STUTTGART, Germany - Following from our review of a prototype Nokia N86 8MP at the Mobile World Congress 2009, we were presented with a production unit of the Nokia N86 during our Carl Zeiss tour in Germany. The phone contains the highest megapixel count in any Nokia, and is the flagship of camera-phones for the manufacturer.

The N86 features a dual-slider design resembling the N85, while its position in the camera market shows continuity from the N82; the N8x series is one dedicated to high-end camera phones.

In terms of specifications, the N86 contains a 2.6" AMOLED display with QVGA resolution (240x320 pixels), a microSD memory card with 8GB included in the package, Bluetooth, HSDPA,DLNA-certified Wi-Fi, A-GPS, a 3.5mm audiovisual jack, an FM transmitter, Ngage gaming platform, and a kickstand.

The kickstand is comparable to that of the Nokia N96, a phone which was also used in this review for comparison purposes. The N96 unit was kindly lent to us by Dan Carter from World of Nokia.

Note: Further Nokia N86 images are available at our sister project, Nokia N86 Blog.

Unfortunately we were not able to once again picture both colour units, although we did compare them on our previous Nokia N86 8MP review. In this occasion, Nokia provided us solely with a unit of the black colour.

Weighing at 149g, the N86 is and felt much heavier than the N96, which weighs 125g.

In terms of dimensions, both phones measure relatively the same, although the N96 is larger in width.

The front of the Nokia N86 8MP contains thin buttons which remind one of the N82, while the N96 has flat buttons which dissolve in the phone's shape. The multimedia key is not present on the N86, while there is one on the N96.

The Nokia N86's display size is of 2.6", while the N96 has a larger 2.8" display. The resolution is the same (240x320 pixels), but the technology used in the screen is different: the N86 has an AMOLED screen, which offers vivid colours, even at an angle; while the N96 has a common TFT LCD display. Nokia unfortunately included a theme weak in colours, which is not able to reveal the warm colours that the N86 is able to present.

Overall, due to its weak black colour, the N86 seems to be less glossy than the N96; yet it still attracts fingerprints and other marks. The white version did not attract any of these marks, and is equally stylish. The choice is colour is limited to regional availability.

The keypad of the N86 has solid buttons which stand out from the platform. These completely oppose to the ease-of-use of the N96's keypad.

The numbers of the keypad on the N86 are coloured in a reflective-like green, while on the N96, they are white. Both successfuly contrast from the surface colour.

The extra keys on the second sliding platform of both phones can be used as multimedia controls, zoom keys, and game buttons.

The right side of both phones incorporates the volume/zoom rocker, the camera key, and the stereo speakers. On the N86, the speakers are relatively smaller, providing it a more sophisticated look; while the N96's speakers are large, and provide it a "hardcore" look, thanks to the grill.

The soft section of the camera button on the N86 actually has to be pressed quite hard, which makes its use easier for those not experienced in cameras.

On the N96, only a microSD memory card slot is located at the left side. On the N86, there is a lock switch, and a memory card slot, although the latter is oddly hidden for an unknown reason.

On the top of the N96, there is a power button, a 3.5mm audiovisual jack, and a lock switch; while on the N86 there is a microUSB port, a 3.5mm audiovisual jack, and the power button. It is not known the reason why Nokia changed the placement of the ports and switches.

The bottom of the N86 is left untouched, while on the N96 there is a charging port and a microUSB port. On the N86, charging is conducted via the microUSB port.

The N96's back part is filled with patterns, and a glossy finish. The N86 instead has a clean surface. Both of the phones' cameras are placed in the same position, but the N86 does have a shutter cover, unlike the N96.

The kickstand on both phones are located around the camera. On the N86, the kickstand stands at a larger angle than on the N96, which can be better in certain circumstances.

The 1200mAh battery of the N86 allows a long use time, without the need of a recharge. This should also be improved with the advancement of software, in possible future firmware updates.

We were not able to remove the SIM card from the N86, which communicates the need of fingernails to successfully remove the SIM card.

A simple camera test against our Canon Powershot G10 (with 14.7 megapixels, but compressed to 8 megapixels) was conducted against the N86 8MP, for camera quality check purpose. The software on the N86 is at an early version; hence, the quality of the images may not be perfected.

The camera of the N86 has a maximum resolution of 8 megapixels, autofocus, dual LED flash, geo-tagging, panorama mode, wireless and online sharing capabilities.

Panorama mode sample image (reduced size):

Comparison sample images (at the left Nokia N86 8MP, at the right Canon Powershot G10; reduced size):

Automatic-mode:

Close-up mode:

The smartphone runs on the Symbian OS9.3, with S60 3rd edition Feature Pack 2 software platform.

The software on the unit (v10) was buggy, but not slow. Applications such as Bluetooth and email were not working effectively, but these aspects should be fixed on the production unit.

The camera mode has been altered such that a user can customize the main screen with one's preferred options.

Ovi Maps has replaced Nokia Maps as the default navigation application.

The Nokia N86 8MP, during our short time with the unit, proved itself to be a worthy high-end smartphone which will satisfy multimedia and even business enthusiasts with its flexibility.

Advantages: 8 megapixel camera; dual-slide form factor with extra function keys; HSPA, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi; kickstand; solid keys; vivid AMOLED display.

Disadvantages: Heavy; no touchscreen at this stage of the year; no Xenon flash; memory card slot not visible; SIM card not easy to remove.

his way the Nokia N86 proves that it pays it price, 399£. You can buy the Nokia N86 from ebay, from the Nokia Store or from Amazon.

Rating: 8.9/10

 Print This Article