Here is a quick appraisal of N97 and N96 mobile phones so you can choose which one would be suitable for your communication needs.

Understanding the Big Differences between N96 and N97

N96 and N97 have many similar or almost similar features. To appreciate what you can get from these two mobile devices, it is best to take a look at their key differences.

First, Nokia N97 is a touchscreen smart phone while N96 is generally categorized as a camera phone. Because of this, the N97 series has a larger 3.5 inch touchscreen with 640 x 360 pixels display resolution. On the other hand, Nokia N96 has a 2.5 inch screen with 240 x 320 display resolution.

Second, the N97 model features a slide-out QUERTY keypad that you can use at a different angle. The N97 screen adjusts into horizontal mode whenever you use the keypad. This feature is absent with the N96 model as its keypad only slides out in line with the phone's angle.

Because of their build and different technology enhancements, the N97 is heavier and longer than N96. N97 also has enormous battery power at 1500 mAh battery whereas the N96 only has 950 mAh.

Network Support and Performance Comparison

Both mobile phones are supported on Quad band GSM networks. N97 however can work pretty fine on WCDMA network. These mobile devices are fully supported on HSDPA, 3G, GPRS, and EDGE networks.

Nokia N96 and N97 use the Symbian operating system and are fully capable of supporting Java and WAP technologies. These mobile phones also have their own built-in web browsers. They can also support Bluetooth devices, infrared, and WiFi connectivity.

N97 however has a big edge in terms of memory and storage capability. It has a fantastic 32 GB internal memory compared to the 16 GB capacity of N96. Both however have expandable memory by using a Micro SD memory card of up to 16 GB.

Multimedia and Camera Functionalities

The built-in digital cameras of these smartphones are very similar. Both mobile devices have 5 megapixel cameras with autofocus and smart LED flash functions. Because of the similarities in camera build and technology used on these phones, you will not notice any significant difference on image quality.

Nokia N97 however has DVD quality video recording and playback functions and can record videos at 30 frames per second. Both N96 and N97 have night mode settings which make them ideal for shooting videos and still images in dark environments.

The N97 series is Nokia's prime product in the touchscreen mobile phone market and can match the productivity of other touchscreen smart phones. Its N96 series however can hold its own in the camera phone niche. These smart phones may have similar functionalities and utilities but both have several unique features which you will find useful for your needs.