Nokia N79 vs Nokia N82: A Throwback Tech Showdown

The Nokia N79 and N82 represent a fascinating era of feature phones, blending multimedia capabilities with Nokia's signature design. Both were popular choices, but which one truly delivered a better experience? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to settle the debate.

Phones Images

🏆 Quick Verdict

The Nokia N82 edges out the N79 thanks to its dual-core processor, slightly better camera, and more robust build quality. While the N79 offered a vibrant design, the N82's performance and features make it the more compelling choice for enthusiasts.

PHONES
Phone Names	Nokia N79	Nokia N82

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

Launch
Announced	2008, August. Released 2008, October	2007, November. Released 2007, November
Status	Discontinued	Discontinued

Body
Dimensions	110 x 49 x 15 mm, 74 cc (4.33 x 1.93 x 0.59 in)	112 x 50.2 x 17.3 mm, 90 cc (4.41 x 1.98 x 0.68 in)
SIM	Mini-SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	97 g (3.42 oz)	114 g (4.02 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 (~31.7% screen-to-body ratio)
Type	TFT, 16M colors	TFT, 16M colors
	Touch-sensitive Navi wheel	-

Platform
CPU	369 MHz ARM 11	332 MHz Dual ARM 11
GPU	-	3D Graphics HW Accelerator
OS	Symbian OS 9.3, Series 60 v3.2 UI	Symbian OS 9.2, S60 rel. 3.1

Memory
Card slot	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 4 GB included	microSDHC (dedicated slot), 2 GB included
Internal	50MB	100MB 128MB RAM

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

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, monophonic, 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
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
Sensors	Accelerometer	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	MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player MP4/H.264/RV/AVC player Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Organizer Voice dial/memo TV-out Push to talk Predictive text input

Battery
Stand-by	Up to 372 h (2G) / Up to 305 h (3G)	Up to 225 h (2G) / 216 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 1050 mAh battery (BP-6MT)

Misc
Colors	Canvas white, Seal grey, Petrol black	Silver, Black
Price	About 180 EUR	About 170 EUR
SAR	1.42 W/kg (head) 1.10 W/kg (body)	1.16 W/kg (head) 1.20 W/kg (body)
SAR EU	1.17 W/kg (head)	1.07 W/kg (head)

Tests
Audio quality	Noise -91.8dB / Crosstalk -73.5dB	Noise -81.6dB / Crosstalk -69.3dB
Loudspeaker	Voice 66dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 71dB	Voice 70dB / Noise 61dB / Ring 65dB

Nokia N79

Stylish design
Decent music playback
Affordable

Slower performance
Lower quality camera
Can feel plasticky

Nokia N82

Dual-core processor for better performance
Superior camera with Carl Zeiss lens
More robust build quality
Slightly better battery life

Design less striking than N79
Still a feature phone with limited functionality
Can be harder to find in good condition

Display Comparison

Both phones feature 2.4-inch QVGA displays. The N82's screen is generally considered to have slightly better color reproduction and viewing angles, though the difference is subtle. Both are adequate for their time but lack the resolution of modern smartphones.

Camera Comparison

The N82 boasts a 5-megapixel Carl Zeiss lens with autofocus and dual LED flash, while the N79 has a 2-megapixel camera. The N82 consistently produces sharper, more detailed images with better color accuracy. Video recording capabilities are also superior on the N82.

Performance

Here's where the N82 shines. Its dual-core 332 MHz ARM 11 processor provides a noticeable performance boost over the N79's single-core 369 MHz ARM 11. Apps load faster, and the overall user experience feels smoother on the N82. The N79 can feel sluggish at times.

Battery Life

The N82 generally offers slightly better battery life due to its more efficient dual-core processor and optimized software. Both phones utilize a BL-5B battery, but the N82's power management is more effective.

Buying Guide

The Nokia N79 is ideal for those seeking a stylish and affordable feature phone with a decent camera and music playback capabilities. The Nokia N82 is better suited for users who prioritize performance, a more advanced camera, and a slightly more premium feel.