videocall camera
Video
Sound
Loudspeaker Yes, with stereo speakers
Alert types Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
3.5mm jack Yes
Comms
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP technology
Bluetooth 2.0, A2DP
Positioning GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps
Radio Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter
USB microUSB 2.0
Features
Sensors
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS feeds
Battery
Type Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-6F)
Stand-by Up to 320 h (2G) / 312 h (3G)
Talk time Up to 4 h 20 min (2G) / 3 h 10 min (3G)
Misc
Colors Brown, Blue, White
SAR 1.26 W/kg (head)     1.04 W/kg (body)
SAR EU 1.00 W/kg (head)
Price About 170 EUR
Tests
Loudspeaker Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB
Audio quality Noise -76.1dB / Crosstalk -72.37dB

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