GSMArena and All About Symbian valued the clear large screen, expanded storage, stereo speakers and practical video stand. Both criticised limited everyday battery endurance, crowded front controls and the awkward two-stage shutter button. GSMArena disliked the casing and overall ergonomics more strongly. Their multimedia findings differed: GSMArena liked VGA video, while All About Symbian found hazy footage and video-playback crashes on its early firmware. All About Symbian liked headphone sound and long music playback, whereas GSMArena’s measurements found remaining distortion. All About Symbian found normal operation responsive after background startup; firmware and test-unit conditions matter. DVB-H and UK iPlayer comments describe the original regional services.
2.8-inch QVGA screen; GSMArena identifies TFT LCD with 16 million colours. No maker refresh-rate figure established.
Performance
Chip
Dual ARM9 264 MHz (GSMArena)
Memory
128 MB
Storage
16 GB
Memory
16 GB mass storage is separate from phone/system memory. GSMArena publishes 128 MB RAM, used in configs; All About Symbian reports about 46 MB free after boot, not installed capacity. Its tested phone/system C drive has 85 MB free; neither free-space figure replaces advertised mass storage.
Storage type
Built-in mass storage and microSD slot. Maker launch describes an optional 8 GB microSDHC MU-43 card giving 24 GB total; no hypothetical card maximum treated as a maker specification.
Cameras
Main camera
5 MP
Ultra wide camera
None
Telephoto camera
None
Optical zoom
None
Main camera
5 MP autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual LED flash/video light. GSMArena reports 2592 × 1944 stills and 5.2 mm marked focal length. No physical lens cover.
Front camera
Secondary front camera for video calls; GSMArena identifies VGA, without an inferred megapixel figure.
Video recording
VGA video at up to 30 fps in GSMArena’s production review; maker announcement confirms 30 fps without treating “DVD-like” marketing as a resolution.
Camera features
Location tagging, scene modes, white balance, exposure compensation, ISO selection, sharpness, contrast and colour effects; exact guide distinguishes temporary setup from persistent main settings.
Battery and charging
Battery
950 mAh
Wireless charging
None
Battery life detail
Removable BL-5F confirmed by RM-247 guide; 950 mAh is reported independently by GSMArena and All About Symbian. No unpublished launch talk/standby figures copied from N95. Contemporary test endurance remains attributed in reviews.
Wired charging
Separate charger connector and micro-USB data socket. GSMArena confirms no USB charging; RM-247 guide specifies compatible AC-5 mains charger.
Design
Type
Standard
Weight
125 g
Thickness
18 mm
Height × width
103 × 55 mm
Weight detail
GSMArena quotes 125 g and 103 × 55 × 18 mm; those structured required figures use its exact-model production review because original maker datasheet mirror is blocked. All About Symbian describes 17 mm thickness; source difference retained.
Buttons
Dual slider reveals numeric keypad or media/game controls. Front media keys, scroll control, menu/multimedia shortcuts, camera/volume controls and top keylock switch. All About Symbian confirms prototype Navi wheel was disabled in production; generic FP2 review paragraphs suggesting it remains active are excluded.
Speakers
Built-in stereo loudspeakers and rear folding stand for hands-free video viewing. DVB-H receiver requires compatible local services; original guide specifies SIM and subscription/coverage conditions.
Software
Operating system
Symbian
Software features
S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 2 on Symbian OS 9.3, as identified in full reviews. Original music/video/Photos software, FM radio with RDS, Internet Radio, N-Gage, document viewers and web browser. Historical regional BBC iPlayer widget and online-service support are described as launch-era features.
Release detail
Original maker announcement dated 11 February 2008 planned Q3 shipping. Issuer’s 3 September notice announces availability and says first shipments have started; September retained without treating notice date as exact worldwide first retail. Regional retail timing differs. Maker says N96 builds on N95’s success, without an explicit direct replacement link.
Connectivity
Mobile network
GSMArena exact model table lists GSM 850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA 900/2100 with HSDPA. Separate N96-3 regional 850/1900 WCDMA bands are not combined into the European record.
Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.11b/g with UPnP home-network sharing; exact RM-247 guide documents infrastructure/ad hoc modes and media sharing.
Hi-Speed USB 2.0 data via micro-USB. Nokia AV 3.5 mm connector serves compatible wired headphones and CA-75U TV-out cable; separate mains charging connector.
Positioning
Integrated GPS and assisted GPS with historical Nokia Maps navigation. Launch navigation subscriptions and retired online services are not promised as current services.
Storage options
Storage
16 GB
Pros and cons
Pros
+16 GB storage plus microSD expansion
+VGA video recording and TV output
+Stereo speakers, media keys and folding video stand
Cons
−No USB charging
−Uncovered camera lens
−DVB-H television depends on compatible regional broadcasts
