In a move to counter the excitement that has been generated among the masses for the Apple’s iphone, Nokia reportedly has planned to introduce the high-end phone “N96” by next Tuesday. Being called a ‘killer product’, This mobile phone was initially supposed to be launched in the month of October but now to combat with Apple’s iphone, this cellphone will be very soon hitting the Indian market in the first week of September.

The price of N96 model is anticipated to be around Rs. 35,000 as against the comparatively higher price of the iphone at Rs. 31,000 for 8 GB version and for the 16 GB version at Rs. 35,000-37,000. With Bharti Cellular and Vodafone bringing up the iphone in India, they are still reticent about the pricing structure. But, it has been revealed that if the iphone comes up with a carrier’s service, the price could be much lesser than what has been anticipated.

A comparative analysis of the phones reveals differing features:

•With iphone having a large 3.5- inch multi-touch screen as compared to Nokia’s only 2.8 - inch screen while a 2-megapixel camera as compared to Nokia’s 5-megapixel camera.
•N96 virtually lacks features linked to Microsoft Exchange which ofcourse iphone inculcates.
•There is also a 3-axis accelerometer which can sense motion in a way much better than N96 basic motion sensor.
•Iphone is also very handy and very useful for an avid gamer.
•Nokia is better than iphone in the sense that it has a Bluetooth technology to transfer data whereas in iphone this technology can be used only when the hands-free are used. Additionally, Nokia incorporates SMS texting features which the iphone lacks.
•The apple’s iphone also does not have FM radio.N96 has a replaceable battery whereas the iphone has a sealed-in battery.
•The advantage with iphone is it offers Google maps but no voice directions whereas N96 offers Nokia maps with voice directions.
•The memory of N96 is sharper than iphone as it has 16-GB built-in memory.
•Nokia has HTML browser while the iphone has Safari browser.
•Nokia N96 also has mobile TV and front-side VGA camera.
•Both the phones though have the internet facility.

Now, let’s wait and watch, who among the two grapples with the major market share and emerges as the real winner.

Jaya Sinha/IT voir network