N95 Firmware Update

We’ve been waiting for this a while now but Nokia has finally released the latest N95 firmware upgrade. The last firmware update for N95 was Version 12.0.0.013 that was released in June. The latest Nokia N95 firmware version is 20.0.015 and is available from Nokia Software Update. The firmware update includes demand paging for of ROM applications, new camera software, Search 4.0 integrated on the standby screen, a new Welcome application. Hopefully the presskey bug is also fixed!

The Nokia N95 Review

For out first Nokia smart phone review we thought we’d start with the ever popular, award winning N95 smart phone.

With all the features crammed into the N95, it is quite a long review, but we’ll summarize it by saying that the Nokia N95 is a great looking multimedia smart phone with and class leading capabilities in most features, and above average performance in the rest. Its huge screen and 2D/3D graphics and video acceleration makes it a brilliant video player; its 5-megapixel camera is a class leading camera; it’s music player easily rivals the iPod; then there’s also tons of connectivity and data transmission features, built-in GPS, and a preloaded Web browser and productivity applications to keep you informed and up to date.

The Design
Despite all the features that are crammed into the Nokia N95, it is not hefty phone and measures 99 mm (3.8″) long by 53 mm (2.1″) wide by 21 mm (0.8″) thick while weighing only 120 g (4.2 ounces). Nokia’s innovative two-way slider design is responsible for the N95 relatively compact dimentions. The two-way slider design gives you access to the alphanumeric keypad by sliding the front cover up, and access to the media player controls by sliding the front cover down. Unfortunately the front cover is a bit loose and is prone to rattle about a bit.

The N95’s matt silver front and plum rear is a pleasing color combination, making the N95 a rather attractive phone. In addition, plum rear cover has a soft-touch finish that makes the phone a comfortable to hold and easy to grip. The front of the phone is dominated by a 2.6″ screen with a 320×240 pixel resolution and 16 million-color output, which combine to provide exceptional image and text clarity, with deep, vivid colors and sharp definitions. Unfortunately, it is not a touch screen and has a tendency to retain finger marks and smudges. A built-in ambient light detector automatically adjust the backlighting to ensure that the display remains readable in fading light. The 2.6″ screen automatically switches to Landscape mode when you slide the front cover down to reveal the multimedia controls.