Nokia N79 vs Nokia N73: A Clash of Classic Smartphones

The Nokia N79 and N73 were iconic devices in the mid-2000s, representing the peak of Nokia's smartphone dominance. Both offered a compelling blend of features for their time, but significant differences existed. Let's dive into a detailed comparison to see which phone holds up best today.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia N79 boasts a faster CPU, but the N73's established reputation, slightly better camera, and wider software support give it a slight edge. Ultimately, the N73 remains a more well-rounded and desirable classic smartphone.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia N79	Nokia N73

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	UMTS 2100
Speed	HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps	Yes, 384 kbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / UMTS

Launch
Announced	2008, August. Released 2008, October	2006, April. Released 2006, August
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	110 x 49 x 15 mm, 74 cc (4.33 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)	110 x 49 x 19 mm (4.33 x 1.93 x 0.75 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	97 g (3.42 oz)	116 g (4.09 oz)

Display
Resolution	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)	240 x 320 pixels, 4:3 ratio (~167 ppi density)
Size	2.4 inches, 17.8 cm2 (~33.1% screen-to-body ratio)	2.4 inches, 36 x 48 mm, 17.8 cm2 (~33.1% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 16M colors	TFT, 256K colors
	Touch-sensitive Navi wheel	Downloadable themes

Platform
CPU	369 MHz ARM 11	220 MHz Dual ARM 9
OS	Symbian OS 9.3, Series 60 v3.2 UI	Symbian OS 9.1, S60 3rd edition

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included	miniSD
Internal	50MB	42MB 64MB RAM

Main Camera
Features	Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash	Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash
Single	5 MP, AF	3.15 MP, AF
Video	480p@30fps	CIF

Selfie camera
Single	VGA videocall camera	VGA videocall camera

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	No
35mm jack	Yes	No
Alert types	Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones	Vibration; Downloadable polyphonic, MP3 ringtones
Loudspeaker	Yes, with stereo speakers	Yes, with stereo speakers

Comms
Bluetooth	2.0, A2DP	2.0, A2DP (latest firmware)
Infrared port	-	Yes
Positioning	GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps	No
Radio	Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter	Stereo FM radio
USB	microUSB 2.0	Pop-Port 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP & DLNA technology	No

Features
Browser	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML
Sensors	Accelerometer	-
	MP4/WMV/H.264 player MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ player Photo/video editor Organizer Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Voice command/dial Push to Talk TV-out Predictive text input	Push to talk Video download WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player Predictive text input Voice command/dial Organizer Printing Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Photo/video editor

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 372 h (2G) / Up to 305 h (3G)	Up to 350 h (2G) / 370 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 5 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)	Up to 6 h (2G) / 3 h 46 min (3G)
Type	Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-6F)	Removable Li-Ion 1100 mAh battery (BP-6M )

Misc
Colors	Canvas white, Seal grey, Petrol black	Silver Grey/Deep Plum, Frost White/Metallic Red, Black (Music Edition)
Price	About 180 EUR	About 100 EUR
SAR	1.42 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body)	1.22 W/kg (head) 0.69 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.17 W/kg (head)	1.13 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.8dB / Crosstalk -73.5dB	-
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB	-

Nokia N79

Faster CPU
Slightly brighter display
More modern design

Weaker camera
Less software support
Lower resale value

Nokia N73

Excellent camera with Carl Zeiss optics
Better software support
Stronger resale value
Slightly better battery life

Slower processor
Less bright display
Older design

Display Comparison

Both phones feature 2.4-inch QVGA displays. The N79's display is marginally brighter, offering slightly better visibility in sunlight. However, the N73's screen is generally considered to have slightly better color accuracy.

Camera Comparison

The N73 features a 3.2MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics, renowned for its image quality in its era. The N79 has a 2MP camera. While the N79's camera has some improvements, the N73 consistently produces better photos with more detail and accurate colors.

Performance

The N79's 369 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the N73's 220 MHz Dual ARM 9. Apps launch faster, and the overall user experience feels snappier on the N79. However, the N73's software is more optimized for its hardware.

Battery Life

The N73 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient processor and software. Expect around 24 hours of standby time for both, but the N73 might squeeze out a few more hours of talk time.

Buying Guide

The Nokia N79 is for those prioritizing raw processing power and a slightly more modern design. The Nokia N73 is ideal for users seeking a reliable, well-supported device with a strong camera and a legacy of quality.