External side of the cover contains the outside display (96x68 pixels, 65,536 colors STN) surrounded by an aluminium-like frame. For my taste, the display is a little bit too grainy (large pixels) and faded but it's still useful and readable. Below the screen you can find the main 2 Megapixel camera (4.8 mm, f/3.2, fixed focus, 1600x1200 pixels, 20x digital zoom) with LED flash. Between the camera and the display there is a small button which can be used to show big clock and date and also to access several system functions like e.g. viewing the call log. There is no dedicated camera shutter button and you have to open the cover and operate it from the menu inside. On the left side of the phone there is a dedicated Push-to-Talk button and on the bottom of the cover you can find the usual Power on/off button which can be also used to switch profiles.

The N71 is a dual mode GSM/UMTS phone. Data transmission speeds reach 384 kbps in WCDMA networks and up to 236 kbps in EDGE networks. Connectivity options include Bluetooth 1.2 (with Basic Printing Profile and Human Interface Device Profile providing support for accessories, including BT keyboards) and USB 2.0 via Pop-Port connector, which is located on top of the phone, under the hinge. N71 supports hot-swappable miniSD cards up to 2 GB (128 MB card is bundled with the phone) and comes with 10 MB of internal storage memory, which is twice less than in N90 and three times less than in N70. The miniSD slot is located right under the Pop-port and is hidden behind a black plastic door.

Verdict

Nokia N71 is a small and nice looking clamshell. Equipped with the latest Symbian OS 9.1 and S60 3rd Edition, the phone provides much increased security and more power. High quality 240x320 pixels screen and 2 Megapixel camera capable of recording video with VHS quality @ 15 frames per second make it a good choice for multimedia enthusiasts. The only concern is that the phone is not compatible with existing 3rd software for older Series 60 smartphones and it may take some time until developers prepare and release Symbian OS 9.1 compatible versions of their applications.