Nokia N79 Comprehensive Review Specs Price Pros & Cons

Introduction to Nokia N79

The Nokia N79 was launched in August 2008 and released in October of the same year. It represented an era where Nokia was at the forefront of mobile innovation, pushing boundaries with its sleek designs and functional capabilities. This comprehensive analysis will explore every facet of the Nokia N79, from its design and display to its performance and additional features.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia N79 was famed for its compact and stylish design. With dimensions of 110 x 49 x 15 mm and weighing just 97 grams, the device was easy to handle and fit comfortably in the palm of the hand. The build quality was robust, featuring a combination of plastic and metallic finishes that added to its aesthetic appeal. The interchangeable Xpress-on covers allowed users to personalize their phones, a feature that was well appreciated during its time. Available in colors like Canvas White, Seal Grey, and Petrol Black, the Nokia N79 was a stylish companion.

Display

The Nokia N79 featured a 2.4-inch TFT display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, supporting 16 million colors. This display was a highlight for multimedia and browsing experiences, given the time it was released. While the screen size may seem small by today's standards, it was quite standard for smartphones released in the late 2000s. The pixel density of roughly 167 PPI ensured that the text and images appeared crisp and vivid, although the screen-to-body ratio of 33.1% could have been better utilized.

Camera Capabilities

The Nokia N79 was equipped with a single 5 MP rear camera that featured Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, and an LED flash. This setup was capable of delivering sharp and detailed images for casual photography. It could shoot videos at 480p@30fps, which was commendable at that time. The phone also had a front-facing VGA camera primarily used for video calls. The camera features supported by the N79 contributed significantly to its popularity, making it a preferred choice among photography enthusiasts who were looking for mobile solutions.

Hardware and Performance

The Nokia N79 ran on the Symbian OS 9.3 with Series 60 v3.2 UI, powered by a 369 MHz ARM 11 processor. While this combination was not the fastest, it provided a satisfactory user experience for basic applications and multitasking processes, which were considerably less demanding than contemporary counterparts. The device included 50 MB of internal storage, which could be expanded via a dedicated microSDHC slot, with a 4 GB card included in the purchase package. The presence of an accelerometer sensor enhanced its usability for games and applications requiring motion input.

Connectivity and Network

The Nokia N79 supported GSM and HSPA technologies, offering connectivity over 2G and 3G bands. It could provide speeds up to HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps, which facilitated decent web browsing experiences. For local connectivity, the device had Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, and a microUSB 2.0 port for data transfers. Additionally, it featured a GPS module with A-GPS support, complemented by Nokia Maps, helping users with navigation and location services. The stereo FM radio and transmitter ensured that users always had access to music and information on the go.

Battery Life

The Nokia N79 was powered by a removable 1200 mAh Lithium-Ion battery (BL-6F). This battery size offered sufficient power to keep the device running through regular tasks. Standby time was up to 372 hours on 2G networks and up to 305 hours on 3G networks. Talk time was recorded at up to 5 hours 30 minutes on 2G and 3 hours 30 minutes on 3G. These statistics made the Nokia N79 a reliable choice for users who required a phone they could depend on throughout the day without frequent recharges.

Audio and Multimedia

With stereo speakers and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, the Nokia N79 catered well to music lovers. Users could enjoy music with MP3 ringtones and vibrations as alert types. The audio quality was decent, with noise levels at -91.8dB and crosstalk at -73.5dB, which was good for a mobile device of its time. The phone supported various formats for multimedia playback, making it an excellent device for consuming audio and video content.

User Interface and Experience

The presence of the Symbian OS 9.3 with Series 60 v3.2 UI provided a user-friendly interface that was a key feature of the Nokia N79. The system offered flexibility and customization, allowing users to tailor their experiences through downloadable themes and widgets. Although the app ecosystem was not as expansive as it is today, essential applications and utilities were available, serving the needs of most users of the time efficiently.

Legacy and Impact

The Nokia N79, with its unique blend of style, performance, and functionality, left a lasting impression on the market. It represented an era when Nokia was synonymous with mobile innovation and reliability. The phone had a significant following due to its customizable nature and reliable performance. Even after being discontinued, it remains a fond memory for technology enthusiasts who appreciate the history of mobile technology.

Conclusion

In retrospect, the Nokia N79 embodied the technological advancement of its time. It was a device packed with features that catered to a diverse range of users, from photography aficionados to music lovers. The phone's balanced design, coupled with its performance features and customizable options, made it a standout choice in the ever-evolving landscape of mobile phones.