The Nokia 7650 phone incorporates advanced phone capabilities with functionality traditionally found in handhelds, and lets users have a go at it through an interface that can be operated one-handedly. Software can be installed either in the shape of native Symbian OS applications or J2ME applications - and combined, the features make up for a previously unmatched feature set. The total combination is what sets the Nokia 7650 apart from the crowd as an innovative device, and now I'll tell you all that's worth to know about it.
The phone itself has a keypad that slides up behind its main part to protect the lens of the 640 x 480 pixel resolution digital camera. The lens is centered on the back of the phone, and taking pictures is only possible when the keypad is extended. The solution is sturdy, but no substitute when in lack of a hammer. The keypad is otherwise equipped with the normal keys one might expect, as well as an ABC button in the upper left corner that acts as a shortcut for alternating between text input modes and a C button in the upper right corner for erasing text. Tactile feedback is good, and audible alerts can also be configured for key presses.
The main part of the phone is comprised of its excellent 176 x 208 pixel resolution 16-bit TFT display, accompanied by two action buttons directly below the display, and below these a four-way joystick with an press-to-action function, as well as a menu button to the left of the joystick. On the upper part of the front, there's a proximity sensor for switching the loudspeaker function off when the 7650 is lifted to the ear, and a light sensor if the phone is set to automatically adjust the backlight corresponding to the lighting conditions. A button placed far up on the left side of the phone switches the loudspeaker function on or off, and also activates the voice dial function if pressed and held. The power on/off button is placed far up on the right side of the phone, and like other Nokia phones allows a user to switch between 5 profiles or switch the phone off, but also lock the phone with a designated code.
The proximity sensor works well and so does the light sensor, while the tactile feedback on all buttons is good. The joystick is rubber coated and provides a good grip, and also gives good feedback upon being pressed to invoke an action. The audio of GSM phone calls is of standard Nokia quality - not exceptional, but more than good enough. What really shines, however, is the phone's loudspeaker. Not only does it provide good loudspeaker capabilities, but also plays back excellent audio from various applications and games using its Beatnik Audio Engine.
Having finished with the exterior of the phone, we'll move on to its innards; the Nokia Series 60 platform, based on Symbian OS 6.1. The operating system is icon-based, and works much like that of Palm OS or Pocket PC devices, but there's one vital difference: It can be controlled by means of one hand only, which not only is a major benefit but a direct requirement for a smartphone device.
The navigation system builds on that of previous Nokia phones, and is easy to navigate - although I must admit it took me a while to get used to since I had a tendency to treat the 7650 more like a handheld than a phone when navigating through applications. The main tool for navigating is the navigation bar which allows switching between different tabs within applications, as well as the two action buttons that invoke menus and in some cases also direct choices. Most important functions can be quickly reached, and a Task Manager that can be invoked by pressing and holding the Menu button allows for fast task switching. Text input to the system is taken care of either by using the T9 predictive text input, or keying in letters, numbers and symbols one by one - a combined solution that works surprisingly well.
Size
Weight: 154 g
Dimensions: 114 x 56 x 26 mm, 138 cc
Display and User Interface
Illuminated high-contrast, full-graphics color display
Graphical user interface
Joystick with five-way navigation
Integrated Digital Camera
Image capture at 640 x 480 resolution
Phone display used as a view finder
Photo album 3.6 MB dynamic memory for images, phonebook, calendar, messages, and add-on applications
Wireless Connectivity
Infrared
Bluetooth
Wireless phone-to-phone or phone-to-PC connectivity
Send/receive pictures, graphics, and business cards
Play games
Operating System
Symbian OS
Open standard with the possibility to download third-party applications
MIDP Java™ support
Messaging
Combine picture, text, voice clip, and send by MMS or email to phone or PC
Email over GSM data, HSCSD, and GPRS
Email protocols: SMTP, POP3, and IMAP4
Concatenated text messages, picture messaging
High-Speed Data
Up to 43.2 kilobits per second in high-speed circuit switched data networks
Up to 40.2 kilobits per second in GPRS networks
Voice Features
Voice dialing; memory for 25 names and numbers
Voice recorder
Integrated handsfree speaker
Games
Snake Ex
Mix Pix
Card Deck (on CD-ROM and Web)
Bounce (on CD-ROM and Web)
Triple Pop (on CD-ROM and Web)
WAP
WAP 1.2.1 over GSM data, HSCSD, and GPRS. The availability of particular products and services may vary by region. Please check with the Nokia dealer nearest you.
Some features are network dependent. Please check the availability of WAP services with your network operator and/or WAP service provider.
Dual Band Operation
EGSM 900, GSM 1800, and GSM 900/1800 dual-band networks; automatic switching between bands
Power Management
Battery Talk time Standby time Charging times
Battery Cell BLB-2 830 mAh Li-Ion 2 - 4h 100 - 150h ACP-8: 1h 50 min
