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Oh yeah, you read it right. It’s time.
Read on for our Comparison of the Original Nokia N97 vs the Nokia N97 Mini.
Screen Comparison :
The Original Nokia N97 has a nice big ol’ 3.5″ Resistive Touchscreen, while the Nokia N97 Mini has a slightly smaller Touchscreen (still resistive) at 3.2″.
While the screen hardware is basically the same, I couldnt help but notice that the N97 Mini’s screen is much brighter (at the same setting) compared to the Original N97. This also means the N97 Mini’s screen is slightly more legible in direct sunlight.
Edit: My Mistake. As Steve pointed out in the comments below, even though the N97 Mini’s screen is brighter, the Original N97 has a transflective screen which means its more legible in Direct Sunlight compared to the N97 Mini’s transmissive TFT screen.
Even the color’s seem slightly better on the N97 Mini.
Both are at the same 360 x 640 pixel resolution though.
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Camera Comparison :
Both devices have a 5 MegaPixel Carl Zeiss Lens Camera with Dual LED Flash. Both the Original N97′s and N97 Mini’s lens are rated at 2.8/5.4.
The Only Difference, really, is that the Original N97 has a camera lens protector. One that kept scratching the lens, so people were relieved when the N97 Mini came out without one. Honestly, only Nokia could convince people that a “Camera Lens Protector” is a bad thing. I still count the lack of a lens protector as a con on the Mini though.
Since the Camera Specs are identical, you’d expect the Image results to be identical too. That’s true but the N97 Mini’s processing algorithms seem to give it a slight advantage. We’ve found that the N97 Mini’s Camera Images seem to be able to handle light better, and also has better results (that is, colors look more natural) using the Dual LED Flash. Just a tiny bit better though. You wouldnt notice it, if we hadnt but them side by side.
Image 1 :-
Original Nokia N97 :
Nokia N97 Mini :
Image 2 :-
Original Nokia N97 :
Nokia N97 Mini :
Image 3 :-
Original Nokia N97 :
Nokia N97 Mini :
Image 4 :-
Original Nokia N97 :
Nokia N97 Mini :
Image 5 :-
Original Nokia N97 :
Nokia N97 Mini :
Like we said, just a tiny bit better. Not noticeable in most cases.
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Hardware Design and Size Comparison :
Now obviously the Original N97 and the N97 mini look very much similar. But there are a couple very subtle design differences between the two.
Front View (Slide Closed) :
From the Front, the N97 and N97 Mini look pretty much Identical. The Original N97 has a 3.5″ Resistive Touchscreen while the N97 Mini has a slightly smaller 3.2″ Resistive Touchscreen. As you might have noticed, the N97 Mini is also a tad smaller in size compared to the Original N97 (and hence the “Mini” tag). Another slight difference is that the Steel finish on the Original N97 was Silver, while on the N97 Mini it’s a slightly Mocha tint.
Both have a Proximity Sensor, Light Sensor and Front Facing VGA camera at the top near the Earpiece.
You’ll notice that on the Original N97 the “Nokia” tag is on the right side, while the N97 Mini has it in print above the screen.
At the Bottom is where the subtle differences start. Both the N97 and N97 Mini have their slanted Menu Key there, and touch-sensitive Green and Red Calling/Call-End keys. As you can see, on the N97 Mini, the keys are more spaced out compared to the Original N97.
The Lighting is basically the same on both. Although the Menu key on the N97 Mini is permuable, so it has light passing through it, while on the Original N97 the key is only lit around the circumference.
Like we said, subtle differences.
Front View (Slide Open) :
Once you open the slide, you’ll notice there are even more differences between the two.
The Original N97 has a Dpad, while the N97 Mini doesnt. Instead of a Dpad it has Direction keys on it’s right side.
You’ll also notice the keys and positioning on the Original N97 and the N97 Mini are slightly different, with a different color scheme too. The Original N97 went with Blue Symbols and White Lettering, while the N97 Mini goes with Orange Symbols and White Lettering.
Apart from that, the slide is about the same.
The Back of the N97 Mini only says “Nokia N97 Mini” and “Designed in Finland” on the back though. The Original N97 had a brief list of it’s features on the back.
I kinda liked that better so it could show off what it’s got under the hood.
Back View :
Both devices have a 5 Megapixel Carl Zeiss Camera, with a Dual LED Flash at the back. The Original N97 though, has a sliding lens cover.
The N97 Mini also has a Metallic Back Panel, while the Original N97 has a mainly Plastic back cover.
Left View :
Both devices have their microUSB port (which is also used to charge the device; has a tiny LED Charging Indicator light next to it) here on the left side. There’s also its sliding keypad lock switch, and both its stereo speakers at either end.
Top View :
Both devices have their standard 3.5mm Audio Jack here, along with their power button. The Original N97 has a silver Power Button, while the N97 Mini keeps it matt black.
Right View :
Both Devices have their dedicated Camera Button here, along with a Zoom in/out (aka Volume Increase/Decrease) Key.
Bottom View :
Both the N97 and N97 Mini keep it minimalistic with no ports here.
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So that’s about it on the Design, Screen and Camera differences between the Original Nokia N97 and the Nokia N97 Mini. Which one do y’all prefer ?
I gotta admit the N97 Mini does have a slightly more premium look and feel thanks to all that metal used on it. What do you think ? Let us know in the comments y’all !
Clinton is currently based in New Delhi, India and is executive editor for UnleashThePhones. He is responsible for all editorial decisions, and covers all forms of Mobile and mobile-related accessories.
Cj is addicted to caffeine, social media, and technology. Always up for a good conversation, you can reach him through the contact form, his website, on Google Plus 
or on Facebook or Twitter: Follow @clintonjeff
i think if we use the n 97 mini its greater than we use the n97 so i prefer the n97mini i think you all will feel the advancement
Thanks so much for such an informative post Amar
hey Dude thanks a lot,i have a mini and i purchased it in Africa but i have a fear that it's not maybe genuine...how can i investigate upon the authenticity of my N97 mini?
thanks for taking the effort to do all that. very informative.
luv tis post!!!! thanx soo mcuh givn all d dif. b/w tem @ 1 place! :) n btw i hv n97 mini! n tat roxz! :D
Thank you clinton , the loudness isnt that important, i love to take pics,.. the camera in the 5800 disappoints.....
Out of the loudspeaker the N97 Mini is a tiny bit quieter compared to the 5800. So if loud-ness is something that's important to you, that's something you have to consider.With Headphones, the sound quality is pretty much the same though.
hey guys how's the sound quality of the mini... the loudspeaker in my 5800 is really good.. i'm planning to upgrade to another phone...i'm looking at the se satio because i take a lot of pics, and i listen to a lot of music... and i have the mini as an option, could you guys help me out?
Eep ! That tiny fact totally slipped my mind. Thanks for correcting me Steve :) Fixed the post.
No, the N97 has a transflective screen - it's better in direct sunlight. The mini's transmissive TFT blacks out completely. Trust me. 8-)
i think its greater if we use the n97 mini rather than n97 even the n97 is bigger than n97 mini there is a big advancement if we use the n97 mini so i prefer the n97 mini as my and all yours new phone
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