Nokia E72 Review Part-1: Design

The Nokia E72

With the first impressions giving you a first hand impression of the Nokia E72 and how it works an feels, you must have realized that I really like this device, but now it’s time for the phone to come under the scanner, it’s time to see what the E72 is all about.

The E72 is a clear successor to the E71, a device which has vowed a lot of people the world over. And without any delay let’s jump to the juicy part of this review.

Design:

The E72 carries the tradition of the E71 and looks like a generation ahead of the E71. This phone is not just merely a little bit of cosmetic changes here and there, but a completely new phone carrying the DNA of the E71. The phone has the build quality that would shame other manufacturers. In fact, I haven’t seen Nokia’s with such high levels of build quality. Nothing seems to rattle or make any noises. Even though it’s a candy bar (which should be the easiest deign to execute) the E72 has excellent fit and finish. As good as some luxury cars. The glossy finish has been replaced with a more matured matte finish and it lends an air of classic sophistication without being loud. It also means the device will look ‘clean’ always, this matte finish also acts as a grip when holding the device.

the soft keys along with the one touch keys on the E72

The face of the E72 is totally refreshed and at first I thought the one touch keys would not be easily accessible and foul up with the experience. But I was thoroughly mistaken, those keys are so nicely done up and so comfortable to use that I am really in awe of the designer(s) who thought of it. The soft keys along with the call and ‘end’ keys are finished in a brushed metal finish and it gives the device some life and extends the appeal of it. The optical track-pad, a first for any Nokia phone has been brilliantly executed on the E72 and is extremely addictive and a great solution which eases the pressure on the thumb. Along with it, should you choose to browse faster is the regular D-Pad which serves as the protector for the optical track-pad as well a navigating key. The one touch keys along with the D-Pad and the ear-speaker have a thin line of chrome metal and that takes the design of the E72 to a whole new level, I’m yet to see a business device has ‘good’ looks and the E72 is already bordering on great. To complete the front look is the trademark chrome lining that runs across the phone, this is a familiar design execution on the E71. On the E72 it seems to have matured and looks very classy. In black it’s like an expensive sedan which is not loud and brash but clam and sophisticated.

QWERTY on the E72

The QWERTY has been very nicely executed, employing the E63’s keypad, the E72 makes typing easier with larger keys. It feel different than the other keys, but feedback is great!

The new asymmetrical look for the slots.

Moving to the left side of the device you will find two outlets on the top and a lanyard clip slot at the bottom. The outlets for the Micro USB and the memory card are unique again in terms of design execution, the designers have tried to be bold, and have succeeded. This design execution makes the device fashionable and at the same time new. On the right hand side, are just three buttons with no labeling and finished in chrome paint with excellent backlighting. No prizes for guessing it is the volume rocker and the mute key. At the bottom you shall find just one slot which is for charging the phone’s battery. The top of the phone houses two things that are different – the E72 comes with 3.5mm audio jack – finally the successor has the standard audio jack! Along with that the power key has undergone a complete makeover, from the ‘red’ colour key it has evolved to a chrome finished key with power symbol ‘etched’ onto the button! Hold it an angle and it seems as if the the symbol is reflects light and looks as if it is backlit!

The three buttons on the E72

The metallic cover on the E72

The back side of the E72 has the same metal cover. The design is now ribbed and each line is closer than it was on the E71. The release of the cover is ala the E63’s and with the speaker moving next to the 5MP camera, it seems like the only cliche on this otherwise uniquely designed device. The camera module is jutting out and though it puts the camera lens at risk, it also makes the speaker more audible as it is not muffled.

The metallic cover on the E72

All in all the design is superb! I honestly don’t think there is a device that is as stylish the E72, heck there’s no QWERTY device that looks so sexy! So can it be that this device has no flaws in it’s design? Almost! I did find it to be leaking light at some areas, nothing major but just a small flaw perhaps, though not big enough to create pandemonium.

I’ll give the E72 a solid 9.5/10. I have yet to see any phone that looks better than the E72.

Below is a full gallery full of E72 images.

the soft keys along with the one touch keys on the E72

The new asymmetrical look for the slots.

The three buttons on the E72

The metallic cover on the E72

The metallic cover on the E72

The E72: first impressions

The Nokia E72

Well now that I have had a chance to play with the E72 and give it a go and see how it works, I’d like to bring you the first impressions of mine towards this device.

The Nokia E72 is a successor to the legacy that E71 has built for Nokia. Featuring many new firsts for the brand, Nokia has come out with a rather superior and ‘fashionable’ device for the businessman/page 3 personality. It surely seems to be a fit for those people. The designers at Eseries surely have done a great job in designing this device. It feels extremely solid and robust. Upping even the E71 in terms of build quality, this is one phone that does the talk and the walk. I must mention that despite it’s compact size it is heavy, but I found this more of an asset than a drawback for this device.

Armed with many firsts, this Eseries device is a glimpse of what next generation Eseries devices will look like. I am indeed wondering how the mighty E90’s successor will look like. The 5MP camera on this E72 is actually worth calling a 5MP camera as the quality is indeed good. The optical navipad is addictive at best and the digital compass and the transitions make this device truly marvellous and breathtaking.

The E72's homescreen

I have to also mention that the Nokia Messaging implementation is much better on this device than it was on the E75. Nokia Messaging just works on the E72 like it should. Though I wish the chat client could have been developed or extended to the E72, it would have made for a one ‘killer’ device.

Overall there is little to complain about this pocket rocket. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into every facet of this rather beautiful offering.

NOTE: The black E72 is not coming to India as of now, but if I know Nokia, they are already working at an ‘all black’ device.

Nokia E72 v/s the Motorola Q8

With my dear friend CJ posting a photo comparison of the Nokia E71 and the E72, I’ll bring you some interesting comparison pics with the Motorola Q8 and another device. The Motorola Q8 is a rather old device, but an interesting one too. It was pitted very much as the QWERTY device for masses. An awkward design and Windows Mobile along with a woefully underpowered hardware platform translated into pathetic sales.

The E71 on the other hand running the successful S60 3rd edition iteration of Symbian set the sales charts on fire. Coupled with looks and good performance in almost all aspects, the E71 became a really good seller.

Enter the E72, tasked with upping the benchmark for how a business phone should look and work,the E72 designers have had a tough task of making this phone look and feel like a business/lifestyle phone. And though the review parts are due, I must put it down right now that I personally absolutely love the design and the feel of the phone in the hand. This feels and works every bit like a phone meant for the busy businessman.

The designers have paid a lot of attention to detail, something which I shall delve into great detail in my review. Let me warn you right away that this phone is really making me biased towards it. So much so that I really wish that Nokia India is listening and reading this and offers to let me keep this device. Am I being partial before the review officially begins, I guess. But rest assured when the device will be put through it’s paces, we’ll not be partial and bring you the true picture.

Without wasting time, the Moto v/s the Nokia. Also in the picture you will see the ‘desi’ version of the QWERTY, the Micromax Q3. This is a dual SIM phone and is meant for the messaging generation. Enjoy! these are just some interesting comparisons….

Nokia E72 unboxing

As promised here is the the unboxing video of the fabulously beautiful Nokia E72. The E72 is the latest business oriented device from Nokia’s stable. It has a 5MP camera, S60 3rd edition with FP2 and lots of goodies.

Nokia E72 in da house!

Hey guys, this is just to let you know that the E72 is in da house! I just received it yesterday and it is a true successor to the legacy of the E71. I don’t normally get carried away with devices at the first go, but I must say the E72 is absolutely amazing and has made me instantly want one from the word go! (may be some one at Nokia will gift one to me). With just a few hours of usage, I’ve completely fallen for this phone. Also let me tell you at first go that the camera on the E72 is absolutely brilliant, almost as good as a Nseries device. The phrase ‘wolf in a sheep’s clothing’ is apt for this device.

The optical trackpad is a delight and is bound to get you hooked to it. This is one feature you will miss sorely on any device , once you have used it.

I will post the unboxing of the video tomorrow. So stay tuned as I review what could be one of the best phones that Nokia has made to date, both in terms of looks and in terms of feature.