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Because seriously, if this doesnt help you make a decision between the two, we dont know what will.
When the Nokia N86 8MP was announced, the first question that went through my head was “I wonder if it’s better than my trusty ol’ Nokia N82“. Then I found out that there was a Dual LED Flash instead of a Xenon Flash and I immediately made up my mind that it wasnt going to be anywhere as good an all-around Camera as the N82.
But then the reviews started pouring in, and I kept hearing people say that the “Third Generation” Dual LED Flash on the N86 was “close” to a Xenon Flash and better than any previous Dual LED Flash modules on Nseries Devices.
But the results I saw, just werent convincing enough for me. I still wondered if the N86 was THAT much better than the N82. What I needed to see, where results from both camera-phones right next to each other.
And that’s what we’ve done today.
But First, the Design aesthetics and Size Comparison Pictures !
Front View (Slide Closed) :
The N86 front is covered in a scratch-proof glass, with small cut-outs for the buttons to protrude through. The N86′s screen size is 2.6″.
Meanwhile the N82 has the oldschool Nseries look to it, with a 2.4″ screen. Because it’s mostly hard plastic, and has less moving parts (thanks to its monoblock formfactor) this means the N82 is also a lot more robust compared to the N86.
As you can see the N86 is a lot smaller than the N82 in terms of length, and pretty much the same size (in terms of width).
Both devices have a front-facing camera at the top (the N82′s a VGA camera while the N86 is a CIF camera) and an ambient Light sensor.
The N86 also has the new Style Nseries Menu button, while the N82 has the old Menu button, and the “Multimedia Key” (which isnt present on newer Nseries devices).
Front View (Bottom Slide Open) :
As you can see, the N86 is quite a bit longer than
One of the most-heard complaints people had with the N82 was it’s distinctive keypad.
The N86, being a slider, has a pretty decent keypad on it’s lower slide. Nothing amazing, but pretty good.
Front View (Top Slide Open) :
Being a Dual Slider, the N86 also has Media Keys on it’s top slider. Really useful to playback music on the device, and it also has a couple gallery functions too.
The N82 being a monoblock, doesnt have any such extra media buttons.
Top View :
Both the N82 and the Nokia N86 have their power button and standard 3.5mm Audio Jack (supporting TV-Out) here. The N86 though, also has it’s MicroUSB port here, which is the sole means to charge the device.
Left View :
The N86 only has it’s sliding keypad-lock switch here. The N82 has its microUSB port, MicroSD slot and charging port here. It’s worth noting that the N86 comes with 8GB of onboard external memory, with support for a MicroSD card too (the slot is underneath the back panel though).
Bottom View :
Both devices keep it clean here, with only a tiny hole for their microphone.
Right View :
The right side of the devices are basic N-Series with the Dual Stereo Loudspeakers at either ends, the dedicated camera key, and the volume increase/decrease (aka Zoom in/out) keys. The N82 also has a gallery key here, which is absent in most new N-Series nowadays.
Back View :
Both devices have the “Nokia Nseries” branding on their back panels.
The N86 has an 8 Megapixel (variable aperture, wide-angle) Carl Zeiss Lens with a “Third Generation” Dual LED Flash. While the N82 has a 5 Megapixel Carl Zeiss Lens with a Xenon Flash.
Both devices have a Camera Lens Protector. The N86 seems to have the same self-destructive camera lens cover as the Original N97. The saving grace on the N86, is that the cover is not scratching the glass directly over the lens, but the area around it.
Which brings us to…..
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The Nokia N86 vs Nokia N82 Camera Comparison :
Nokia launched the N86 as it’s new “Imaging Flagship“. The previous bearer of that title was the ol’ Nokia N82. So does the N86 deserve it’s new title ? That’s what we intend to find out.
Camera UI wise the N86 and N82 are basically the same.
The N86 does have Face Detection and a Panorama mode as extra features though.
On with the Comparison !
Close Up Pictures :-
Both devices were set to “Close up (Macro)” mode for this section.
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
(Note: The N82′s Camera Flashed for this Image, while the N86′s camera was able to handle the low light situation pretty well)
Nokia N86 :
Image 6 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 7 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 8 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 9 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 10 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Bonus Close Ups with Flash :-
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
Okay so here’s the thing. The Wide-Angle lens on the N86 isnt THAT great at Macros, but it still does a pretty respectable job. Because of this, you cant go as ‘close’ into an object as you can with the N82.
But the N86 does do a better job with lighting than the N82. You’ll also notice the colors are better on the N86′s Images and arnt as washed out as they are on the N82′s Images. There’s also a lot more detail in most of the N86′s Images compared to the N82′s.
Flash doesnt seem to be much different in either case. Xenon might be a bit too powerful for close up images though, but they both seem to handle the job pretty well.
=============================================
Mid-Range Pictures :-
Both devices were set to “Automatic” mode for this section.
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
For Mid-Range shots, the N86′s wide-angle lens definitely helps. You can get more of the surroundings in, than you would with a traditional lens like the one on the N82. Otherwise they’re more or less the same. Again, light management and colors seem better on the Nokia N86 than on the older N82. But there are one or two shots on the N82 that look better.
==========================
Far-away Pictures :-
Both devices were set to “Automatic” for this section.
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 6 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 7 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 8 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 9 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 10 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
Again, the Wide-Angle lens on the N86 really help take in more of the surrounding in Far-away shots. Again, the N86 seems to have better light and color management. But we cant help think the N82 Images look more “clear” in some cases.
Shutter speed on both devices seem to be about the same (as evident from Image 5 and Image 6). This isnt the same for pictures with flash though.
==========================================
Low Light Pictures (without Flash) :-
Both devices were set to “Automatic” and their Flash turned off for this section.
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
The results are pretty much the same, but the N86′s low-light management skills give it just a tiny nudge ahead of the N82′s Images.
====================================
Low Light (with Flash) Pictures :-
This is where it gets good.
The camera was set to “Automatic” with “Flash On” on both devices.
Far-away Pictures :-
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
In some cases the N86′s Images seem brighter. But there’s no denying that the N82′s Images look a lot ‘Cleaner’ than the N86′s Images thanks to it’s powerful Xenon Flash.
=============================
Mid-Range Pictures :-
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
There’s no denying that the N82′s Xenon Flash just cant be beat for mid-range pictures. I’ve also noticed that the N86′s shutter speed isnt that great when you’re taking an Image with flash on, which might result in a blurry Image or two, compared to the sharp Xenon-Flash-Images on the N82.
Still the N86′s Dual LED Flash does a pretty ‘okay’ job.
===============================
Close-up Pictures :-
Image 1 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 2 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 3 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 4 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 5 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 6 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Image 7 :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
For close up Images, the N86′s Dual LED Flash is pretty much a match for the N82′s Xenon Flash, even better in a couple cases.
===========================
Video :-
Nokia N82 :
Nokia N86 :
Conclusion :
Video is basically the same on both devices. Both have focus of around a metre or two. The N86 is slightly better in low light conditions due to the larger aperture. Even that digital zoom on the N86 is better because the whole sensor is used for video capture, and the upto 4x zoom is handled without any pixellation problems.
It’s also worth noting that the N86 can use it’s Dual LED Flash as a light while recording videos at night.
===========================
Everything Else :
===========================
The Final Verdict :
Okay, so which one’s the better Camera ?
I was afraid you’d ask me that.
If the N86 had a Xenon Flash I could say, without a doubt, that it was the better Camera phone.
But sadly, it doesnt. Which makes this decision harder.
So the best way I could put my conclusion, is this.
If I was to go out clubbing with friends, or to a late night party, or evening dinner with a couple pals, I’d take the N82. There’s just no beating that Xenon Flash y’all.
But if I was to go on vacation to some tropical destination, or anywhere really, where I’d think I’d take more pictures in the daytime and a couple low-light pictures at night. Then I’d take the N86. The amount of detail, the variable aperture, the wide-angle lens. It’s all pretty awesome to have on a Cameraphone.
(Note: We have a whole bunch of Comparison Camera Samples over on our Nokia N86 vs Nokia N82 Flickr Album if you’re interested.)
So at the end of the day, who’s the Imaging King then ?
I’d say both devices share the throne right now. There simply is no clear cut winner for me y’all.
You’ve read the comparison. What do you think ? Is the N82 still in the league ? Or is the N86 just that much better ? Let us know the comments !
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
N82 is much better can take best image in both day & night :)
Well, all the problems in n86's camera are resolved when upgraded to v.30 flash performs better,auto focus probs don't exist and a lot more improvements in both the camera and everything else so if i have been asked to get n86 or n82 i wud surely go for n86 i currently got a nokia n81 8gb and i will get n86 in 2 weeks(n81 is great but i won't call it's camera a camera )
How about an all rounder? Considering ALL features on the phone ( of course including the camera ), who will win?
Well said Hung ! Completely agree
I noticed that at night, the N82 takes pictures with truer colours compared to the N86. Moreover, in the daylight pictures, I noticed flares with the N86 pictures while the N82 did not experience such problems, technical problems?Moreover, I noticed that the N82 pictures impressed me more with its more natural colours and distinguishable details. I guess the N86 compromises details in exchange for the wider view. For my verdict, I would like to say that the N82 is triumphant when it comes to portrait and low light mid range shots. The N86 is more suitable for daylight pictures and taking pictures of landscapes and sceneries. Thus, there is still no clear winner to this debate. The N86 is king of the day while the N82 is the nocturnal monarch.
I have taken photos in a resturant at night and have found that it does a good job too at lighting things up!
I hope we see a successor not only to the N82, but to the N93, that phone is simply great.
we should consider the cons and the pros when taking the DLED and Xenon =)btw, N86 got the 3rd Gen DLED, so far its the best DLED for video lighting and flash compare to normal DLEDs
AWESOME! very nice review...I am expecting that N82 will have a good fight vs n86 and my expectations was been answered. Just a little more upgrade to N82 sensors and a wide angle lens then it will be a par between them. *I noticed that in day light some pictures of N86 were been resulted to much light. the aperture gathered EXCESS lights and didnt analyze well. resulted to some smoky and light effects. but its just an okay catch though.
I hope we see a successor not only to the N82, but to the N93, that phone is simply great.
Thank you for this great comparison with so much pictures... :top: I would say, daytime & great light - N86 // nighttime - N82Like you mentioned in your conclusion.It´s really a pity that N86 doesn´t come with xenon....
I must have bad eye sight even though the opticians said I have 20/20 vision as I think all of the n82 images are better and including the low light and night shots as the n86s shots capture an artificial image of what a night or low light shot should have in it. Unfortunately for Nokia its still the n82 as the flagship device in my opinion as its the overall use of the device and not what you would use for holidays and some low light shots and what you would use for evenings and social occasions. You want one device that does it all and that would be the n82. Many thanks for the review and the images.
Whoops I forgot to mention that. Both devices are on the latest firmware at the time of this post. The N86 is on v21.006 and the N82 is on v35.0.002 :)
Hi Cj i wanted to ask with witch firmware's are used in these devices.. It's a nice comparison i had the n86 for a while but i've had many problem's with scratches on the lens cover the back of the slider and keys so i sold it
[...] use the N86 8MP yet, i can’t give a proper Judgement about that, but my Friend CJ, over on Zomg its CJ can! He posted a HUGE Comparison Review, with Lots of different Pictures in different [...]