• Introduction
• Design
• Software
• Multimedia
• Connectivity
• GPS
• Camera
• Conclusion

Nokia made possible for a consumer to have the best multimedia phone in the market at a very low price when comparing to others, thanks to its focus on quantity and not quality.

We are not saying that the N78 is low-tech piece of equipment, but it was a smart move not implementing the best range of components, such as a 5 megapixel sensor instead of the existing 3.2 megapixel sensor. The N78 has a combination of software and hardware that will ensure that you don’t miss a thing.

We found the design quite attractive, besides the problem that all glossy surface have, the attraction of fingerprints. The biggest problem in hardware terms was the ear speaker that is extremely soft in volume. The battery has quite a lot of power, and a 2GB memory card is included in the package.

The Operating System ran flawlessly, which means that you will be able to experience all the hardware implemented on the N78 at its best. FOTA also means that the phone will be constantly updated with the latest features. The S60 3rd edition software platform hides a fully fledged smartphone under an attractive user interface that makes the consumer feel comfortable.

We were very happy with the multimedia functionality as well: the FM transmitter, Photo gallery, music player, video player, Internet and Virtual Radio, and the Podcasting application. The navi-wheel is an additional bonus.

It was the S60 web browser that provided the real user power to the HSDPA, EDGE, WLAN transmitters on the device, it does run YouTube videos, but unfortunately, multi-tabbed browsing isn’t available yet.

The Maps application and geo-tagging feature provided use to the GPS receiver. For fast locks you can use A-GPS, but the problem is that it will take about a minute to achieve lock without internet connection.

The camera produced great night images, but even though there are numerous options and features to personalize your shot, it won’t be enough for any photography enthusiast.

Advantages: Good build; FM Transmitter; WiFi; Bluetooth; HSDPA; built-in GPS; 3.2 megapixel camera with AF and LED flash; Geo-tagging; 12 months navigation; Symbian OS9.2 and S60 v3.2 software platform; FOTA; 2GB included memory card; great price.

Disadvantages: Attracts dust and fingerprints; ear speaker is very soft in volume; no multi-tab browsing; GPS needs internet connection for fast lock.

Rating: 9.2/10

We will include the Web, Multimedia and Camera applications on separate sections of the review. This section has everything else that falls under software, and more than 350 screenshots.

The Nokia N78 runs on the Symbian OS9.3 operating system with S60 v3.2 Feature Pack 2 software platform (not just an User Interface).

What I really wanted to see in this Feature Pack were the transitions that were shown to us at the South African launch. I couldn’t find the setting to turn them on. Were they scrapped off? After a Google search, I found out that they are called “Theme effects”. I could have used the user manual as well… The transitions do slow the interface, but they should be on by default as it is valuable eye-candy that can attract more consumers. Transitions don’t work well with 3rd party themes.

Read more »

As you would guess, the box is the same old NSeries box with the same simple layout and just the images and logos replaced. There are logos to let you know that there is a 1-year free navigation GPS licence, a 2GB microSD memory card, and Carl Zeiss optics camera lens.

The N78 retail package includes:

• Nokia N78 (including Nokia 2GB microSD Card MU-37)
• Nokia Battery BL-6F
• Nokia Travel Charger AC-5
• Nokia Music Headset HS-45/AD-54
• Nokia Connectivity Cable CA-101
• User guide
• Quick Start guide
• DVD

Read more »