14 April 2013

My Nokia Blog

My Nokia Blog


41MP*2w = x, Solve and Simplify where w = weeks and x = Excitement!

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 07:13 PM PDT

Correct Answer

Hello MNB Readers!

As some of you may know, I finally purchased a Nokia 808 PureView a few weeks ago and I said I would post a few articles about my experience with it and other Symbian related topics. Here is a rundown of my experience with the 808 over the last 2 weeks.

First and foremost, everyone, everyone, (did I mention everyone) has been impressed with the results from the 41MP Sensor, no really EVERYONE! Family, friends, coworkers, random people I’ve met, AT&T employees, store manager, people online, have all been blown away by the results!!! Their initial shocked response is a hearty  “NO WAY!!!!!” when they see 41MP Carl Zeiss on the camera hump! When I show them the pictures, either by starting out fully zoomed in to a 38MP photo and saying things like “Look at the accurate colors, you can zoom, see the letters, make out details, blah blah blah” and they are not overly impressed…

Cropped

I then say this line “Looks pretty good for a phone (downplaying the quality), until you realize….that the picture was taken from…(zooms all the way OUT to show the scene below)”

 

Here

People have literally been fumbling over themselves in disbelief, grabbing coworkers to come and see the amazing detail. Jaws…..dropped. I came back to the AT&T store for an issue with my wifes data plan and some employee I never met said “you must be that guy with that crazy camera phone, my boss wast JUST talking to me about you, err your phone!!!”  I also demonstrate the lack of noise and the purity of colors and people are won over. Once again…Jaws..of…EVERYONE…dropped…for….days. Of special note is that people respect the Carl Zeiss branding, and that name alone validates the 41MP camera and the sentence “Oh, it’s a Carl Zeiss too!!!” is the second thing heard after “My goodness….41Megapixels!!!!!!” Xenon flash freezing the moments? Look. Click. Captured. Done.

2013-04-05-0345

Moving on to the rest of the 808:

Rich Recording = Unreal. I am not exaggerating.

I used the 808 to record audio at a several high-profile events and seminars and the sound had a range and clarity like no other mobile device that I have ever seen or heard. It is line in, studio, external mic quality. I would buy an 808 just for the audio if that was my primary usage in a smart phone. I could write a thousands words about the tech and the usefulness but I’ll refrain….for now.

Screen Quality = Most vibrant and highest contrast screen that I have ever had the pleasure of looking at.

Not by resolution nor by pixels per inch (nor the power of Grayskull!!!) but seriously by the deepest blacks known to man. This may all sound like fanboyism and ranting and raving but if I look straight at the 808, I cannot tell where the screen ends, unless there is an external light shining into the screen that shows the physical end of the screen! It is very impressive, even at nHD resolution, the screen is full of quality and is makes a perfect viewfinder.

From GSMArena’s Nokia 808 PureView Review:

We conducted our usual sunlight legibility test on the Nokia 808 PureView and it ended up our new champion. The contrast ratio of the ClearBlack AMOLED mounted on the smartphone in strong light is way better than anything we’ve seen so far

Contrast

Phone Stability and Reliability = WORST DEVICE EVER!!! Y2k bug? Worse.. HSPA+ bug!!!

Notice I said “device” and not smart phone. I have never owned any electronic device this unstable. Just as honest as I am about the camera, I am honest about this. No dramatization,  my 808 restarts itself no less than 5 times a day, almost 7 days a week. Granted, it has only happened while using the phone about 3 times a WEEK but when I unlock the phone and see each home screen reloading, I know the phone has restarted itself. The phone has restarted when listening to music, browsing the web, looking at pictures in the gallery or just plain sitting on my desk. I have had to pull the battery about 3 times total over 2 weeks from the phone becoming frozen like a dummy display unit. A special thing that I must say, this is NOT the fault of Symbian so before anyone comes in and cries “Symbian Sucks!!!” it is a known HARDWARE issue.

I honestly, sincerely, almost teary eyed, do not understand how Nokia let these units be sold. It is actually sad, no, really, really sad. It is as if there wasn’t any quality testing on the devices themselves. I’m sorry Nokia but the state of a lot of the 808s out there is heartbreaking and not like the Nokia that we have all come to know and love and admire for industry leading build quality and reliability. If the 808 was a huge success, I believe Nokia would have to issue a recall or face a class action lawsuit. If it wasn’t for the A+++++++++++++++++++++ camera and Rich Recording, owning the 808 would not be recommended to anyone. Harsh, yes, true, definitely for THIS 808 and many others.

Special note, there are 808s that do not suffer the effects of the HSPA bug to the same extremity or at all and I hope that you all do not experience the baffling, sometimes frustrating, game changing instability with your 808. Your usage experience may vary.

Symbian = The best that it has ever been and more than it was ever imagined to be in the area of User Interface.

I am thoroughly impressed at how Symbian turned out in this latest FP2 iteration. Coming from a lineage of non Symbian Nokia S40 phones to S60 3rd (at the time in my newness, S60 just seemed like S40 PRO to me lol) up to Belle FP2, the UI has changed dramatically, which we all know and have many examples, videos and reviews. What a review cannot tell is how Symbian Belle FP2 will work for YOU on a day-to-day basis.

Scr000011 Scr000013

Well, I am completely satisfied with the “needs” aspect of Symbian and everything I need to do can be done and done easily. Email, Messaging, light Web Browsing, Music, Games, Video and Photography are all available and ready to be used as needed. As we all know, the Nokia Web Browser is stuck somewhere in the space/time continuum of slowness but Opera comes to the rescue. Personally, I don’t use Opera on my 808 (GASP!!) I actually don’t browse the web enough on my 808 since I have my iPad 4 with me almost every time I NEED to browse the web or I am at my desktop or laptop. I have always loved the amazing ability to play audio in the background while doing almost everything, especially while using GPS Navigation. It is a special experience that I have only had on Symbian when the Voice Guidance perfectly and instantly turns down the music JUST ENOUGH for her/him to give directions (while you can faintly hear your music) and then to have the music volume return to its original level once voice guidance has been given. Amazing and well thought out and coded. I only installed the 2 games pictured in the image to the right. Fruit Ninja is a must have. My current high score in Arcade mode is 630 points.

Scr000012

 Accessories = Hard to find locally but many choices online.

I cannot, I repeat, CANNOT find a belt holster/case ANYWHERE in person. All local electronic shops, BestBuy, Normal Gadgets,  mom and pop electronics stores, have cellphone holsters for the “normal” hump-less phones. The cases are too thin for the curves of the 808. Can anyone recommend a holster that clips on your belt, preferably a non magnetic one, maybe the lid clamps shut or has a button or Velcro to secure the phone. I had a magnetic case in the past and the magnets shifted and my N900 took a nasty tumble.

I purchased a few items to go with my 808:

64GB MicroSD

Small Tripod

Large Tripod

Nokia Hard Cover

10FT Micro HDMI Cable

3 Pack of Screen Protectors

Concerning Screen Protectors: Do you all use a screen protector on your 808? I did not use one in the 3 years of owning my N8 but I somehow feel like the 808′s screen is more delicate and fragile. Maybe it’s the overall tank build of the N8 that had me over confident but I am afraid to use the 808 without a screen protector. If you don’t use one, how is the screen holding up? Any damage or fine scratches? I would like to enjoy the curved screen but I am walking on the safe side with this one.

Finally, my second 808 has arrived, a Nokia 808 PureView with U.S. Warranty (White) and some of the extras that I ordered have arrived as well such as the 64GB Class 10 Ultra MicroSD. here is a picture of two relatives sitting around, probably having a conversation that started by the elder (N8) saying “Back in my day…”

2013-04-13-0012

Any suggestions, comments? What has your honest experience been like with your 808, not necessarily Symbian but with your actual device? Does it suffer from the data connectivity bug? Any other hardware issues? My 808 also has a sporadic GPS connectivity issue where it loses its mind under an open sky at times and thus causes me to lose my patience and sense of direction whereas that has not happened with my N8 in the 3 calendar years of owning it. Any other issues that you have experienced ONLY with the 808?

I do have to say, this isn’t a bash Nokia, bash the 808 article from me but rather a simple honest post about the worlds most amazing mobile audio and visual experience and a series of unfortunate events. The 808 is a keeper, hardware bugs and all because after experiencing the camera and audio power and expertise, I cannot go back to a lesser mobile device. The N8 isn’t good enough and nothing else that is currently released is equal nor close. The 808 is a timeless gem for all content creators, whether professional or not and I wouldn’t miss out on experiencing it if it was at all possible to own one.

As always, thank you all for continuing to choose MyNokiaBlog.

Have a great day,

Deaconclgi

 

Weekend Watch: Nokia Lumia Family, 520, 620, 720, 820 and 920

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 04:27 AM PDT

Screen Shot 2013-04-13 at 12.24.22Awww, isn’t it nice to see them all together? Rafe Blandford of AAWP shares us an overview of these main Nokia Lumia WP8 handsets (variants not included).

 

RafeAAS

 

Weekend Watch: Collection of Side by Side comparisons of Nokia’s more affordable Lumias. (520, 620, 720)

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 02:25 AM PDT

700-nokia-lumia-720-color-range

 

With Nokia’s cheapest Lumia for WP8, the Nokia Lumia 520, launching around the globe, some of you may be interested in knowing how it physically compares with the Lumia 620, the former budget Lumia, as well as the mid-range Lumia 720, which some are saying is one of the best in its category.

Yash from over at Unleash The Phones recorded these a while back, but seeing as they are going on sale globally, seemed like a great time to view them :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GATWBCWp4ig

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qoq5v2xD7bA

http://youtube.com/watch?v=xq69xRE2-ZI

 

Forbes says Nokia’s Windows Phone Bet now looks like a Good One so far

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 01:10 AM PDT

Screen Shot 2013-04-13 at 08.51.16It took a bit of time for things to start clicking into place but as Nokia’s Lumia portfolio matures, and WP blossoms and their other services improves, sales are picking up and confidence in the Nokia strategy grows.

Finally, great Nokia products that I feel proud of once again to recommend to others are out there (well, most places albeit those still facing availability issues) to delight consumers.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/greatspeculations/2013/04/12/nokias-bet-on-windows-phone-looks-like-a-good-one-so-far/

The Trefis team posting on Forbes looks back at some data our posts (and readers) discussed previously, showing just how well the Nokia was doing at least in the WP ‘pond’. Forbes says they understand the Windows Phone strategy as being the best chance for Nokia (and imo vice versa, Nokia as WP’s rescuer) and doesn’t think Nokia would have fared any better over at the Android camp (though we may have exhausted this line of talk here at MNB :P ). In WP, Nokia gets MS’ backing and promotion. Promotion of Nokia Lumia promotes Windows Phone and Metro UI for Windows 8. It’s in MS’s best interest to see Nokia succeed (and thankfully they’re slowly seeing the error of their ways in briefly galavanting with HTCopypasta – though I do give HTC props on putting more effort into WP than Sammy). There’s a massive world of whatifs. Would Nokia come out better? What happens should Google shift to taking over Android with Moto (hence Sammy looking to have an exit strategy to reduce Google dependence). What if bigG started seriously helping Nokia (would they have?), Nexus Nokias – imagine the exposure that way – and Nokia remaining relevant due to having ‘tEh apps’.

Cheers Janne for the tip!

 

GSM Arena’s Nokia Lumia 720 Review: Perfect Balance – makes mid-range Android green with envy

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 12:49 AM PDT

Screen Shot 2013-04-13 at 08.37.14Here’s GSM Arena’s Review of the Nokia Lumia 720, which GSM Arena says ticks more than enough boxes for its price tag.

http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_lumia_720-review-919.php

  • Feels reassuringly solid in hand
  • Pleasingly slim waistline.
  • Looks slimmer than it actually is
  • Curved screen much appreciated in side swipes frequently used in WP UI
  • Most attractive offering in its class.
  • Might even make some 920 owners jealous
  • WP8 UI designed in a way that lower pixel density isn’t obvious (except web surfing)
  • Clear black excellently bright.
  • Splendid viewing angles, even at extremes, everything on screen remains perfectly legible at all times.
  • Sunlight readability, 720 at the top of the chart (hey 808 is top!)
  • Impressive battery life, exceeding talk time rating and 2.5 DAYS of battery.

Read the rest over at gsmarena.com

Conclusion

  • Midrange in Nokia’s lineup but features that elevate it above the midrange experience.
  • 720 strikes the perfect balance – affordable price for features that makes mid-range Android phones green with envy.

Cheers again Alvester for the tip!

 

GSM Arena: Nokia Lumia 720 battery life for talk time and web browsing rivals that of high-end androids

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 12:36 AM PDT

gsmarena_002Focusing on the battery life, GSM Arena has conducted a test on the endurance of the Nokia Lumia 720 and finds that talk time and web browsing rivals that of high end Androids. Despite being in the 7xx range, it bests the 8xx series in terms of battery capacity and it shows. I can’t find their results for the 810 but I’m not sure if I’m reading this right but they mention video playback on the 810 might be higher??

http://blog.gsmarena.com/nokia-lumia-720-battery-testing-is-complete-here-are-the-results/

It’s not always all about capacity and bigger batteries, it’s about matching the battery to the consumption of the phone. Imagine what a beast the 620 would be on 2000mAh! The 620 only has 1300mAh and in GSM Arena’s test they called it ‘class leading call times’. As well as hardware optimisation, software tweaks are also something that need to be addressed to yet further improve on battery life for WP as that used to be something folks promoted against battery hog droids.

The 720 apparently exceeds its advertised talk time, and with a 60 day endurance rating, will only need to be charged every two and a half days.

Cheers Alvester for the tip!

 

“Nokia Lumia 720 wipes the floor with Xperia Z and the Note 2 in low-light photography” (720 Vs 920 too)

Posted: 13 Apr 2013 12:17 AM PDT

720 920 XPERIA Z NOTE 2

 

 

Basil from Recombu emailed us about his recent test showing just how well the Nokia Lumia 720 (7xx range!) does against the likes of the Sony Xperia Z and Note 2 in low light. Now the 920 is the benchmark for super low light pictures, due to its PureView OIS, but the 720 with a massive f/1.9 aperture also delivers class beating low light pictures, even though the other three cost so much more. Basil actually finds the 920 lightening up the scene too much with the 720 beating the 920 in terms of getting that ambience. Basil also noted a previous comparison by Ali below:

http://mynokiablog.com/2013/02/27/lumia-720-vs-htc-one-low-light-shootout-mustsee/

Whilst you’re checking that out, you might also want to see Ali’s other post:

http://mynokiablog.com/2013/04/05/lumia-720-vs-920-low-light-comparison-insane-results-from-the-720/

Or how the 720 performs in daylight.

http://mynokiablog.com/2013/04/03/nokia-lumia-720-sample-images-from-main-and-front-camera-wide-angle/

Source: Recombu

Cheers Basil for the tip!

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