The N95 will most likely be remembered by mane as one of the most important and iconic device in Nokia’s history. Back in 2006 when it was introduced, it was touted  as “what computers have become.” We were all lured in by the plethora of features, the integrated GPS, a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, high speed connections, DVD-like video capture, TV-out feature, UPnP and 3.5mm audio jack. Fast forward to 2009 and we have a soon-to-be-released N97. It is one of the most anticipated devices of the year, even here at The Nokia Guide we recommend the N97 as the device to get. But a quick look at the features reveals that not much has changed. Sure, the N97 has a much bigger screen with touch functionality and QWERTY keyboard, but in fact the core features remain the same. The question whether the similar features is a good or bad thing, will remain for another discussion. The more appropriate question should be: If newer or better features is not what is attracting many to the N97, than what is? The answer could be very simple: I think it’s the social aspect of the N97 and the polished experience it’s promising. Social aspect and experience? Devices pioneering new features could be less important while a solid, polished experience and social-media could be the new “it” features for new devices. And this is exactly what the N97 is offering.

As for the polished experience over new features, current trends seem to support this, just look at the 5800 XpressMusic and the E71. They aren’t Nokia’s most advanced devices with the most features (the N96 could easily beat both in having more features), but yet they are one of the more popular devices out there. How come? Again, despite the lack of very high-end features they simply work because the overall experience presented by the software and hardware is so pleasant. In Allaboutsymbian’s recent posting “Ten Things that Nokia Did Right in making the 5800 XpressMusic”Steve best describes this polished user experience found on the software side of things:

"the fact that it runs S60 5th Edition means that it's building on every previous version, every previous Feature Pack, every previous codec and library addition. This isn't immediately apparent until you start comparing a S60 5th Edition phone with something like the Apple iPhone or Palm Pre or the Android-powered G1. In each case, these much newer 'built recently' platforms appear to be 'all there' (they certainly have lots of eye candy) but when you need something detailed, such as adding a phone number from your call log to a specific field in an existing contact or sending a Note to someone else's phone using Bluetooth (to pick just two everyday examples that can't be done on some newer competitors) you'll find that S60 5th Edition is now very complete indeed. Add in the most up to date audio and video codecs so that almost any file type can be handled and the real time maturity of Symbian OS in handling multiple data connections, applications and interruptions seamlessly, and you end up with a phone with a rock solid base – even if the top soil is still in motion a little” 

This is clearly visible on the the E71’s speed and stability and ability to get things done and quick.  The same can be said about the 5800 XpressMusic that just now has reach firmware version 20 but yet feels quite snappy and is indeed very stable, while also getting the job done in both creating and consuming media.  Add the seamless integration of Nokia’s army of apps and services into something like the 5800, it’s understandable why such an “experience” could be more important than megapixels or features. If the promise behind the N97 is to be believed, the polish and experience should be even greater as it rides on the same proven S60 5th used on the popular 5800 XpressMusic, that in turn builds on previous versions. The N97 should add even tighter integration into all of these services in an even more polished manner, just look at for example to Skype integration and the Widget-based front screen. (Including more eye-candy).

The other “it” feature that should make the N97 a success is the social aspect of the device. At the launch Nokia introduced the concept of 'social location'. Basically:

“With integrated A-GPS sensors and an electronic compass, the Nokia N97 mobile computer intuitively understands where it is. The Nokia N97 makes it easy to update social networks automatically with real-time information, giving approved friends the ability to update their 'status' and share their 'social location' as well as related pictures or videos.”

With social-media quickly getting more momentum it’s getting increasingly more important for the consumer to keep track of friends and family rather than having the latest and greatest features. To name a few I could mention the integration of various Widgets like Facebook, Skype integration and OVI contacts. This brings the focus of the N97 and in fact the Nseries in general more towards a social, communication device, instead of power house pioneering new technology.

At first the N97 doesn’t seem to be adding much when compared to the the N95 that was introduced back in 2006, but upon closer inspection it’s clear that the N97 is not about new features, but rather building upon Nokia’s previous experiences and making a more polished overall experience and with the integration with the various services that make it a social device. Although the N97 lacks the Omnia HD’s High Definition video recording or 8 megapixel camera, it makes up for this with features that should matter: Experience, Polish and Social aspect.

What do you prefer in a flagship device? Superior features or a social device with the great experience?