Nokia N9 The Complete Guide to Specs Prices & Features

Introduction to Nokia N9

The Nokia N9 was one of the notable releases from Nokia, introduced in 2011, that stood out due to its unique design and the use of the MeeGo 1.2 Harmattan operating system. Despite being discontinued, the Nokia N9 remains a beloved device among tech enthusiasts and collectors. It was renowned for its sleek design, vibrant display, and innovative interface.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia N9 featured an elegant, minimalist design with dimensions of 116.5 x 61.2 x 12.1 mm and a weight of 135 g, making it comfortable to hold and carry. It employed a durable polycarbonate unibody that not only contributed to its aesthetics but also enhanced its robustness. The phone came in several striking colors, including Black, Cyan, Magenta, and Glossy white, allowing users to choose one that best suited their style.

Display

Equipped with a 3.9-inch AMOLED display, the Nokia N9 offered vibrant colors and deep blacks, thanks to its resolution of 480 x 854 pixels (~251 ppi density). The screen was protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, making it resistant to scratches and minor impacts. With a contrast ratio declared as infinite in nominal conditions, it provided a vivid viewing experience even under direct sunlight with a 3.069:1 sunlight contrast ratio.

Operating System and User Interface

The MeeGo 1.2 Harmattan operating system was perhaps the most unique feature of the Nokia N9. Its swipe-based user interface was smooth and intuitive, promoting a seamless navigation experience. Unlike other mobile operating systems of its time, MeeGo was known for its simplicity and ease of use, which made the N9 a favorite among users who preferred a no-nonsense smartphone experience.

Performance and Hardware

Internally, the Nokia N9 housed the TI OMAP 3630 chipset, featuring a 1.0 GHz Cortex A8 processor and a PowerVR SGX530 GPU. It was available in two storage variants: 16GB and 64GB, both accompanied by 1GB of RAM. However, the device did not offer expandable storage. Despite the absence of a high-end processor by today's standards, the hardware was capable of running the MeeGo OS efficiently.

Camera

The Nokia N9 was fitted with an 8 MP main camera that included Carl Zeiss optics and a dual-LED flash, capturing high-quality photos with great detail and accuracy. It supported 720p video recording at 30fps, making it competent for capturing everyday moments. Although the VGA selfie camera was modest, it was sufficient for the occasional video call or self-portrait.

Battery Life

The device was powered by a non-removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery, which offered decent performance for its time. It provided a stand-by time of up to 380 h on 2G networks and up to 450 h on 3G. Talk time could reach up to 11 h on 2G and up to 7 h on 3G, with a music play time of up to 50 h. However, the endurance rating was estimated at 39h, highlighting moderate battery longevity.

Connectivity Features

The Nokia N9 included a range of connectivity options such as Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.1 with A2DP and EDR, GPS with A-GPS functionality, and the innovative NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, which was relatively new at the time. The device also supported microUSB 2.0 for data transfer and charging. An FM radio was accessible via third-party software, adding to its multimedia capabilities.

Audio and Multimedia

The phone housed a competent loudspeaker, enabling clear audio playback with volume ratings of 61dB for voice, 58dB for noise, and 66dB for ring. It also featured a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, which was excellent for those who preferred using traditional wired headphones. In terms of audio quality, it delivered a noise level of -90.9dB and crosstalk at -83.6dB, providing a satisfying audio experience for music and calls.

Network and Communication

The Nokia N9 supported GSM/HSPA technology, capable of operation on multiple 2G and 3G bands, ensuring extensive connectivity options across different regions. Its HSPA speed reached up to 14.4/5.76 Mbps, adequate for browsing and streaming content at the time.

Legacy of the Nokia N9

Although the Nokia N9 was eventually discontinued, its legacy persists due to its innovative design and software. It remains a beloved piece for collectors and those nostalgic about the era when Nokia was a dominant force in mobile technology. The phone was considered a precursor to many modern smartphones thanks to its sophisticated design and user-friendly interface. For many, the Nokia N9 is remembered as a device ahead of its time.

Conclusion

The Nokia N9 stands out as a unique phone that reflected a period of experimentation and innovation in Nokia's history. Its combination of a sleek design, the user-friendly MeeGo OS, and robust hardware made it a noteworthy device of its era. Despite its discontinuation, the N9's influence on mobile phone design and functionality can still be seen, marking it as more than just a smartphone, but as a pivotal moment in mobile technology.