Nokia N79 vs Nokia N78: A Clash of 2007 Smartphones

The Nokia N79 and N78 were both popular smartphones released in 2007, offering a glimpse into the evolving mobile landscape. While sharing many similarities, subtle differences set them apart. This comparison dives deep into their features to help you understand which phone held a slight edge.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia N79 edges out the N78 primarily due to its slightly improved audio capabilities and a more refined design. Both offer a nostalgic experience, but the N79’s enhanced multimedia features give it a minor advantage for users prioritizing music and aesthetics.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia N79	Nokia N78

Network
2G bands	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900	GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G bands	HSDPA 900 / 2100	HSDPA 900 / 2100
Speed	HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps	HSPA 3.6/0.384 Mbps
Technology	GSM / HSPA	GSM / HSPA
	-	HSDPA 850 / 1900 - American version

Launch
Announced	2008, August. Released 2008, October	2008, February. Released 2008, May
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	110 x 49 x 15 mm, 74 cc (4.33 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)	113 x 49 x 15.1 mm, 76.5 cc (4.45 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	97 g (3.42 oz)	101.8 g (3.56 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, 17.8 cm2 (~32.2% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 16M colors	TFT, 16M colors
	Touch-sensitive Navi wheel	Touch-sensitive Navi wheel

Platform
CPU	369 MHz ARM 11	369 MHz ARM 11
OS	Symbian OS 9.3, Series 60 v3.2 UI	Symbian, S60 rel. 3.2

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included	microSD (dedicated slot)
Internal	50MB	76MB 96MB 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	480p@15fps

Selfie camera
Single	VGA videocall camera	CIF videocall camera

Sound
3.5mm jack	Yes	Yes
35mm jack	Yes	Yes
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
Positioning	GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps	GPS, A-GPS; Nokia Maps
Radio	Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter	Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter
USB	microUSB 2.0	microUSB 2.0
WLAN	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP & DLNA technology	Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, UPnP technology

Features
Browser	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite	WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS feeds
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	WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player Push to Talk Voice command/dial Organizer Printing Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Predictive text input Photo/video editor

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 372 h (2G) / Up to 305 h (3G)	Up to 320 h (2G) / 312 h (3G)
Talk time	Up to 5 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 3 h 30 min (3G)	Up to 4 h 20 min (2G) / 3 h 10 min (3G)
Type	Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-6F)	Removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-6F)

Misc
Colors	Canvas white, Seal grey, Petrol black	Brown, Blue, White
Price	About 180 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	1.42 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body)	1.26 W/kg (head) 1.04 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.17 W/kg (head)	1.00 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.8dB / Crosstalk -73.5dB	Noise -76.1dB / Crosstalk -72.37dB
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB	Voice 70dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 75dB

Nokia N79

Slightly better camera quality (6MP vs 5MP)
Improved audio quality and stereo speakers
More refined design and finish
Slightly better battery life

Can be slightly more difficult to find in good condition
Similar performance to N78, not a huge leap

Nokia N78

Robust and durable build quality
More understated design
Generally easier to find in good condition
Reliable and functional smartphone experience

Slightly lower camera quality
Less impressive audio performance
Design may be considered less appealing by some

Display Comparison

Both the Nokia N79 and N78 feature 2.4-inch QVGA displays. While the resolution is identical, the N79's screen is often perceived as slightly brighter and more vibrant, though this is subjective. Viewing angles are typical for the era, and outdoor visibility can be challenging in direct sunlight.

Camera Comparison

The Nokia N79 boasts a 6MP camera with Carl Zeiss optics and dual LED flash, while the N78 features a 5MP camera with dual LED flash. The N79 generally produces slightly better image quality, particularly in well-lit conditions, thanks to the higher resolution and Zeiss lens. Both struggle in low light.

Performance

Both devices are powered by the same 369 MHz ARM 11 processor and share similar RAM configurations. Performance is comparable; expect adequate speed for basic tasks like browsing, messaging, and music playback. Demanding applications or multitasking will reveal the limitations of the hardware.

Battery Life

The Nokia N79 typically offers slightly better battery life than the N78, largely due to minor differences in power consumption. Expect around 8-10 hours of talk time and 240 hours of standby for both devices, though actual usage will vary.

Buying Guide

The Nokia N79 is ideal for those seeking a slightly more premium feel and better audio quality. The Nokia N78 is a great choice for users who appreciate a robust design and a more understated aesthetic, and who prioritize a reliable, functional smartphone experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Are these phones worth buying in 2023?

They offer a nostalgic experience and are interesting for collectors. However, their limited functionality and lack of modern features make them unsuitable for daily use.

❓ What operating system do these phones use?

Both the Nokia N79 and N78 run on the Symbian OS.

❓ Can I use these phones with a modern SIM card?

Likely not without adapters. These phones use older SIM card formats.