Nokia's updated N95 8GB has expanded from it's big brother the Nokia N95 to provide added storage and performance. Wrapped in a new black color scheme, the N95 8GB gets some much needed updates. Along with expanding the on-board memory to 8GB, the N95 also gets a larger screen which boasts a bright 2.8" display, integrated assisted-GPS and improved battery life.

The Nokia N95 8GB also includes all the same key features of it's predecessor which includes a unique 2-way slider design, 5MP camera w/ Carl Zeiss optics, WLAN, HSDPA, Bluetooth connectivity, miniUSB port, video call capabilities, 3.5mm headset jack, and even tv-out capabilities

One look at the phone is enough to make us realize that its color scheme has been changed from grey to classic black. Another novelty the manufacturer deserves credit for is the expanded display from 2.6" in N95 to 2.8" in this model. On top of that, the display boasts increased sharpness and contrast, compared to that of the original.

Screenwise the N95-2 is undoubtedly in its element. The display has a 2.8" diagonal and offers striking image quality and unmatched sunlight legibility. This one is definitely among the best examples in the field. Apart from the fingerprint susceptibility, there is hardly anything to criticize about this display. The picture quality seems a little better than the one of the original N95 but the difference is so small you'll need to look at quite a number of images on both displays simultaneously to notice it. The increased size however does make a difference even if 0.2" sounds like an insignificant figure.

The N95 has become a leader for use as a content creator. While most phones can playback content, an area where the N95 also does well, this one really ups the ante. The primary 5 megapixel camera can shoot at up to 2582×1944 and record 30fps video at up to 640×480. The secondary camera, on the front of the device, is designed for video conferencing (176×144 at 15fps) and the like. The phone makes it easy to shoot video as well as to watch video and get it to its final destination, though the MicroSD slot was dropped in this model.

Battery life is improved from previous models and you should be able to get at least eight hours of talk time from a charge.

Standard battery, Li-Ion 1200mAH (BL-6F)
Stand-by Up to 280 h
Talk time Up to 6 h

The music player is one of the few departments where Nokia N95 8GB could've been better. Well, the dedicated music keys make a point, but they aren't really that vital. Controlling it with the D-pad is just as easy and doesn't even need sliding the phone open. Don't get us wrong, it's a really nice and easy to use application but nothing unseen in tons of other phones. Typical Nokia, a huge number of audio formats including MP3, AAC, eAAC+ and WMA, are supported. The M3U playlists are also managed flawlessly and files are added to the music library by simply choosing the refresh option. Sorting your songs by artist, album, genre and composer is automatic and searching tracks by gradual typing is also available. Transferring tracks to Nokia N95 8GB can be achieved via Bluetooth, USB or by simply downloading them from the internet. Upon completing a USB transfer, the phone automatically prompts scanning for new music tracks and, if allowed to do so, adds the new ones to the music library.

The player comes with five equalizer presets, which is a good count by any means. If it still seems insufficient, you can edit them or create new ones in a matter of seconds. In contrast to Nokia N81, the music player of Nokia N95 8GB can be switched off when it is not needed.

Nokia's best equipped phone naturally also includes support for the A2DP Bluetooth profile, which allows listening to your music on a Bluetooth stereo headset. We had no problem connecting any of the tested headphones.

The built-in memory (that's on top of the 8GB gross) is 133MB, which is a considerable figure but you probably will never use it, as accessing applications or any other files from the Mass memory doesn't seem to be any slower.

Just like the original, Nokia N95 8GB is a four-band phone, working in the (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) networks. Unfortunately, the UMTS has not been changed and remains 2100 MHz only. And, as we have already mentioned, this means that you’ll be able to use the phone’s 3G functionality Europe and Asia and not in America.

Nokia N95 8GB comes with two preinstalled games. Both of them are based on the new N-gage platform and even though they are demo versions, playing them is a nice experience. In all fairness, we faced some difficulties with the controls of FIFA 2007, which didn't seem properly chosen. We do miss the two dedicated gaming keys of Nokia N81 but anyway, let's wait for the official launch of the N-gage gaming site. There surely will be a larger number of games to choose from in place of the FIFA 2007 and Asphalt 3 Street rules. If you miss the games played on the old N95 you can always go to Nokia download center and get them for free. Neither the Snake, nor the System Rush game differ from the versions we saw in N95-1.