iPhone 3G vs Nokia S60 Touch

I know that title got alot of your attention so let me quickly explain where I'm going with this.  This is basically a "First Thought" of the iPhone.

Alot of people were shocked that I bought an iPhone.  For the life of me I can't understand why... but I'll let you know my reasoning.  To educate myself in order to know what I would like to see in the future possible Nokia S60 Touch device and to also offer a comparison of what I'm used to with my devices.

Being a die-hard Nokia user for 10+ years (yes 10+) I've grown to love many many things about their products.  With the introduction of Nseries I amongst many other users fell in love with the ability to take all of our multimedia packages with us.  Built in cameras which became the most popular form of portable imagery and I belive Nokia holds the reins with its selection of devices with amazing cameras. Built in hard drives and base kicking speakers that make listening to your favorite music without the need of an external speaker an A+ experience.  All of this is totally based on discussions that I've had and personal opinions that I have on my devices.

In past writings I've managed to snob at "iPhone fanboys" and have to admit to my unfairness.  I haven't fully played around with it but I can say that the iPhone introduces technology to the techies... which I'm sure someone at Apple if not Steve Jobs himself kept in mind. Nokia isn't about that.  Nokia introduces life in the form of mobility.  So you see, there is a difference.

We have all heard the rumors of the S60 Touch and can't wait to see it once the rumor comes to fruition, but in using a touch screen device that's currently available I can base an opinion on what I would like to see in the future of touch screen.

Lets look at a few things that Apple has introduced to the iPhone 3G.  The App Store.  The App Store offers the convenience for users to purchase and download applications right from the handset.  For us Nokia users that would be the equivalent to Nokia's Download service.  Same thing, different handset. 

iTunes is also built into the iPhone 3G so users can purchase their favorite tunes on the go.... ahem Nokia Music Store.

Apple also has the ease of syncing everything with everything else.  Now that feature I love.  Nokia does offer that same ease with the MyNokia service, but unfortunately it's not available everywhere... that needs to change ASAP.

Now lets talk about what its lacking.  Coming from an Nseries device to this one would have a few expectations.  Such as AD2P support for stereo headsets or speakers.  iTunes is all about music right?  Why not have the functionality to enjoy your music in stereo?

Another thing is the phone's speakers themselves.  Maybe its just me, but if my Nokia rings I can hear it in the next room without problems.

I'm not going to complain about the camera because quite simply, its a mobile phone camera.  One shouldn't expect perfection from those no matter what device you are using.  It's not about professional photography, its about the convenience of having a camera built in. 

The camera does omit the flash and taking good pictures (good in my sense of using a camera phone to do so) requires a bit more skill in knowing where the correct light is.  This was a close up shot of my son outdoors and although the image is nice and clear, it could use a bit more light.  I'll post some comparison pics later.

Now... if you think the N95 battery was an issue you definitely want to stay away from the iPhone.  Can you say 3 charges in 1 day?  Something sounds very wrong with that.  I know I've said in the past that battery life can depend on what the user is doing with his/her device.  But after turning off 3G and Wifi and just letting it sit around for a few hours of non-use, the battery still drains itself pretty quickly.  I used my N82 to take pics last Friday and then charged it fully.  I left it on my desk powered on for 2 days and STILL had battery life.

There are other issues that I can get into, but I'll save that for another post.  But if you have some concerns you can drop a comment and I'll try and fill you in.

My overall opinion... its a great techie device, but nothing to give up my Nokia's for.

Comments

[Mitsugst4eva]

Good point Darla and nice, little review. I appreciate you not being biased and know your word is valid. I must admit I'm glad the battery life isn't so good on the iPhone so that maybe the world will understand that 3G + computer = battery drain!!! Look forward to future posts.
Ps. Does typing seem to be a pain to you on the iPhone?! I sometimes miss my Nokia 7710 but not touch itself!

[James Burland]

Battery life is a concern... but if it's anything like the original iPhone, you should get about another 30% - 40% life out of the thing once it's been through about 20 full charge cycles.

It's good to use (and own if possible!) a wide variety of phones, you start to build a picture in your mind of what your perfect device might be like. It wasn't until the N93 that I realised that my perfect phone would have decent video capture with stereo sound recording, and it wasn't until I got my first iPhone that began to understand the importance of having an adaptive user interface, one that could change to suite an given task.

Exciting times to be involved in this industry, although it's a couple of decades old, it's only now that it feels as if things are just starting to really get exciting! 2009 is going to be a stunning year.

[Mark M]

Just a quick comment, Nokia download service is not even close to the same as App store in terms of overall experience! It should not be compared as you have done here.

And currently there is nothing Nokia has that is like mobileme. Again lets compare feature for feature and overall experience.

Darla, can you honestly say S60 UI is even is same ballpark?

[Giovani]

I think that someone can't just compare the phones until the S60 UI comes out, they are totally different devices, the iPhone might be missing hundreds of features and above everything MMS but I agree with you if it comes to choose a device I would keep my Nseries, if I had the money to burn I would buy an iPod touch because sincerely the iPhone is just...

an iPod Touch with limited phone features.

yup that's what I think about the iPhone, it's like a premium addon.

[Darla]

@Mark M,

I wasn't trying to compare in overall experience. I was merely trying to point out that from a Nokia user perspective that there is something similar available. Basically, a catalog of applications. I didn't say that one was better than the other, I just made it aware that Nokia did have a similar channel. Now as far as the availability of certain applications I will admit that Nokia Download does need an improvement... but the concept is there.

In regards to MobileMe I also didn't say that the syncing options were identical. MyNokia first needs to be made available to all regions, but the fact that there is a resource available for me to back-up my contacts via my Nokia phone and have that syncing capabilty is a plus. It's also a start on Nokia's end so hopefully that whole feature will be enhanced.

In all honesty Mark, today is Tuesday and I just got the iPhone on Friday. A person with little time such as myself would need more time to used to something new. I wouldn't say that one UI is better than the other because to some the UI means nothing.

[Serko]

Just for the record the iPhone 3G only contains 1 internal speaker (just like the original iPhone).
The other side that looks like a speaker too is actually its microphone.
I'd definitely like to get an update on your iPhone 3G's battery life once you've actually used it for a solid week or so.
Spec wise my N95-4 only offers 3.5 hours of talk time over HSDPA and the iPhone 3G is supposed to offer 5 hours.
PC World actually managed to squeeze over 5.5 hours out of it:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/148348/3g_iphones_mediocre_battery_life_still_beats_rivals.html
Having been a formed iPhone owner I know firsthand how easy it is to blow through its battery since Safari Mobile and watching video are so addictive on it:)

[El Cheif]

@Giovanni

I agree with you. I have an N95 and an Ipod Touch. I like my N95 for the phone and features and I like my touch cause it contains my content from my N95. The iphone is a glorfied touch.

[Furie]

Not truly fallen to the darkside then Darla? It did come as a shock when one of Nokia's most devout followers bought an iPhone.

Can you perhaps do a post on strength for strength against the N95 8gb? Which features each has strength and weakness in for example. For someone like me, buying an iPhone is a complete impossibility. I prefer the tactile nature of keys and type a lot on my phone (to the point that I'm considering getting a bluetooth keyboard) usually when online. As I'm sure you can guess, I need HSDPA, a physical keypad and good battery life. Hence this N82 loaner making me consider faking my death so I can keep it.
*whistles nonchalantly as he exits the post*

[orrwil]

after a year with N95, I've managed to get my hands on a cheap iPhone, browser is amazing!! S60 hobestly doesn't hold a candle. Otherwise, nothing to write home about. That said my n95 usage is mainly web based, so give it (the evil iPhone) a try?

[scott manthey]

great post d-

does anyone else think that both nokia and apple should be hiring darla as a consultant? or maybe motorola if they keep it on the dl.

i have to say that in terms of the cell phone game apple and nokia have more similarities than differences.

they both have a cult following. they both pull the business and artsy clientele. i think we can all agree that we are attracted to the companies passion, vision and innovation (even if it comes out as jealousy or hate sometimes).

cell phone companies get a hint and hire the wise mobile maven called Darla Mack!!!

[Marion]

Thank you Darla. One thing, Steve managed to get not only you but I'm sure many dihard fans of other platforms to give iPhone a try. Another $200+ into his pockets.

I have enjoyed the S60 thanks to you. Like you said its about having an overall tool for great music, podcasts, video, ebooks and all forms of communication.

The iPhone hype has made me purchase the unlimited plan from AT&T...and I am in heaven. Like last year your N76 has satisfied my iPhone jones; however, I did buy an iPhone silicone case...when I just can't hold back any longer!

[Rafael Oliveira]

Some really good points, but everyone has to admit Apple changed the game when it comes to mobile phones. I've been using Nokia for a really long time (not 10 years, I guess, but feels like it), used S40 phones, S60 since its first generation (6600) and now I have gone to the dark side.
Some time ago I was a very vocal oppositor of convergence, but in fact it *makes life easier*. Two years ago I sold my last WM6 device, an Axim X51. My Tungsten is still here, but hasn't been turned on in about that long. My wife won an Ipod Touch on her office's New Year Party, which she then gave to me.
It was then that I fell in love with the UI. Darla points out that some people couldn't care less about UIs. I don't agree, and can't believe one wouldn't get impressed by the simplicity it is. Easy. Fluid would be the word.
As I said, I've been defending S60 since its first generation, and quite frankly, it didn't evolve. Some cutesy stuff, like horseshoe menus, and things like that, but the UI on the iPhone is above all functional. Intuitive. As a graphic designer I love it. And no, I don't love everything Apple, don't own a Mac. My wife wants one.
Finishing a long rant, Nokia has a lot of catching up to do if they want to keep fresh in the game. Maybe this doesn't concern them, being the major handset seller they are (here in Brazil the N95s abound, they're the new RAZRs), but I think Apple accomplished a lot in just two generations of phones. And yes, they do have flaws, and the reception on my E-51 was *way* better than the iphone!

[sdi]

I remember when I started college I always had problem with a MAC. I hated the MAC and everything about Apple at that point. I got a degree and I've been working as a software engineer for about 10 years now where I get involved in software design and development. I'm not a GUI designer but I do know quite a bit about designing GUI. When I first looked at the iPhone 3G at an Apple store one day I immediately became a fan. I've never seen any handset that is designed as nice as the iPhone. I've seen and used the N95 but I'm not impressed with N95. Apple does know how to design the application that is so appealing. I know know why there are so many Apple fans out there.

I finally purchased an iPhone 3G. It is my very first Apple product. I don't have a problem with the battery. I turned off the push email function and the battery lasts me all day long.

My wife also uses the iPhone at her work and she's able to get about 5 hours of surfing. She owned a N95 but didn't even care about surfing the web with it because it simply difficult to use.

Darla, your review is great but I think you are still too bias. Even though Apple iPhone 3G is only Apple's second phone in this cut-throat mark Apple did deliver serious blow to Nokia in the smart phone battle. It is not yet clear who will be the winner in this battle, but for me personally I'd take an iPhone or iPhone 3G any day over a N95 or perhaps N96.