NokiaManufacturer :

-Price :

1User opinions :

Introduction

Nokia has released the 6820, its successor to the overwhelmingly popular 6800. With improvements on many of the features consumers loved on the 6800, the release of the Nokia 6820 brings new innovations to the market.

The 6800, was Nokia's first phone geared towards typing. While folded, it looks like any other phone. The flip lid, however, opens to reveal a full QWERTY keypad.

Up until the release of the 6800, consumers had limited choices for phones with adequate text messaging capabilities. Devices either sacrificed size with a full keypad, or sacrificed typing ease and speed with awkward numeric keypads. The Nokia 6800 offered a welcomed alternative that combined the best of both worlds allowing for much more natural and quicker text messaging while remaining at the size of a standard phone.

Bundled with text messaging features such as Wireless Village chat, EDGE high speed wireless access, and Bluetooth, the 6820 has an impressive set of connectivity options as well.

Design

Not much has changed in appearance from the 6800. The 6820 still retains the same revolutionary flip QWERTY keypad. A few additions and improvements have, however, been added. Since the 6820 was designed with text messaging in mind, it is chock full of text messaging features. Among other things, users can SMS to send standard text messages, or attach pictures, sounds, or video clips with their MMS messages. A fully functional email client contains POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP capabilities for receiving and sending email from 3rd party sources.

A built-in 352 x 288 px CIF camera with video recording and playback capabilities peers out from the back housing of the 6820. The phone has a variety of shooting modes such as Standard Mode, Portrait Mode, and Night Mode. Self portraits are possible with a self-timer delay function. As with most camera phones, users should not expect standalone digital camera quality. Pictures taken with the Nokia 6820 are great for capturing impromptu moments, or attaching images to caller information and business cards, but anything more is best served using a dedicated digital camera.

There are, however, a few features missing from the 6820's precursor, most notably the built-in FM radio. Users who still desire a radio have the option to purchase it as a separate plug-in accessory.

Improvements in the audio capabilities of the 6820 have lagged. Unfortunately, the 6820 only supports 16 chord polyphonic ring tones. More and more phones are supporting upwards of 40 chord tones or even MP3s. However, Nokia seems not to have focused on improving the 6820's multimedia capabilities and instead catered the 6820 towards the business consumer. Consumers who want MP3-like sounds will not get it from this device. The 6820 also does, however, contain a loud and clear speaker and a microphone with a good degree of sensitivity.

Other features worth mentioning are the downloadable Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) games and applications. The versatility of this feature lets you install and delete software from the internet. J2ME is the most popular mobile programming language with hundreds of games and applications available for download. Some for free, others for a fee.

Even with the addition of new features, Nokia has managed to make the 6820 smaller than the 6800. At 107 x 47 x 20 mm, the 6820 is over 10 mm shorter. The less bulky design will make the Nokia 6820 much more attractive and easier to fit in pockets.

In the end, much of the 6820's strengths lie in its messaging capabilities. The phone is geared towards a particular segment of the consumer market. For the serious text messaging user, the 6820 is the phone they've been waiting for.

Screen

The Nokia 6820 comes with a 128 x 128 px 4096 color passive matrix display. Unfortunately this is the same display found on Nokia's older models. Nokia has done little to keep up with the market. The newest phones today can display an impressive 262K colors.

With passive displays, ghosts can become an issue. The STN screen (as opposed to TFT) does not have the circuit transistors placed on the glass at the pixel locations. As a result, there is a delay needed to scan each pixel. This results in greatly hindering the response time and ends up slowing down refresh rates. For example, action-packed games may, display remnants of previous screens when the on-screen action changes rapidly. Fortunately, the ghosting is not too noticeable in simple tasks like changing menu functions.

The screen is bright and clear in dim conditions, but in areas with ample ambient lighting, the screen tends to washed out a good deal as is the case with most STN displays.

Controls

By far the main feature of the 6820 is the fold-out keypad. When folded, the 6820 looks like any standard phone with a plain numeric keypad. When unfolded, the two halves of the 6820 transform into a full QWERTY keypad.

Typing with the QWERTY keypad is far more preferred than using a conventional numeric keypad. With two thumbs on a keyboard, typing becomes much faster. Text messaging is far simpler on the 6820 than on any other phone on the market today.

Battery and Charger

A 850 mAh Li-Ion battery is used with the 6820. Nokia claims the battery lasts for 7 hours of talk time and 240 hours of standby. Realistically, however, the times are much lower.

Minimum Rated Standby Time: 145 hours
Minimum Rated Talk Time: 215 minutes

The results of our tests for battery talk time and standby time should be viewed as relative information only. Many variables including carrier signal strength, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history will affect performance.

When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some carriers quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case it's probably safe to assume at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.

Storage

The 6820 comes with about 3.5 MB of shared internal memory for contacts, text messages, multimedia messages, ring tones, images, video clips, calendar notes, to-do lists, and applications. Expandable storage slots are not present on the 6820, so deleting content is the only way to free up extra memory.

Connections

Nokia gave us a peek at its first EDGE phone at COMDEX in Las Vegas. EDGE, or Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution, allows for high speed rates of up to 118 kbps on existing GSM networks. Currently, AT&T and Cingular offer EDGE in the US, although Europe and Asia have been slow to incorporate it. Often times called 2.7G, EDGE has been referred to as a bridge between current GSM technology and WCDMA and cdma2000.

The migration of GSM to EDGE results in less strain on current voice traffic bandwidth and allows for higher transfer rates when downloading multimedia or browsing the web. Building on existing technology, EDGE allows for more than double existing GPRS rates. While theoretically the 6820 could transfer at speeds of up to 384 kbps, Nokia has decided to limit it to 118 kbps. Actual rates will be less than that.

The 6820 is also supplied with a SyncML client. SyncML is the common language for synchronizing all devices and applications over any network. With SyncML any personal information, such as email, calendars, to-do lists, contact information and other relevant data, will be consistent, accessible and up to date, no matter where the information is stored. For example, synchronizing in the morning will allow you to read and reply to your emails on your way to work.

A Pop-port can be found on the 6820 as well. Pop-port can automatically identify accessories attached to the 6820. It also offers stereo sound with the use of headphones. Lastly, the Pop-port can be used to charge accessories with a single USB cable and without the use of separate power sources. Pop-port transmits up to 230 kb/s.

The internal phone book has a maximum capacity to save up to 500 names with numbers and text notes about each name. The number of names that can be saved depends amount of memory left.

With the addition of a SIM card you can save up to 250 more names and phone numbers

Text messaging was a primary focus when creating the Nokia 6820. And the 6820 is robust in communication enhancements. Aside from the standard SMS text messaging support, MMS are supported for sending multimedia including images, ringtones, and video clips.

The Nokia 6820's email client supports POP3 and SMTP protocols. However attachments are not possible. Additionally, Blackberry messaging system is present. It is more predominant in North America than Europe or Asia.

Wireless Village instant messaging (My Friends) is also included in this phone. It goes beyond previous mobile chat features. The Wireless Village specifications define how the instant messaging provides an open connection with existing IM providers, such as AOL, ICQ, Yahoo and MSN.

The result is a system for sharing personal information about the user's status, (e.g., on-line, off-line, busy), location (home, work), and the moods of their friends and colleagues (happy, angry). In addition, services will allow users to participate in private or public chat rooms with search capabilities. Ultimately network operators will be able to provide meeting and conferencing type of services with shared content.

The Nokia 6820's full QWERTY keypad makes typing considerably faster. With text messaging in mind. Nokia has loaded it with quite a lot of features.

The traditional call list. Missed, received, and dialed numbers are stored here. Each list stores the past 20 numbers.

Most of the Nokia 6820 phone customizations take place in the Settings Menu. Wallpaper, screen saver, and color scheme selections allow users to change the look of their menus and user interface. While other multimedia additions such as ring tones, can be accessed here too. Multimedia can be created on a desktop and transferred through infrared or data cable to the phone.

The 128 x 128 px 4095 color display hasn't changed much in the last two years. While the display is clear and colorful, it is not keeping up with technology. With LG phones upwards of around 262K colors, the Nokia 6820's screen no longer near the top of the market.

The phone's 16 chord polyphonic ring tones are lacking as well. More and more phones are supporting upwards of 40 chord tones or even MP3s. However, Nokia seems not to have concentrated in improving the 6820's multimedia capabilities. But understandably, the 6820 was designed with the business consumer in mind. Those which need a robust efficient way of communicating with people.

Users who want a phone with strong multimedia features should look elsewhere. The 6820 is built with functionality in mind rather than customizability.

The back of the Nokia 6820 contains the lens of the camera. It is capable of capturing CIF images at a resolution up to 352 x 288 px. Short video clips with audio can be recorded as well. Clips are encoded as H.263 (SubCIF) format and limited to the amount of shared memory. Other features include multiple shooting modes like Portrait Photo Mode, or Night Mode. The 6820 has three quality settings.

While the resolution is nowhere near being printable, it is sufficient for viewing on a computer or using as wallpapers for the phone. Users will be able to transfer images through either infrared, data cable, or Bluetooth connections.

The Calendar feature is standard with other Nokia phones. Enter up to 500 entries depending on shared memory available. Store events as calls, birthdays, memos, or reminders. Outdated entries may be automatically deleted. Schedules may be viewed monthly or daily.

A To-Do List feature is included to keep on top of tasks. Options to set deadlines for each entry is present. Notes allows users to jot down quick messages to save for later. Up to 3000 symbols can be added in each note. The Wallet feature lets users store personal information safely by requiring a password to access them. Store credit cards, passwords, tickets, etc.

For synchronizing between the 6820 and a PC, the phone is also SyncML compatible. SyncML is the common language for synchronizing all devices and applications over any network. With SyncML any personal information, such as email, calendars, to-do lists, contact information and other relevant data, will be consistent, accessible and up to date, no matter where the information is stored.

Installed software and games are stored here. The Nokia 6820 supports the J2ME (Java 2 Micro Edition) platform for downloadable games and applications.

Additionally, users will be able to install and remove J2ME compatible games through the web or transferring from a computer. There are an abundance of applications and games due to J2ME's dominance as the most popular platform for mobile devices. But developers can also create applications for the 6820 with Java technology.

Currently, hundreds of software applications have been created under the J2ME platform. Some are freeware, while others require a fee. But it is still the most popular platform on the market today.

Other preinstalled non-removable applications and features include a voice recorder, calculator, countdown timer, and stopwatch.

The Service Menu allows users to choose how you want to connect to the internet. Options include setting up (E)GPRS or GSM accounts. The 6820 uses WAP browser version 2.0.

Sound Quality

Tonal qualities of the 6820 are full and robust. The sound quality is great without many complaints. Even in loudspeaker mode, there was not an abnormal boost in low frequencies as experienced in other phones.

Manufacturers typically boost low frequencies in loudspeaker mode so voices will carry longer distances. Given the distance and volume, the 6820's incoming clarity was good. While on the other side, voices could be heard within the first few feet of the phone. Anything further than that decreases clarity considerably. Also expect background noise to be picked up easily when using loudspeaker.

RF Performance

The call clarity of the 6820 is exceptional. Incoming and outgoing calls have minimal distortion considering the internal antenna. RF is good with small signals being picked up and held relatively well. There are no significant problems with the reception. Nokia has had a history of providing cell phones that have great reception. Therefore, the 6820 receives a reception rating of:

Above Average

Pros

· Full QWERTY. Convenient, functional, and a text messaging essential.

· Great set of messaging features. Fully functional email client (POP3, IMAP4, SMTP), SMS, MMS, Wireless Village chat, and more.

· Fun camera for taking impromptu pictures and short video clips.

· Loudspeaker that's loud and useful. Excellent range and clarity for a loudspeaker.

· EDGE. Download and browse at amazing rates of up to 118 kbps on existing GSM networks.

· Downloadable J2ME games and applications. Install programs and delete delete them when you get tired of them.

· Bluetooth connectivity. Connect to peripheral devices easily. Whether it be headsets, PCs, PDAs, etc.

Cons

· 16 tone polyphonic ring tones. It might have been good last year, but the standards have been raised.

· 4096 color STN display. A bit washed out in the advancing market of multimedia phones.

Conclusion

Much like its predecessor, the 6820 is not meant for everyone. Nokia targeted users who desire functionality rather than multimedia. And from the look of the keypad, the 6820 was meant for text messaging and typing.

When closed, the phone has a standard numeric keypad. However, the greatest draw to the 6820 is undoubtedly its full QWERTY keypad and compact size. It provides an unparalleled alternative to the inconvenient text messaging on numeric keypads. The buttons are not too large, but not so small that thumbs can't type comfortably. For those of you with large thumbs, you'll find the 6820 much easier to type with.

Many of the Nokia 6820's strong points are in its typing functions. The messaging features we've mentioned thus far. A fully functional email client that supports POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP mail servers, Wireless Village chat versatility, and PC synchronization with SyncML. Combined with EDGE for faster downloads online, the 6820 is a formidable business phone.

Since Nokia had a business consumer in mind, it decided to strip out or leave unchanged non-business essential features such as the FM radio, the 4096 color display, and 16 chord polyphonic ring tones. It is safe to say that multimedia was the least of Nokia's concerns. But strangely, a built-in camera was included on the 6820. Perhaps the camera phone craze was a market Nokia could not afford to neglect.

Nokia probably plans to market this phone to business consumers who could care less about ring tones, screen colors, or fancy features. If you fit the mold Nokia was aiming for then the 6820 is what you were waiting for. However, most consumers won't need such powerful messaging capabilities, and probably want more multimedia features. For the text messaging consumer, the Nokia 6820 doesn't get much better. However, general public, we give the Nokia 6820 an overall rating of:

For productivity gains and process improvement, access to e-mail and messaging are top priorities for businesses. The Nokia 6820 messaging device is designed with mobile business professionals in mind. The 6820 is a sophisticated all-in-one device that has a full alphanumeric, folding keyboard, MMS capabilities, and Bluetooth connectivity for optimized messaging. The 6820 is very efficient in terms of data input and access to resources over the network

 

Write your review about Nokia 6820
Please share your experiences to help other people choose the phone that's best for them.