iPhone 3G Vs Nokia E71 Review
Though there have been many phones which have been positioned as iPhone killers most of them have been spectacular failures like Blackberry Storm. That’s what happens when companies imitate rather than innovate and base their device on the misplaced belief that adding a touch screen is all that is needed to compete against the iPhone. Nokia hasn’t fallen into that trap and has continued to improve their stellar E series and E71 is the best smartphone Nokia has ever produced. So how does the E71 fare against the iPhone? Let us look at a feature comparison.
| Feature | E71 | iPhone | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Browsing Experience | Decent. | Excellent | iPhone |
| User Interface | Slightly Cluttered | Well designed | iPhone |
| Features | Many | Unlimited Potential as it seems to have a solid SDK and developer support. | E71 |
| Battery | Removable Battery | Non removable Battery | E71 |
| Applications and Games | Many feature rich applications but many are poorly designed | Wide choice of well designed applications and games | iPhone |
| Application Store | None | iTunes Store | iPhone |
| Keyboard | Physical | Onscreen | Tie |
| Openness | Quite open. Any application can be installed | Closed. Only Apple approved applications | E71 |
| FM Radio | Yes | No | E71 |
| Java | Yes | No | E71 |
| GPS | Yes | Yes | Tie |
| Playing Music | Most formats supported but user experience is not great | All major formats supported. Great user experience | iPhone |
| Maps | Inbuilt and Google Maps | Only Google maps. No caching. Utility is much reduced on a slow network | E71 |
| Shoot Video | Yes | No | E71 |
| Screen size and resolution | 2.36" 320x240 | 3.5" 480x320 | iPhone |
| Storage | Hot swappable memory card upto 8GB | 8GB or 16GB | iPhone |
| MMS | Yes | No | E71 |
| Availability | Freely available unlocked | Mostly available through only carriers and is locked. | E71 |
| Tethering | Yes | Not officially supported | E71 |
| Call quality | Excellent | Moderate | E71 |
| Speaker | Loud and Clear | Moderately loud and clear | E71 |
| Headphone Jack | Non Standard | Standard | iPhone |
| Camera | 3.2 MegaPixel Autofocus. LED flash | 2 MegaPixel. Fixed focus | E71 |
| Storing and Accessing Non Music Files | Comes with an inbuilt file manager | No file manager | E71 |
| Office Applications | Quickoffice | No office applications. But mail attachments can be viewed | E71 |
If you look at the table above E71 has come out on top 15 times and iPhone has managed to do it 8 times and there are 2 ties. On the surface it looks like E71 thrashes the iPhone. But it is not so. The reason is that the features in which iPhone has come out on top are the heavily used ones. Browsing, Playing Music etc. The bigger and better screen allows the iPhone to offer a much better experience while watching videos and browsing. The importance and convenience of having a standard headphone jack cannot be stressed enough. While there are plethora of applications for S60 (the OS on E71), much of it is difficult to find as there is no application store. Lack of an application store and lack of reviews make it difficult for a user to find new applications. In fact, touch screen is not the biggest change that apple has brought to the cellphone industry. It is the introduction of an application store.
One of the nagging doubts about the iPhone when it first launched was whether the onscreen keyboard would be any good. Though it takes some time to getting used to, typing onscreen is not difficult compared to having a physical keyboard and is often easier due to the keyboard changing according to context.( for example there is a .com button available when you are entering a URL in Safari). Those who are heavy uses of the keyboard on other smartphones may find the virtual keyboard difficult and may find it hard to achieve the typing speed they are used to.
Apple is a company which takes pride in making its devices smaller and slimmer. (iPod nano, Macbook Air). But surprisingly in this department E71 beats iPhone hands down. It weighs less and is smaller than the iPhone in every dimension.
One area where Nokia shines is call quality. No other manufacturer including Apple has managed to better Nokia in this department. Signal reception and call quality of most nokia phones is outstanding and E71 doesn’t disappoint us. This is one area where the iPhone need to improve. There are several other annoyances with iPhone: lack of copy paste and inability to forward SMS. If you are someone who is very fond of forwarding SMS’es then iPhone is going to frustrate and disappoint you. On the other hand if you care more about music, iPhone is going to delight you and E71 will frustrate you.
Nokia Maps included in the E71 is brilliant. This is one are in which the E71 beats the iPhone hands down. Since the map data is in the system, you don’t need network access to use it. This makes it really fast. Also it features turn-by-turn navigation, voice guidance, traffic feeds and dynamic re-routing which almost makes it a good replacement for an independent GPS device. The Maps included in the iPhone is a toy in comparison.
As you can see both the devices are not perfect. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. But if you are in the market for a smartphone then these two are among the best devices available right now.
For the E71 to beat the iPhone a touch screen won’t be necessary but that would be a welcome addition. What is needed is an overhaul of the user interface to make it simpler and better designed. Most options in E71 are buried deep in different menus which makes it difficult to access it and remember it. Nokia’s prowess lies in its hardware – Exemplary build quality and performance. But it is time to put thought and effort into the software as well because that’s where the next wave of innovation will be and that’s what the users will demand. A parallel to this would be GMail vs everyone else. At first people flocked to the service because of the storage offered which outclassed the competition(2GB versus 10MB). But then people stuck to the service and the service attracted even more users because of the fast, efficient and minimal but beautiful user interface. In fact if you ask any GMail user, why he/she uses the service, storage may well be the least popular option. The user interface and search are what makes GMail popular. Yahoo and Hotmail thought that the storage is what mattered and raised the limits but that was not enough to stem the flow. Likewise the touchscreen and the big screen were what drove people towards iPhone. Once they started using it, the user interface and the applications are what makes them loyal and happy users. So just making a touch screen phone won’t guarantee success. The needs and expectations of the users have changed.
You can buy an unlocked E71 from Amazon.com
Get Updates via Email
About The Author
Manu is a Ruby on Rails developer,blogger, amateur entrepreneur, Mac and Linux enthusiast and a technophile. Read more ››
Get Updates via RSS feed
Popular Posts
- Download Native Google Chrome For Mac OS X
- Download Updated Google Chrome for Mac
- Google DNS vs OpenDNS: Google Rocks for International Users
- iPhone 3G Vs Nokia E71 Review
- Fix iPhone OS 3.0 Battery Charging Problems
You mention “4GB or 8GB” as iPhone’s memory – shouldn’t that be “8GB or 16GB” :)?
Damn. I don’t know how that mistake happened. Especially since I have a 16GB iPhone.
Manu, have you, by any chance, read this: http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=iphone
Quite a while back, and it was one of the most sensible of posts by Maddox :-)
I’m glad we don’t fall into bling traps.
@Mahesh
http://www.manu-j.com/blog/why-maddox-is-wrong-iphone/205/
Like a kid fascinated by lollipops, I was always attracted to the brilliant iPhone. But then I came to know that it does not let one take videos.
I then chose the sleek n sexy irresistible E71 :) I truly agree that it is Nokia’s best till date.
How is E71 a winner in features with iPhone having unlimited?
I should have probably clarified it as “Unlimited Potential”. Most of the features can be implemented via software but some like FM need hardware support. E71 wins if you compare the stock phones.
I like this comparison, Actually i have tested both and seen the difference. Iphone is perfect for music and Apps. you’ll get whatever you need whether from Apple apps of from the website, on the other hand, Nokia is perfect is its quality and the design is much cooler than the Iphone, I’m not a touchscreen phone lover, Managers like to feel the buttons on the phone when writing a message or an email. Camera is not so important to them, the calendar is perfect, Iphone has a very poor calendar, last thing, the home screen application which it’s not available with the Iphone.
E71 was a big movement for Nokia.
very good review. I totaly agree with your comments. Browsing and email (gmail) are very well integrated, but iphone should support flash and java.
I heard tomtom will release iphone version…
Hello,
I am looking to get a new phone contract.
I saw a Nokia E71 18 month contact unlimited texts and internet, 500mins for £25 per month on 3G network.
I am not sure whether to go for the Nokia E71 or the iphone, or maybe other phones similar to both.
Can anyone help guide me to make a rightfull decision.
I would like to get a phone that is easy to use and is practical.
Many thanks,
Dipesh.
As a young business man the Iphone was my ultimate choice, but after 6 months i realized that most of the applications are worthless and whats really important is GPS, Emails, and Internet and super stability…
Ive decided to sell my Iphone and move forward to the E71,
I feel so liberated and like the song sais:
“dont believe the hype”
Nokia, welcome home! :)
I am a mac lover, I have everything from an apple tv to a mac account. For some reason though, the iphone really doesn’t appeal to me.
Iphone has a
-shizz battery life
- You can only play ACC files, which the itunes format.
- You need itunes for your iphone
- 99% of iphone apps are crap and just a waste of digital space.
- You can’t multi task apps (which means you can only use 1 app @ a time)
- No mms without and app? How cheap
-The price of the iphone is not worth the money.
On the other hand
The E71
- Doesn’t really have a sleek OS
- Cramped Keypad
- Max expandable memory is 8g
- doesn’t have as high screen resolution compared to the iphone
- Screen not as big
One thing though, Nokia have just released a application site called OVI.com. And some other applications on there are quality. Not mostly just some random 3rd party software.
Anyway, hoped this helps someone.
You can play mp3s on your iphone. Also MMS is coming in the OS revision 3.0.
comparing a touchscreen device with a QWERTY device is really stupid!
where the E71 shines is the amazing battery life and the keyboard! if you are regular business/enterprise user, and you need to use your phones for calls/checking mails (push through exchange) or type emails then the E71 is amazing! most people who use phones for business dont really care about whether they can listen to music or not!
what we care is – is my phone going to last me through the day with moderate-to-heavy usage of calls or not! and how comfortable and accurately can i type out mails on the device!
and you have forgotten “multi-tasking” facility! it can make a very BIG difference when i can have skype open for VOIP calls with the speakers on as i attend a conference, as i go through a ppt using Quickoffice and at the same time check my mails using Exchange! exiting apps to launch a new one is so stone-age prehistoric!
unless iPhone OS 3.0 or whatever can support multi-tasking flawlessly or at least smoothly it not worth being called an OS.
my cosine is gifting me a E71 but its a US model. i know that the phone will work in INDIA but will its 3G feature work in INDIA as in some posts i have seen people stating that the 3G feature wont be supported in India even if our service provider is providing 3G service to us just because its a US made model… is it true…?
MY PHONE SHOP LIMITED
Registered No.05702394
25 SANDY WAY, YEADON,
LEEDS, LS19 7EW UK.
(+44)-703-597-2322
ORDER
INFORMATION :Minimum
Order :1-10units
Shipping Method :FedEx Dhl and UPS.
Delivery Time : 24-48hrs Delivery To Your Door Step.
MY PHONE SHOP LIMITED We are specialized in all brand new mobile phones like Samsung , Nokia , Qtek , Imate , PalmTreo ,Sony Ericsson , Sidekick , Nextel and many more,They are cheap and unlocked with 12 month international warranty.We sell them in Bulk and in Retails ,We shipped inconjunction with fedEx Express, they shipped within 48hrs to your door step. It is a Buy two and get one for free.
We look forward in placing your Order with Us and giving you the most competent services as we are Using this Medium to Look For Buyers.
APPLE IPHONE 3G 8GB:€170 euro
APPLE IPHONE 3G 16GB:€200 euro
APPLE IPHONE 3G S 32GB:€250 euro
Apple Ipod 60Gb video €120 euro
Apple Ipod 30Gb video €100 euro
Blackberry:
BlackBerry Bold 9000 — 160euro
BlackBerry Curve 8320 — 145euro
BlackBerry 8830 World Edition — 150euro
HTC Touch Diamond — 200euro
HTC Advantage X7500 ——- 210euro
HTC S710 Smartphone — 180euro
HP iPAQ rx5915 ——- 170euro
HP iPAQ HW6945 GPS — 150euro
Nokia N97 32gb…….€300 euro
Nokia N96 16gb…… €250 euro
Nokia 8800………. €200 euro
Nokia 5800 Xpress Music…€180euro
Sony PSP Giga Pack …………€80 euro
Sony PSP Value Pack…………€90 euro
Nintendo wii Console………..€150 euro
Xbox 360 Platinum System ……€170 euro
Microsoft Xbox 360 Core System. €175 euro
Playstation 2………………€110 euro
Playstation 3 (20 GB)……….€ 200 euro
Playstation 3 (60 GB)……….€220 euro
Playstation 3 (120 GB)……….€280 euro
Toshiba Satellite 2.2GHz w/DVD/CDRW Laptop Computer:€550
Toshiba Qosmio G25-AV513 Laptop:€700 euro
Toshiba Satellite 2.0GHz Pentium M Laptop Computer:€650 euro
Sony VAIO N110W 1.86GHz Core Solo Laptop:€550 euro
Sony VAIO VGN-N220E/W Notebook:€450 euro
Sony VAIO VGN-FJ290L1B Notebook:€500 euro
Sony VAIO VGN-FS875P/H Notebook:€500 euro
BONANZA:
Buy 2 units and get 1 unit FREE.
Buy 5 units and get 2 units FREE including shipping
Buy 10 units and get 5 units FREE including shipping
EMAIL:
MY_PHONESHOP@YAHOO.COM
MY_PHONESHOP@HOTMAIL.COM
SKYPE:MY_PHONESHOP
YM CHART ID:PHONE_DELIVERY
MAKERTING DEPT.
SALES MANAGER.
Dhari Al Fares.
(+44)-703-597-2322
Video Camera is very important feature in today's world. I can quote example from “capturing a car's footage if it happened to hit and run in a raod accident” to CNN 's i-reporter concept wherein, most of the amazing aspects in this world are captured accidentally and not planned.
I love my E71! It has everything I need. Text, calls, internet connection, etc. without the hassle of downloading endless apps. I thought about buying an iPhone but I realized I didn't really need ALL those apps. Internet browsing with the E71 is just fine, and the qwerty keypad may be a little cramped but at least you have more control than that of a virtual keypad.
The look of the E71 is also very classy and high-end with a shiny metallic exterior and a wide enough screen, unlike the iPhone which doubles as an iPod touch and doesn't really look that appealing. Plus, the iPhone camera resolution is just so-so. But really, one of the best things about E71 is that its battery life lasts waaaayyyy longer than that of an iPhone's. Would you really want to carry around your iPhone charger all the time, worrying the phone will go dead when you least expect it?
I also applaud Nokia for making the E71 very user-friendly and sticking to the “Nokia basics” (keypad locking, commands, shortcuts, etc.) Switching from a low grade Nokia phone or another phone brand to the E71 is a piece of cake.
Thanks for information . these two phones are same configuration and same features are there ..
Find more jobs: http://www.staffingpower.com/
But back to nokia , nokia mobiles hang so much. It goes even with ‘e71′.
Leave a comment