David Gilson takes on Nokia's latest touchscreen hybrid smartphone, the C6-00, looking in this first review part at the raw hardware - how does the C6 stack up against the hardware in the 5800 and N97 mini, between which it seems to represent a middle ground? From overall styling and shape to keyboard ergonomics, David leaves no stone unturned... Future review parts will look at the C6's camera, multimedia and general applications and performance.
Read on in the full article.
before all the devs, programmers and other 'portable PC' people get going, please may I ask a few simple questions for those of us who *only* want to use this device for PDA, internet , quick camera , and EVEN want to use it as a mobile phone???? 😮
Many say it is 'just the same as the 5800 /n97 - most specs say it has more memory (the stuff used for storing data while loading an Internet page, I mean, not 'storage'..)
Can you please verify if this actually has more than the n97 or 5800? (both RAM and storage..)
there are also no pics available of how good the camera is in low light (quiet restaurant, etc) - is it still as bad as the 5800??
thanks in advance... please reply!:icon14:
So many mistakes in the specs. Seriously, this is All About Symbian for gods sake. Are you busy using your Androids and iPads (thats you steve)
comnut wrote:before all the devs, programmers and other 'portable PC' people get going, please may I ask a few simple questions for those of us who *only* want to use this device for PDA, internet , quick camera , and EVEN want to use it as a mobile phone???? 😮Many say it is 'just the same as the 5800 /n97 - most specs say it has more memory (the stuff used for storing data while loading an Internet page, I mean, not 'storage'..)
Can you please verify if this actually has more than the n97 or 5800? (both RAM and storage..)there are also no pics available of how good the camera is in low light (quiet restaurant, etc) - is it still as bad as the 5800??
thanks in advance... please reply!:icon14:
Just sit tight 😊 These are the sort of questions that will be covered in the next part of the review!
Unregistered wrote:So many mistakes in the specs. Seriously, this is All About Symbian for gods sake. Are you busy using your Androids and iPads (thats you steve)
You'll actually have to state what you think is in error, and registering wouldn't hurt either 😉
David,
Not about the phone at all but I just thought to add that really I liked your writing. really clear and to the point. Pics are excellent too.
I like the look of the phone too. not to replace my n97, transflective screen is key for me, but I like the keyboard and am obviously a "hybrid" (wierd term) fan.
have fun,
dj
Nope, 128g and 3rd was an error - corrected. C6 is Symbian^1/5th Edition and 150g, sorry about that. All other data is the same as found on Nokia's C6 data sheet.
"Another subjective point is the placement of the space-bar, which is still off-centre" [...] "space bar seems to be drifting towards centre with each iteration."
Here's my suggestion to Nokia keyboard designers - move Sym key next to the right Shift, then move spacebar and surrounding keys one place to the left. Spcebar goes closer to the center, Sym key can be used with all keys, no conflict with "C" key.
Will this be Nokias last variation of the hardware platform introduced with the 5800XM? I really hope so, despite the fact that I like my 5800, it's hard to defend why a 2010-smartphone loses energy while connected via USB.
Another thing is the "embedded" screen, you know, the thing with the dirtcatching beezel...
Is it true that the C6 only has A-GPS?
user47alpha wrote:...Is it true that the C6 only has A-GPS?
Depends if you're asking about hardware or software.
Hardware, yes it's only AGPS, there isn't a compass. I was surprised at this, so double checked. Tried auto-rotation in Ovi Maps, and I installed one of the free compass apps from the Ovi Store. No rotational response.
However, in application settings, the C6 does have the same WiFi positioning option found in other recent models.
user47alpha wrote:W.
Another thing is the "embedded" screen, you know, the thing with the dirtcatching beezel...?
I believe that design is to keep the resistive (easily scratched) screen clear of surfaces when the handset is placed face down, and to provide an edge-stop for stylus users.
To err is human, but is it a right gesture to delete the post which pointed out that error. Didn't expect this from AAS.
user47alpha wrote:Will this be Nokias last variation of the hardware
Is it true that the C6 only has A-GPS?
Not sure if this is what you meant, but A-GPS does NOT mean there is no real GPS. Assisted GPS still has a real GPS chip, but it uses network methods such as cell IDs and wi-fi to get location faster (albeit slightly less accurate).
In other words, A-GPS is better than GPS.
krizanand wrote:To err is human, but is it a right gesture to delete the post which pointed out that error. Didn't expect this from AAS.
Does it really matter?
davidgilson; Thanks!
for others quoting the 'nokia datasheet' - it still only says '200 M internal' - Unlike the spec for 5800, that at least says '81 M storage, 128 M ram' ...
I find the AGPS fine here in UK, as well as the resistive screen.. I would rather not get frostbite, just by using the screen... 😊
and for those moaning about the accuracy/ quality of various things, if you want it done properly get a proper camera or gps unit!!! 😃😃
I understand this being a budget phone and all and I do see the value this phone proposes to millions who don't have the money to go upper scale but still want a powerful smartphone. It does offer great value for the buck. The digital compass is not a feature to cry about, walk navigation works fine without it. People do need to understand this is a smartphone that can do just about as much as any smartphone out there with free navigation for �220.- contract free!!! The navigation alone is worth about �100.- and spares you from getting a separate stand alone unit. And I do think everyone should have a navigation device who drives or travels-which is just about everyone because if you don't drive then you travel and if you dont do either then you really shouldn't get a smartphone lol
However, I still think this phone would have been better off 2cm shorter meaning the whole D-pad is really not needed here at all, the N97 mini doesn't have it so why would this need one? It would have saved Nokia money in materials and people space in the pocket. I'm not sure why they did that but i have a feeling they may have used the left overs from the N97 classic but that had the d-pad on the other side. So Nokia is really dumb sometimes because they really are a confused company, sometimes they do a strange 3 row keyboard with space bar hidden somewhere on the right with d-pad on the left, then they go and release a 4 row keyboard with space bar somewhat in the middle but the d-pad on the right. They're a really really confused company and I think they need to lose an other 10% on top of the 20% they've lost until now in marketshare for them to wake up and feel the heat. Otherwise they're in good shape.
Maybe my understanding of AGPS is wrong. I thought AGPS is just the method of getting your position through triangulating cell towers (or something like that). In my eyes there is no GPS-chip needed to fullfil this task so I thought only AGPS = no GPS-chip.
But if it means AGPS = GPS + A... then I am fine 😉
Yes, Assisted GPS is GPS *plus* Internet-and-cell-tower-derived info on where the satellites are today, so locking on becomes a lot faster.
re: the deleted post... eh? I can still see the post which pointed out the spec error. The only thing I've zapped today was a spammer....
Please correct the article, the charging socket light on my C6 DOES go off when the charging is complete. So it can be a perfect charging indicator without having to unlock the screen just to see the charging status.
comnut wrote:for others quoting the 'nokia datasheet' - it still only says '200 M internal' - Unlike the spec for 5800, that at least says '81 M storage, 128 M ram' ...
Forum Nokia spec has it as 128MB RAM and 512MB storage (C: & Z: drives) with 240MB on C: drive (unless I'm reading it wrong), plus upto 16GB SD cards:
http://www.forum.nokia.com/Devices/Device_specifications/C6-00/
You need to research AGPS more... 😊 correct me if wrong, but....
It is said that a 'satellite only' GPS unit can take quite some time to 'lock on' if the view of the sat is blocked by buildings, trees, etc, so it has to wait for a clear view of it, to get going...
AGPS uses the phone network to get info on sat positions, verified by cell tower positions, and get 'precise time' - it can use this to get a primary fix, until the sat gives a better one..
I thought the C6 was a quad band 3G phone.
This is fun. Let's do a Nokia reviews vs Android reviews comparison in terms of what is the most important consideration in reviews of both. Though this is intended as a jab at Nokia, there are some surprises there!
1) OS. Nokia: Do the widgets at last work properly on the two year old OS which will never be upgradeable to something better?
Android: When is it getting Android 2.2 and 3.0 (timeline being months not years)
2) Form factor.
Nokia: Oh, space bar, where art thou this time.
Android: Is the default prediction on on-screen keyboard OK or could it use any of the 20 other keyboards available?
3) Memory
Nokia: Can the RAM handle more than 5 apps open?
Android: RAM being always more than 350 MB, ceases to be an issue.
Nokia: What is the internal memory? Can it handle web cache of two browsing sessions?
Android: Oh, it is not sufficient to install more than 50 apps! (though fixed now through ability to install apps to card)
4) Processor:
Nokia: 434 MHz! So much lovelier than mere 400 MHz!
ANdroid: Who even cares? The phone is fast anyway.
5) Interface
Nokia: Three home screens! (oh no, that's Symbian^3). Widgets that work!
Android: More home screens than anyone really needs. Also, widgets that are FUNCTIONAL, INTERACTIVE and JUST WORK with or without constant data connection.
6) Menu structure
Nokia: Oh no, they changed the folders again
Android: All of my apps are on homescreen. What's it like to be in a menu?
7) Usability
Nokia: All menus have kinetic scrolling except contacts. Hope they fix it in a future update
Android: Just put the finger there and flick - is there any other way to scroll?
Nokia: Ovi store is good but only has 5 apps for this model and those too are available between 3 am and 5 am only. Too bad Nokia did not enable more for this particular version of a two year old OS.
Android: Now, would you like an app for that or a custom ROM for that?
Search:
Nokia: Search has improved - now only takes ten seconds. Voice dialing is faster though
Android: Sorry - connect to google first for anything search related. Offline is no go.
Messaging:
Nokia: Look, we have a conversation view!!!! No, not on THIS set, that'll be Symbian ^3, yours for only 500 quid.
Android:
Is there any other way to display messages?
8) Battery life
Nokia: Too bad, doesn't last more than 2 days
Android: Too good, lasts for 6 whole hours!
9) Price
Nokia: Excellent phone for the mass market
Android: Mass market? What's that?
hdx wrote:Please correct the article, the charging socket light on my C6 DOES go off when the charging is complete. So it can be a perfect charging indicator without having to unlock the screen just to see the charging status.
Thanks for the feedback on this. I can only report on how the review unit I have behaves. The charging light on this one has never gone off, even when I've left it connected over extended periods.
looks like a great little phone to me im serioulsy considering 1 for my next upgrade, great review looking forward to reading more 😊
talhamid: Please be careful with long posts, as most will just briefly look, and wrongly think you are just another android ranter.... 😊
on a closer look, you seem to have your tongue firmly in cheek! 😃
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tongue_in_cheek
here is my 'take' ..:P
1) OS. Nokia: widgets? whatever these are, I leave those to the teenagers... my 5800 works fine thank you, and the old age of it means that most bugs have been ironed out!!!
2) Form factor (????) - exactly *HOW* many Mobiles do you have, to forget where the spacebar is?????? no I like one standard kbd thanks..
3) Memory for apps?? I have opera mobile with the BBC website, Notes to copy a URL for this,
musicplayer playing a track, while I am using smartmovie to check a clip, and also using 'xplore' to easily see my pictures, at the same time as using gallery, and also checking my appointments in calendar...
that makes 7 apps all open.... and newer nokias will do better...
4) Processor: numbers game huh?? the newer ones will all go faster, but a GPU will be better.. do you want speed, or battery life???
5) Interface: Only thing needed is a *standard* - let the kids of *all* ages get many fancy screens, its only vanity... a proper phone has (6) & (7) already part of it..
6) Menu structure: you mean that PC thing??? not needed to know about, unless you want a PC...
7) Usability ??? oh you just want kinetic scrolling to make it look fancy....
Ovi store, or ANY company only thing is always crap... do a web search there are plenty of independents, making good software... www.lonelycatgames.com and opera being two major ones...
@ comnut: But I AM an android ranter! I switched two months back and have never looked back! 😊. I am in no position to forgive Nokia for N97 (biggest and most expensive tech disaster in my life) and N900 (excellent set, stunningly poor support, no landscape fix, no phone). That said, in my post Nokia came out on top in two very important category: battery life and mass market appeal.
ANother long post I guess - I will reply briefly to your points. (1) PROPERLY WORKING widgets on my Android have reduced my trips to menu to approx. 0. And at 32 I am no teenager 😊. (2) Thats what Nokia forgets - to make ONE STANDARD keyboard configuration on all its sets. You'd think they started making mobiles yesterday. (3) My N97 curled and died if I opened more than two web pages on it, so did my N900. End of story. Don't care how years old sets multitasked just fine -- it is the last failure that counts. I'd love to know what set you are using though. (4) Speed, thanks very much. Yes I know Android battery life sucks, but I'd rather not have the messaging app take 5 seconds to load and then crash because a web page was open in the background. (5) Symbian (the 'OPEN' OS LOL) can't BEGIN to imagine the level of customization and flexibility offered by Android. Just as an example, I added the ability to trigger profiles and wireless networks at specific times, plus making emails and SMS pop up, unlock my phone, offer a keyboard and reply (all without going into the apps themselves), all via free apps. I know Symbian has all that (big deal, it is five times older) but is it so cheap and easy to use? No. (5) Trust me, with WORKING widgets (as opposed to Nokia's widgets), 7 screens actually help you through daily life. (6) Menu structure is important - thats why Nokia seems to invent a new one with every set! Its good that Android (and Iphone) don't have any. (7) The sad thing is, and I say it sincerely, the BEST paid apps for Symbian cannot match the quality of the BEST FREE apps doing the same thing on Android.
That said, I still have high hopes - AAS remains one of my favorite sites. I don't have much hope in Symbian but I think Meego+Nokia has what it takes.
for all android freeks out there...let us compare a cool new n8 with installed spb shell on it than we will see who wins the match! + when the next cool qt programms are ready everything will be more better than ever!