The Nokia N9 and NEC N900iG represent a fascinating period in smartphone history – a time of experimentation before iOS and Android fully dominated the market. Both devices, released around the same time, attempted to carve out a niche with innovative operating systems and hardware. This comparison revisits these pioneers, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses in light of today's smartphone landscape, despite limited information on the NEC N900iG.
🏆 Quick Verdict
For the average user interested in experiencing a unique, pre-iOS/Android smartphone, the Nokia N9 emerges as the more accessible and well-documented choice. Its OMAP 3630 processor and 39-hour endurance rating provide a tangible experience, while the NEC N900iG remains largely shrouded in mystery due to a lack of available specifications.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | UMTS 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | Yes, 384 kbps | HSPA 14.4/5.76 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / UMTS | GSM / HSPA |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2004, Q4 | 2011, June. Released 2011, September |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 103 x 50 x 28 mm (4.06 x 1.97 x 1.10 in) | 116.5 x 61.2 x 12.1 mm, 76 cc (4.59 x 2.41 x 0.48 in) |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Micro-SIM |
| Weight | 132 g (4.66 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | - | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio | 480 x 854 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~251 ppi density) |
| Size | - | 3.9 inches, 41.9 cm2 (~58.8% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT, 65K colors | AMOLED |
| | Second external 65K colors TFT display (90 x 120 pixels)
Downloadable pictures | Anti-glare polariser |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | - | 1.0 GHz Cortex A8 |
| Chipset | - | TI OMAP 3630 |
| GPU | - | PowerVR SGX530 |
| OS | - | MeeGo 1.2 Harmattan |
| Memory |
|---|
| Call records | 20 dialed, 20 received, 20 missed calls | - |
| Card slot | miniSD | No |
| Internal | - | 16GB 1GB RAM, 64GB 1GB RAM |
| Phonebook | 700 entries, Photo call | - |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | - | Carl Zeiss optics, dual-LED flash |
| Single | 1.3 MP | 8 MP, AF |
| Video | Yes | 720p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA |
| | CIF videocall camera | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | No | Yes |
| 35mm jack | No | Yes |
| Alert types | Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic ringtones | - |
| Loudspeaker | No | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | No | 2.1, A2DP, EDR |
| Infrared port | Yes | - |
| NFC | - | Yes |
| Positioning | No | GPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps |
| Radio | No | FM radio (via third party software) |
| USB | Proprietary | microUSB 2.0 |
| WLAN | No | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, iMode | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML5, RSS feeds |
| Games | Yes + downloadable | - |
| Java | Yes | - |
| Messaging | SMS, MMS, EMail | - |
| Sensors | - | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Bar-code reader
Predictive text input
Organizer | SNS integration
TV-out
Dolby Digital Plus |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 150 h | Up to 380 h (2G) / Up to 450 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 2 h | Up to 11 h (2G) / Up to 7 h (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Ion battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1450 mAh battery (BV-5JW) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Ocean Blue | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Glossy white |
| Price | - | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.18 W/kg (head) 1.18 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | - | 1.16 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality | - |
Noise -90.9dB / Crosstalk -83.6dB |
| Battery life | - | Endurance rating 39h |
| Camera | - |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: Infinite (nominal) / 3.069:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker | - |
Voice 61dB / Noise 58dB / Ring 66dB |
NEC N900iG
- Potentially rare collector's item
- Likely high-quality display (based on NEC's reputation)
- Unique design (speculation based on brand)
- Extremely limited information available
- Likely difficult to find and repair
- Unknown software support
Nokia N9
- Well-documented hardware and software
- Unique Meego OS experience
- Good battery life (39h endurance)
- Outdated processor by modern standards
- Limited app availability
- Camera quality is not exceptional
Display Comparison
The Nokia N9 boasts a display with an infinite (nominal) contrast ratio and a more practical 3.069:1 ratio in sunlight, suggesting a well-optimized panel for outdoor visibility. Without specific display details for the NEC N900iG, it's difficult to compare directly. However, given NEC's history with high-quality displays, it's reasonable to assume the N900iG also aimed for a high contrast ratio. The Nokia N9's display technology was a key selling point, offering vibrant colors and good readability.
Camera Comparison
Both the Nokia N9 and NEC N900iG feature photo and video capabilities, but specific details regarding sensor size, aperture, or image processing are unavailable for the NEC device. The Nokia N9's camera, while not groundbreaking, was adequate for capturing everyday photos and videos. The absence of detailed camera specs for the N900iG hinders any meaningful comparison; it's likely both devices aimed for similar camera performance given their market positioning.
Performance
The Nokia N9 is powered by a 1.0 GHz Cortex A8 processor built on the TI OMAP 3630 chipset. This processor, while dated by today's standards, was a capable performer for its time, handling Meego OS and its fluid interface effectively. The NEC N900iG's processor remains unknown, making a direct performance comparison impossible. However, given the N9's target market, it likely featured a comparable processor to deliver a smooth user experience. The OMAP 3630's strength lay in its integrated graphics, enabling decent multimedia performance.
Battery Life
The Nokia N9 achieves an impressive endurance rating of 39 hours, indicating a well-optimized power management system and a reasonably sized battery. Without battery specifications for the NEC N900iG, it's impossible to assess its battery life. However, a 39-hour endurance rating suggests the Nokia N9 prioritized longevity, a crucial factor for users seeking a reliable daily driver.
Buying Guide
Buy the NEC N900iG if you are a dedicated collector of rare mobile devices and are willing to invest significant time and effort into researching and potentially repairing a device with limited support. Buy the Nokia N9 if you want a functional, historically significant smartphone that offers a unique user experience with the Meego OS and a relatively well-understood hardware platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Is the Meego OS on the Nokia N9 still actively supported?
No, official support for Meego OS ended years ago. However, a dedicated community continues to maintain and develop custom ROMs and applications for the Nokia N9, offering a limited but active software ecosystem.
❓ What makes the Nokia N9's user interface unique compared to Android or iOS?
The Nokia N9 features a gesture-based user interface called 'Swipe,' which allows users to navigate the system without relying on traditional home buttons or on-screen navigation bars. This swipe-based interaction was a distinctive feature of Meego OS and offered a fluid and intuitive user experience.
❓ Given the lack of information, is the NEC N900iG worth pursuing for a collector?
The NEC N900iG is only worth pursuing for dedicated collectors willing to accept significant challenges. Its rarity and lack of documentation mean finding one will be difficult, and obtaining support or repairs will be even harder. It's a project for enthusiasts with deep pockets and a passion for obscure mobile devices.
