Love your N95? Get the Nokia N86.

That’s right, I’m back… and I’m bringing my N86 review with me.
In short, as the title suggests, if you were a fan of the N95 – then the N86 is for you.

That’s right, I’m back… and I’m bringing my N86 review with me.
In short, as the title suggests, if you were a fan of the N95 – then the N86 is for you.

The Nokia N86 8MP
The Nokia N86 8MP

You may remember a few months back that fellow Really Mobile co-founder Ben Smith and I sat down to argue discuss the merits of Nokia’s much heralded saviour of 2009, the N97.

It’s a testament to the industry we watch, work and live in today that this now seems like such a long time ago. Here we are some eleven weeks since that post went live and already, I feel like I backed the wrong horse. You see, I was only impressed with the N97 for what is wasn’t. The firmware wasn’t buggy, the hardware wasn’t a let down and the camera wasn’t incapable.

But what did it really bring forward?
Aside from a new form factor, not much.

I said back in the Spring, way back before we launched Really Mobile, when discussing the N97 that I was in fact looking towards to the N86 more than anything else on the horizon…

“…to my mind the N86 is the true replacement for the N95 8GB.”
— James Whatley, April 19th 2009

…and I am very pleased to announce that I was not disappointed.

When it came to choosing a handset for the Lucozade Energy Challenge, the N86 was the only option. I’d read about it, seen videos about it, hell – I’d even taken some shots with an early prototype myself.
This handset has been everything my N95 8GB ever was and more.

Having used the N86 solidly now since the end of June I can safely say that this is my phone of choice and will be for many months to come. You all know I’m a Nokia fiend but of late, that love has waned. Especially in regards to the previously mentioned, N97.

However the N86, the beautiful Nokia N86 8MP – to give it its full name – that which we first glimpsed way back in February of this year at Mobile World Congress, is an excellent phone in the traditional sense.

And it’s this last part dear reader, that is the keystone to the whole of this piece.

You see – I doubt that we will ever see a phone like the N86 ever again. The sheer elegance and sophistication that goes into this perfect combination of this phone first, camera second device is as gorgeous as it was the first time you ever laid eyes on it.

There really is not much I can say about this phone’s feature set that hasn’t already been said. One would imagine that most of you know that the N86 sports a rather fetching 8MP camera (which, on my recent travels around Africa, has yielded some spectacular results). It would be frivolous to assume that the amazing video output from this stunning piece of kit has completely passed by that of even the most casual of mobile fanatics. And I would certainly be completely mis-judging my audience if just for one second I assumed that none of you had noticed the glorious industrial design mixture of glass and metal, making the Nokia N86 one of the smoothest and cleanest handsets one could ever have the great fortune to hold.

A dying breed?
A dying breed?

Give it a silver finish and you could be forgiven for thinking that it was an E-Series.

Yes, it really does feel that good.

It is fantastic. It is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

What it makes me feel though, is sad – and not for the reasons you might think.

I just can’t help thinking that thanks to all sorts of things; the iPhone, the advent of Android, the upcoming Maemo war on Symbian. Phones like this will soon be consigned to the history books. I just have this horrible, dreadful feeling that what I’m using here, is an ending.

The phones of tomorrow are iPhones, are Androids… The N900 looks nice, but the 5MP camera doesn’t come to close to that of the N86. The new Nokia X6, with its capacitive (read: iPhone-esque) screen and its deep level music-based DNA still doesn’t match up to the content creativity skills of my beloved N-Series.

Yes, iPhones are lovely – we know this. Even the HTC Magic came close to swaying me from the Finnish fold some time ago too. But the days of just being able to push real and actual buttons will soon be gone. Relish in them while they’re still here. Remember that feeling. Take happiness from it. And treasure it.

Reading on Symbian-Guru this past week that, as of Nokia World 2009 – ‘Nokia is Touch’ – I shed a tear.
As the Finnish giant moves to embrace Maemo as well as further expand its Symbian 5th Edition range, it stands to reason that the N86 could very well be the last great N-Series device.

Get yours while you can.

Last updated by at .

Author: James Whatley

Chief Strategy Officer in adland. I got ❤️ for writing, gaming, and figuring stuff out. I'm @whatleydude pretty much everywhere that matters. Nice to meet you x

118 thoughts on “Love your N95? Get the Nokia N86.”

  1. Having got my N86 to replace my N95 following some timely advice from you, James, I’d agree with this post 100%. As a journalist, it feels more like an essential piece of kit than a piece of design, and it’s incredibly workmanlike. I’ve had it for nearly a month (I also have an N97) and I know it’s the last phone of this stamp that I’ll own. It’s solid, reliable, handles images awesomely well, and is incredibly small and light. I enjoy using my N86 but I think you’re probably right; it is the last bloom on an evoluntionary branch that will eventually wither away.

  2. Were on the cusp of reaching the stage where non TS devices are low end only, i still use devices with good old buttons, but only BlackBerrys with “proper” QWERTY keypads 🙂

  3. Were on the cusp of reaching the stage where non TS devices are low end only, i still use devices with good old buttons, but only BlackBerrys with “proper” QWERTY keypads 🙂

  4. My gut feeling is that this is the device that the N96, or even the N85, should have been. But it wasn’t, so it’s come too late for me sadly.

    After 8 years of Nokia i’ve taken the plunge and gone all iPhone (http://whydoesnt.blogspot.com/2009/08/nokia-to-iphone-taking-plunge.html). I feel like, at this point in time, I would just be too limited using the N86 for the stuff that I do every day. I guess that’s just the curse of the touch-screen, and Apple has the best touch-screen device! That and the iPhone now has all the “stuff I can only do with my nokia” like Tomtom & Slingplayer.

  5. My gut feeling is that this is the device that the N96, or even the N85, should have been. But it wasn’t, so it’s come too late for me sadly.

    After 8 years of Nokia i’ve taken the plunge and gone all iPhone (http://whydoesnt.blogspot.com/2009/08/nokia-to-iphone-taking-plunge.html). I feel like, at this point in time, I would just be too limited using the N86 for the stuff that I do every day. I guess that’s just the curse of the touch-screen, and Apple has the best touch-screen device! That and the iPhone now has all the “stuff I can only do with my nokia” like Tomtom & Slingplayer.

  6. James, do you do much emailing from the N86? I’ve been a pretty strict user of phones with QWERTY keyboards for several years now, but I’m really considering getting the N86. The N97 is less than perfect (imo), and knowing that the N900 is only step 4 of 5 in the Maemo world (according to Nokia themselves), I’m hesitant to be a first adapter like I was with the N97. Guess I’m just worried that I won’t be able to adapt to T9 or something….

    James Whatley Reply:

    As of yesterday I’ve been using the Nokia Messaging on the N86. It comes built-in under the moniker of ‘Nokia Email’. It’s the same app/software that is shipping with the new E-Series devices (the first of which was the E75 from memory) and so far, I’m really enjoying it.

    Email without QWERTY means I can send more stuff one handed. That’s what used to bug me about the N97 and in fact, nearly ALL touch devices – you just couldnt/cant do anything *quickly* with them and you need to give the display 100% of your attention all the time.

    Not for me I’m afraid.

    Ben Smith Reply:

    E63 / E72 (and I assume E72 as it has same form-factor) are all one-hand
    QWERTY devices IMO.

    Ben Smith Reply:

    E63 / E72 (and I assume E72 as it has same form-factor) are all one-hand
    QWERTY devices IMO.

    Jeff Martin Reply:

    Very good point you have there. The keypad on the N86 looks very usable too, contrary to the flat, non-separated keys on my N79 that make it a little frustrating to try and text/type with.

    Jeff Martin Reply:

    Very good point you have there. The keypad on the N86 looks very usable too, contrary to the flat, non-separated keys on my N79 that make it a little frustrating to try and text/type with.

    James Whatley Reply:

    As of yesterday I’ve been using the Nokia Messaging on the N86. It comes built-in under the moniker of ‘Nokia Email’. It’s the same app/software that is shipping with the new E-Series devices (the first of which was the E75 from memory) and so far, I’m really enjoying it.

    Email without QWERTY means I can send more stuff one handed. That’s what used to bug me about the N97 and in fact, nearly ALL touch devices – you just couldnt/cant do anything *quickly* with them and you need to give the display 100% of your attention all the time.

    Not for me I’m afraid.

  7. James, do you do much emailing from the N86? I’ve been a pretty strict user of phones with QWERTY keyboards for several years now, but I’m really considering getting the N86. The N97 is less than perfect (imo), and knowing that the N900 is only step 4 of 5 in the Maemo world (according to Nokia themselves), I’m hesitant to be a first adapter like I was with the N97. Guess I’m just worried that I won’t be able to adapt to T9 or something….

  8. I think you’re right about N-series, but with the launch of X-series might we not soon see another range launched which majors on cameras (like Sony Ericsson do) and has a mix of touch and non-touch.

    It certainly would be a shame if all consumer units became ‘touch’…

    James Whatley Reply:

    That might be case re: X-Series, yes. But if that was true, then why not throw something out there that actually has the hallmarks of a flagship device. Like another 8MP camera, or a Xenon flash maybe?

    The X6 looks like the ‘hero’ handset of the X range, but I don’t think it could be an N-Series.
    Maybe that’s the bar now, if you look at the E72. A business handset with a 5MP camera? these features are the norm… in which case, where is the flagship device?

    James Whatley Reply:

    That might be case re: X-Series, yes. But if that was true, then why not throw something out there that actually has the hallmarks of a flagship device. Like another 8MP camera, or a Xenon flash maybe?

    The X6 looks like the ‘hero’ handset of the X range, but I don’t think it could be an N-Series.
    Maybe that’s the bar now, if you look at the E72. A business handset with a 5MP camera? these features are the norm… in which case, where is the flagship device?

    Ms. Jen Reply:

    Hi Ben,

    I am hoping that the camera focused branch will not come to an end, but with the Xseries and Eseries going off to grow happily out into Music & Biz, that the Nseries or like will be able to develop fully as a camera based creation oriented devices. *crossing fingers*

    ;o)

    Ms. Jen Reply:

    Hi Ben,

    I am hoping that the camera focused branch will not come to an end, but with the Xseries and Eseries going off to grow happily out into Music & Biz, that the Nseries or like will be able to develop fully as a camera based creation oriented devices. *crossing fingers*

    ;o)

  9. I think you’re right about N-series, but with the launch of X-series might we not soon see another range launched which majors on cameras (like Sony Ericsson do) and has a mix of touch and non-touch.

    It certainly would be a shame if all consumer units became ‘touch’…

  10. I still remember your words vividly James, “hold on an wait for the N86” and I must say I agree with you a 100% I have also used extensively the N97/5800 and have not been dazzled with Symbian s60 v5, I’m still loving the old school Nseries.
    Question for you: how has the battery served you on the N86 in your multiple adventures.

    thanks

    James Whatley Reply:

    That is a very good question Jorge,

    The battery has been *ok*. Not awesome, not bad.. but ok. Given that every day I’ve been online almost all day, taking photos as often as possible, recording videos and uploading to various sharing sites as well as blogging on the fly… I normally get a good 6-7hrs out of it.
    But I do have a spare battery as well as a Power Gorilla to keep me charged in case of emergencies.

    I can also recommend a 16GB microSD card. They rock my socks also.

    Which reminds me – aren’t we supposed to be doing something over Skype sometime soon? 😀

    Mobile Jorge Reply:

    You got it brother, let’s do it, when its a good time for you, for me this weekend is good, early in the am so for you its, let see its 9:28am now in Miami, so it must be 3’ish for you right, so let’s shoot for the next upcoming days, its gonna great 🙂

    James Whatley Reply:

    Well I’m flying to Antigua on Saturday morning and won’t be back for a couple of weeks. So not sure how or when it’ll be possible.. but yes, definitely soon.

    Let’s keep talking 🙂

    James Whatley Reply:

    Well I’m flying to Antigua on Saturday morning and won’t be back for a couple of weeks. So not sure how or when it’ll be possible.. but yes, definitely soon.

    Let’s keep talking 🙂

    Mobile Jorge Reply:

    You got it brother, let’s do it, when its a good time for you, for me this weekend is good, early in the am so for you its, let see its 9:28am now in Miami, so it must be 3’ish for you right, so let’s shoot for the next upcoming days, its gonna great 🙂

    Mobile Jorge Reply:

    Its a done deal, after I trial the N86 which should be in a couple of weeks my contact is Nokia Latin America and they get everything late compared to Europe/US I think I’ll sell both my N95 8GB and saddle with your setup, extra battery, I have an 8gb etc.

    James Whatley Reply:

    Awesome. Good to know that these posts make a difference 🙂

    James Whatley Reply:

    Awesome. Good to know that these posts make a difference 🙂

    Mobile Jorge Reply:

    Its a done deal, after I trial the N86 which should be in a couple of weeks my contact is Nokia Latin America and they get everything late compared to Europe/US I think I’ll sell both my N95 8GB and saddle with your setup, extra battery, I have an 8gb etc.

    James Whatley Reply:

    That is a very good question Jorge,

    The battery has been *ok*. Not awesome, not bad.. but ok. Given that every day I’ve been online almost all day, taking photos as often as possible, recording videos and uploading to various sharing sites as well as blogging on the fly… I normally get a good 6-7hrs out of it.
    But I do have a spare battery as well as a Power Gorilla to keep me charged in case of emergencies.

    I can also recommend a 16GB microSD card. They rock my socks also.

    Which reminds me – aren’t we supposed to be doing something over Skype sometime soon? 😀

  11. I still remember your words vividly James, “hold on an wait for the N86” and I must say I agree with you a 100% I have also used extensively the N97/5800 and have not been dazzled with Symbian s60 v5, I’m still loving the old school Nseries.
    Question for you: how has the battery served you on the N86 in your multiple adventures.

    thanks

  12. James, I’m sharing your sadness. I can see some great phones for content creation coming along soon (check your pockets). But the lack of ability to rapidly deploy the camera means many moments could be missed. The N series truly understood the photographers need to start up the camera quickly and shoot. Theres an opportunity for Symbian and Android developers to come up with hacks to enable rapid on and shooting for pure touch devices. could you compare the time it takes to shoot from your pocket between the Satio and the N86. Would be interested to know where we are on this as it stands.

  13. James, I’m sharing your sadness. I can see some great phones for content creation coming along soon (check your pockets). But the lack of ability to rapidly deploy the camera means many moments could be missed. The N series truly understood the photographers need to start up the camera quickly and shoot. Theres an opportunity for Symbian and Android developers to come up with hacks to enable rapid on and shooting for pure touch devices. could you compare the time it takes to shoot from your pocket between the Satio and the N86. Would be interested to know where we are on this as it stands.

  14. i understand how James feels, but i must say, after almost 4 Months on Touchscreen Devices, i don’t miss Keypads too much. Nokia 5800 was terrible, with its endless Bugs and resistive Screen, but the G1 and most of all, my HTC Hero now, are serving me really well. combined with the predictive Text Option, i’m getting some really good Typing Speeds. I might get back to Nokia when there are more capacitive Screen Phones available, but for now my Hero serves me perfectly well! I’m pretty fed up with Nokia for now :-/

    Regarding the N86: I didn’t have one in the Flesh yet, but when it was announced i had a good Feeling about it, as it solved some of those Issues the N85 had – it looks much more solid, the Keys look so much more usable compared to the ultra-stiff N85 Keypad, oh and the Camera is impressive too, although this isn’t the No.1 Buying reason anymore..

    Great Post James, keep it going! 🙂

  15. i understand how James feels, but i must say, after almost 4 Months on Touchscreen Devices, i don’t miss Keypads too much. Nokia 5800 was terrible, with its endless Bugs and resistive Screen, but the G1 and most of all, my HTC Hero now, are serving me really well. combined with the predictive Text Option, i’m getting some really good Typing Speeds. I might get back to Nokia when there are more capacitive Screen Phones available, but for now my Hero serves me perfectly well! I’m pretty fed up with Nokia for now :-/

    Regarding the N86: I didn’t have one in the Flesh yet, but when it was announced i had a good Feeling about it, as it solved some of those Issues the N85 had – it looks much more solid, the Keys look so much more usable compared to the ultra-stiff N85 Keypad, oh and the Camera is impressive too, although this isn’t the No.1 Buying reason anymore..

    Great Post James, keep it going! 🙂

  16. Having got my N86 to replace my N95 following some timely advice from you, James, I'd agree with this post 100%. As a journalist, it feels more like an essential piece of kit than a piece of design, and it's incredibly workmanlike. I've had it for nearly a month (I also have an N97) and I know it's the last phone of this stamp that I'll own. It's solid, reliable, handles images awesomely well, and is incredibly small and light. I enjoy using my N86 but I think you're probably right; it is the last bloom on an evoluntionary branch that will eventually wither away.

  17. Having got my N86 to replace my N95 following some timely advice from you, James, I'd agree with this post 100%. As a journalist, it feels more like an essential piece of kit than a piece of design, and it's incredibly workmanlike. I've had it for nearly a month (I also have an N97) and I know it's the last phone of this stamp that I'll own. It's solid, reliable, handles images awesomely well, and is incredibly small and light. I enjoy using my N86 but I think you're probably right; it is the last bloom on an evoluntionary branch that will eventually wither away.

  18. Were on the cusp of reaching the stage where non TS devices are low end only, i still use devices with good old buttons, but only BlackBerrys with “proper” QWERTY keypads 🙂

  19. Were on the cusp of reaching the stage where non TS devices are low end only, i still use devices with good old buttons, but only BlackBerrys with “proper” QWERTY keypads 🙂

  20. My gut feeling is that this is the device that the N96, or even the N85, should have been. But it wasn't, so it's come too late for me sadly.After 8 years of Nokia i've taken the plunge and gone all iPhone (http://whydoesnt.blogspot.com/2009/08/nokia-to-…). I feel like, at this point in time, I would just be too limited using the N86 for the stuff that I do every day. I guess that's just the curse of the touch-screen, and Apple has the best touch-screen device! That and the iPhone now has all the “stuff I can only do with my nokia” like Tomtom & Slingplayer.

  21. My gut feeling is that this is the device that the N96, or even the N85, should have been. But it wasn't, so it's come too late for me sadly.

    After 8 years of Nokia i've taken the plunge and gone all iPhone (http://whydoesnt.blogspot.com/2009/08/nokia-to-…). I feel like, at this point in time, I would just be too limited using the N86 for the stuff that I do every day. I guess that's just the curse of the touch-screen, and Apple has the best touch-screen device! That and the iPhone now has all the “stuff I can only do with my nokia” like Tomtom & Slingplayer.

  22. James, do you do much emailing from the N86? I've been a pretty strict user of phones with QWERTY keyboards for several years now, but I'm really considering getting the N86. The N97 is less than perfect (imo), and knowing that the N900 is only step 4 of 5 in the Maemo world (according to Nokia themselves), I'm hesitant to be a first adapter like I was with the N97. Guess I'm just worried that I won't be able to adapt to T9 or something….

  23. James, do you do much emailing from the N86? I've been a pretty strict user of phones with QWERTY keyboards for several years now, but I'm really considering getting the N86. The N97 is less than perfect (imo), and knowing that the N900 is only step 4 of 5 in the Maemo world (according to Nokia themselves), I'm hesitant to be a first adapter like I was with the N97. Guess I'm just worried that I won't be able to adapt to T9 or something….

  24. I think you're right about N-series, but with the launch of X-series might we not soon see another range launched which majors on cameras (like Sony Ericsson do) and has a mix of touch and non-touch.It certainly would be a shame if all consumer units became 'touch'…

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