Nokia N95 8GB review: Multimedia King (See all reviews)

The design of the Nokia N95 8GB hasn't been altered that much compared to its predecessor. The new device is available in a classic black color. Compared to the grey-colored Nokia N95, the 8GB version feels a lot more solid but the lens cover has disappeared now and the phone relies only on a slight recess for camera lens protection from dirt and smudgy fingers.

Thankfully the double slider system remained the same so operating the multimedia functions is carried out separately from operating the phone.

The 8GB version measures 99 x 53 x 21 mm while the volume was slightly increased from 90 to 95 cc due to the wider front of the slider. The weight has also been increased 128 grams. It's not exactly a small device, but it's still easy to fit in your pocket when closed.

Another novelty the manufacturer deserves credit for is the expanded display from 2.6 inch in N95 to 2.8 inch in the update model. On top of that, the display boasts increased sharpness and contrast, compared to that of the original.

The larger display has resulted in decreasing the size of the navigation keys from the D-pad, which are now also less spaced out. Although they are soft to press and give good tactile feedback, it sometimes happens that you press the wrong key.

The video-call camera, the light sensor and the earpiece are to be found at the top of the front. Moving the slider down reveals the multimedia keys. They are more comfortable to use in comparison to the older model, providing good tactile feedback. When the phone is held horizontally the screen automatically rotates to landscape mode.

The numeric keypad hasn't undergone any changes in the Nokia 8GB. The keys are placed in slightly arching rows, with enough space making the top row no problem to access.

If we move on to the top of the phone we’ll find the Power key, rounded by a metal-like frame. On the left side of the device we have one of the stereo speakers, the 3.5mm audio jack and the Infrared port.

On the right side, we can see the other stereo speaker, located right above the volume rocker. Near the bottom we have the dedicated camera keys: a two-stage capture key and the Review key. The charger plug, the microphone and the miniUSB slot are located on the bottom of the phone.

As we have already mentioned, the lens cover has been removed and now the LED flash is located right under the 5MP camera. The Carl Zeiss Optics label is also there. When removed, the battery cover reveals the 1200 mAh , BL-6F Nokia battery.

Nokia promises up to 280 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time. During our test, the battery lasted for about 30 to 40 hours under heavy usage. Under the battery is the SIM card slot, that comes with a nice locking mechanism.

A lot of consumers have complained about the original N95 because of the materials it was built of, creating a feeling of a toy phone. In the 8GB version this is replaced by a rubber back and sides, which feel better to touch and also have an anti-slippery effect.

Thanks to its size, the Nokia N95 8GB feels nice to hold and is easy to handle both with one and two hands at a time. The slider will cause you no trouble, it will move with just a flip of your thumb.