Nokia e61i vs Nokia e61 Verdict!
After using the Nokia e61i for a month I thought I wil give you a hands on experience to clear other users apprehensions to upgrade or not. I will comment only on noticeable differences not indulge in complete detailed hardware and software specs. Physical differences (Part 1)
Design
Nokia e61i design wise is much more superior to e61 with its silver and mocha combination. Compared to the e61 with its joypad and all silver plastic material this one looks more beautiful and sleeker in this color combo. The all silver D PAD with silver smooth rim like edges enhances the design value and somehow makes it look more sleeker. My uncle was holding it next to his ear and for the 1st time I saw another view as I had not seen anyone holding it except for me. Obviously I cannot see how it looks in that view. The silver and mocha combo with the silver edges around the camera eye really made me feel like a proud owner. The phone from the side looks slimmer due to the fact that the black part gives an illusion of one looking only at the silver edges
Key Pad
Key Pad is much more responsive, better spaced and raised perfectly. Text input has become much faster though I have to keep cuttings my nails every week instead of 2 weeks.
D Pad
It takes a couple of hours to get used to it. But trust me when I say it is a vast improvement in navigation then the joy pad. I am a heavy user of the phone to the extent that I do not open my laptops at times. The joypad used to make my thumb ache after a while thosedays are gone now the D PAD make the navigation experience much smoother and no more thumb aches. Thank you Nokia.
Additional Buttons
Additional button that is own key and contacts are fine but they do not add much value to the operation to the phone in my opinion. Again the symmetry and the alignment of the buttons next to the D PAD makes the area much more complete and finished. So design wise their is a definite improvement in that area.
Alert Sensor The alert sensor in the Nokia e61i keeps blinking as you can manage its settings to blink for a set period of time. Now you can hardly ever miss an email, sms or call.
Power On Button
Is now in white with an orange circle which makes it more defined and blends in with the phone yet stands out.
Embossed
The addition of embossed e61i makes Nokia the logo complete.
Camera
After using e61 for 1 whole year (longest I have ever had a phone) I keep forgetting that the Nokia e61i has a camera but when I do remember it gives me an additional satisfaction. I have taken a few pictures and videos which I will add later and I must add they are not bad at all.
Sound Speaker
Sound speaker seems much better and the various tones sound more melodious then the Nokia e61
Physical Verdict: 7/10%
Improvement: 70%
Will cover noticeable difference in software in part 2
Popularity: 11% [?]
June 11th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Thanks. This was very informative. I can’t decide which phone to get ,an e61 or an e61i. I’m settling for an e61i after reading this.
June 11th, 2007 at 8:55 pm
Go for e61i they are a few problems but not so much that will not be fixed in next firmware cheers Ali
June 12th, 2007 at 2:04 am
Hi Ali–great site and thanks for the interest.
Can you tell me if your notification light is working? I’m expecting the phone tomorrow and some Howard-Forum users are claiming the light stops working.
Thanks!
June 12th, 2007 at 2:28 am
hey, yes even I read that. It is absolutely working without any hitch. I have had no problem so far. It wont be a bad idea to ask them where they got it from maybe that particular stock had a problem. Cheers
June 12th, 2007 at 3:13 am
Hi again, Ali. I just posted that question on HoFo. I’ll let you know if I hear anything from there. I purchased from Buy.com and paid for overnight shipping. The phone should be here tomorrow afternoon (Pittsburgh, PA). I’m going to be selling my BB 8800 if the E61i lives up to the hype. I’m very excited about the phone.
June 12th, 2007 at 3:24 am
Hopefully it will be a random problem. Big jump from BB 8800 just kidding you will love the phone, it just feels really good once you get used to it especially the screen,keypad along with the display and wifi. Let me know if I can be of any help. Cheers
June 12th, 2007 at 3:26 am
Thanks again. I had the Cingular Branded E62–loved the screen, but Cingular crippled it and it had myriad rebooting issues and the like. Plus, it was SO slow. I did download tons of software for it so I’m stoked to move onto the E61i. I’m looking forward to tinkering around with it.
June 12th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Hey dont worry about it their are difference in the e61 vs e61i. It has a few problems but nothing that can not be fixed by the new firmware or tweaking of the phone. I will give you a few tips and tricks how to keep it more responsice.
Meanwhil, enjoy the phone.
June 12th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
Sounds great, Ali. The phone should be here in a few hours. I’m going out to cut the grass and then take my son to the pool for a few hours. By the time we’re done, the phone should be here: I’ll put my son down for a long nap and get to work on the phone!
June 12th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
[...] Nokia e61 vs Nokia e61i Verdict Part 1 [...]
June 13th, 2007 at 6:40 am
Hey all,
Nice site Ali, I was actually thinking about writing a review about the phone. I am actually writing on it right now!
I’ve had it for about three weeks now and I Really like it, it has become an invaluable part of my business day. I was using a Sony P900 before, which has a lot of features, but none of them as “usable” as the e61i. I was really worried about not having a touchscreen because I had gotten so used to using a stylus, but I don’t miss it one bit. I actually love the built in physical keyboard so much that I can not see myself owning another phone without one! (one of the reasons I would not recommend the Apple IPhone for Productivity)
Pros:
1. Large beautiful screen for writing emails, surfing the web, videos, etc.
2. Very responsive physical keyboard
3. Thin & Light, yet very well built
4. Ability to multitask
5. Excellent phone features.
6. Built-in camera, for those moments when your “nikon” is not on hand.
7. Good voice command system
8. Excellent Battery life
and much more…..
Cons so far:
1. Dpad does not move diagonally
2. Buttons next to dpad a bit too easy to press (only when using dpad to control games)
3. No Auto Keypad Lock
4. Name of Named Profile Blocks date on Standby screen, except for General Profile
5. No categories for memos, notes, etc.
6. Wallpaper does not take up entire screen
7. Message reader only reads text messages
But, the Pro’s FAR outweigh the Cons. I would not change my e61i for any other phone out there right now.
What’s everyone’s opinion? Questions?
Cheers!
Rocc (Kingston, Jamaica)
June 13th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Hi Ali, I never have any smartphone before. Now I thinking of getting one….but still don’t know which one to get, e61i…i600…BB Curve…Atom Life?
I looking for a device that can offer me to have my emails push to me instantly (which all above can do it)…and I also looking for a device that can offer me to type in MSN in chinese characters…which I don’t know which one can? Can help me?
*one thing I like about e61i is the easy browsing of webpage..
June 13th, 2007 at 8:19 am
Ali–I received the phone today. Everything is working fine for the most part, but I’m having two issues I’m hoping you can help me with:
I just received the E61i from buy.com. Two issues I’m hoping you folks can help me out with.
1. The indicator light does not function. Should I exchange it for another unit? The light is something that would be very beneficial to me.
2. When I make a phone call, the prompt, “packet data connection on hold” comes up on the screen. When the call ends, the prompt, “packet data connection active” comes up. Does anyone know why this happens and whether I can change these settings?
Thanks in advance.
ibulldog
June 13th, 2007 at 3:32 pm
Hey ibulldo, Congrates and welome to e61i for # 1 did you switch on notification light go to settings - phone - notification and change the blink light for…and notified events for..then send yourself a message or missed call and check if the light is working. For #2 it seems you are connected to edge or gprs constantly this means you are constantly connected to the net for either push mail or some other application. If so you cannot trun this off. Only way is for you not to constantly run a program which utilizes gprs.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
vokawala you can easily get push email on e61i I am not too sure about it supportind chinese charactars try nokias site to find out. Since I have not used other phones I cannot comment but after using this phone I do not want to switch to any other.
June 13th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Hey Rocco, thanks for the comments trust me I was a phone freak used to change phones every 3 months out of boredom but guess what after I got e61 my life changed and I have not changed phones for 1 holw year in fact upgraded to e61i. The question is whether iphone or nokia e90 will cut it. I don’t think so because iphone is a gadget and I really dont like the idea of smudging the screen or typing on it without a keypad or stylus. Nokia e90 though tempting but is still too big and brickish for my liking and to keep opening it is still a pain. But the e90 does look awesome.
Still feel e61i is productive, hardcore business phone with a great screen size, wifi and sleek look what else would anyone want.
June 13th, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Hey Ali,
I agree with you 100%! I love the thinnest, being able to put this thing in my pocket, and no one knows I’m carrying a phone, I sometimes even forget.
Why do you think they forgot their usual Auto Keypad Lock Feature?
bulldog,
I agree with Ali there, check to see if you have any program that is using the web constantly, for example podcasting/updates, email checking too often, or web browser running in the background. You will also find if you access the net constantly, that battery life will be less than expected.
Rocc
June 13th, 2007 at 9:25 pm
Thanks fellows.
I did check the indicator light in all settings and it still does not work. I will be sending the unit back for an exchange because I really love everything else.
Regarding being connected all the time, you are correct. I have Blackberry Connect running.
Thanks.
June 13th, 2007 at 10:36 pm
bulldog,
question, does your indicator light come one when you hold down power button to start up the phone?
Also, I have noticed with mine, that I can not received text messages or phone calls when I am on the web or downloading podcasts. Does anyone else have this issue?
Cheers,
Rocc
June 14th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Hi Rocc–yes, the light does come on when I press the power button. But that’s it, lol.
I can receive messages when I’m on the web. I did mention the packet data prompt, which is very annoying (why would anyone implement such a prompt? Ugh). I’m on AT&T with the Blackberry service and unlimited data. Perhaps your data plan is the issue?
June 14th, 2007 at 2:06 am
Ibulldog, That’s strange are you sure you have notifcation setting on?
Rocc,
Apparently I heard that if your transferring data this problem does arise. But in the case of push mail or when a page download has completed we don’t notice it their is no data transfer so sms and calls get received. Lets check it out. One of the techies who works for an operator told me this I do not know if this is correct. I have faced this problem at times..
June 14th, 2007 at 2:08 am
By the way I have turned on moderation so no need for approval on my end it was a pain in the ass. Lol
June 14th, 2007 at 6:29 am
Bulldog,
Hmmmm…. That is weird, so the light hardware is working, so it has to do with software.
Try turning off all web products including blackberry Connect, make sure you are using general profile, and using active standby, and correct settings, uncheck all, turn off phone then restart and recheck them and try message. Do you hear associated sound for the particular message?
Ali,
Thanks for turning off moderation.
It is weird, because when I was downloading a Podcast last week, calls came in, but with wrong tones. Now today they went straight to voicemail while downloading podcast. I wonder if it has anything to do with signal strength/bandwidth?
Do you know if they will put in Auto Kepad Lock back with firmware update?
Also do you know of a third party file manager that allows you to see all files (even system files) on the mem card? Reason I installed a whole bunch of themes today unto the phone using the usb cable and PC suite Application installer, and I can not find half of them?? In the Installer log they show as being installed, but I can not locate in Installer Listing or under Themes?
Rocc
June 14th, 2007 at 11:41 am
hi there, i am planning of buyin one. i have a few queries
1)how is the browsing speed?
2)can we open multiple web pages at the same time?
3)wat abt the reply to a blog?(like replyin to a blog made in a blogsite) (or even posting a scrap)
4)wat abt downloading files(other than .sis files) onto the fone?
5)can we view youtube videos or even stream videos from net?
6)how is the sms feature and mail checking feature?
thanks in advance
June 14th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Hi Alex,
1) Browsing speed is pretty good depends on if you are using gprs or wifi.
2) Cannot open multiple pages but I have 2 browsers open at the same time you can switch between them
3) I am replying from the phone browser.
4) Yes you can download most of the files you want for example mp3, office docs, pictures etc
5) Cannot watch utube but apparently google is working on a mobile solution so it will be out soon.
6) One of the best I have used.
June 14th, 2007 at 11:59 am
Rocc,
That’ strange let me investigate it is not signal strength.
Their is an File Explorer I don’t remember the name I think it is s explorer. Let me look for it will get back to you on this. Have you tried looking for it both in phone and memory card.
June 14th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
@Ali
thanks a bunch dude
i am now using gprs(will try edge too).
ok now next queries(told u not to mess with me..hehe)
1)will the price decrease in the coming months. now its 18.5k in the market with bill.
2)wats the size of memory card u get with E61i?
3)wat abt messenger? hows ur experience with yahoo, mgtalk?
4)wats the best memory card that we must buy for this fone?
5)wat abt using opera? have u tried opening multiple pages with opera?
6)wat abt kaptcha? can we read that in the mobile browser?
June 14th, 2007 at 12:57 pm
also
7)wat abt the different connectivity present in india. i have used only gprs. could u tell abt the other connectivities like
7.a)wi-fi
7.b)wlan
7.c)voip
noob here…thats y all the doubts.
June 14th, 2007 at 2:40 pm
one more regarding the downloads
8)can we download from rapidshare, megashare etc using the free accounts(not premium ones)
9)wat abt uploading? can we upload a file to rapidshare, megashare?
June 14th, 2007 at 7:01 pm
Hi Rocc–yes, I do hear the sounds I have associated with the respective messages. I tried your suggestion and the light does not work.
Then I reflashed the phone with it’s original firmware (there is not a new version of the firmware out, but you do have the option to reinstall the original). The light DID work for about ten emails and messages, but then stopped working again.
I’ve already received a RMA from buy.com and have asked for an exchange.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Alex,
Regarding your question about price I have no idea about the Indian Market. You should get a 256 mb card with your phone but again largely dependent on region. You can get a 1 gb card for a few dollars. No mutiple pages option in Opera.
regarding kaptcha I have no idea.
Wifi connectivity is very fast depends if you have a hotspot or a router. Edge is much faster then gprs. Files can be downloaded from Rapid Share and other sites. Uploads depends on site to site if less java scripting it is easier.
June 14th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Ibulldog definitely a good idea to exchange this is for sure a firmware issue. Hope you enjoyed the phone though. I am signing off now had a bad meeting I work too going to get a chilled one. Cheers
June 15th, 2007 at 7:26 am
@Ali
thanks for the info.
could u just try to download a file from rapidshare and check whether u can read the kaptcha and also wen u enter the kaptcha it checks it fine too and proceeds to the downloading page?
could u explain more abt wifi in lame man’s language(noob here). wat do we gotta do to enable wifi and wat is the use?
June 16th, 2007 at 4:30 am
Hey Ali,
sorry to hear about you dropping the phone, i hope it is ok? ive dropped mine once but lucky it was in the case! No damage. are u able to play mp4 videos on the phone? ive only been able to play 3gp. but the mp4 does play in the nokia media player on the PC.