Nokia N95

Micky · #1 03-05-2008, 10:50 AM

As many of you know, I have been scammed, then messed about with on ebay regarding a purchase of an N96 8GB, but am now back in the UK for a little while, and ready now to take the plunge, but have a few questions, which I would appreciate, anyone answering, or offering advice from personal experiences etc. I want an Unlocked, unbranded handset, but also would like to know which N95's unbrand easily, and which don't, which come unlocked, and the ones that don't. I know some details of Network operators, and their unlocking spec etc.

Ok, here goes.

Which is the best one to purchase.?

Vodafone? (Comes branded, including logos on back of casing, but could i get this unlocked free as per thread in these forums?)

O2 (From what I understand, these handsets are open to all Networks, but obviously have branded OS, but how easy to remove O2 stuff?)

3, (now I think I should steer well clear of these handsets, am I right?)

T-Mobile, I hear they have just started to include the 8GB version in their latest deals.?

Orange, do they sell an N95 8GB?

Basically, I will be taking the phone back home to Finland, hence why I wish to buy an unbranded, and unlocked.

Also, i am looking for a phone which is still sealed in the box, and thus not having anyone having their hands on the handset messing with things. I want an handset press, sealed in the box.

Any help, guidance, tips, inside info, would be greatly appreciated.

Micky

Mr G · #2 03-05-2008, 10:53 AM

The ball and chain has the o2 N95-2 and the only branding is the theme,screensaver,start up animation and the o2 bookmarks.All easy to get rid off just by de-branding.

Gaz · #3 03-05-2008, 10:59 AM

The 02 would be the easiest to de brand
Vodafone offer some excellent tariffs (probably the best at the minute) but the phone will have a branded back cover although it is very easily changed
H3G I wouldn't touch with a very long barge pole
T Mobile seem to be very slow to issue Firmware updates etc and tend to heavily brand their handsets too
Orange do not currently offer the handset but if/when they get around to it they are bound to ruin it with horridly branded covers and firmware and take forever to update software

Micky · #4 03-05-2008, 11:04 AM

Cheers guys, steering towards O2 then so far. Im only looing for a handset, and no Tariff.'

Interesting point regarding H3G, thanks.

dtm · #5 03-05-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gaz Service Level 2

T Mobile seem to be very slow to issue Firmware updates etc and tend to heavily brand their handsets too

LOL i agree about firmware updates but not about branding all i got was t-mobile ringtone, message alert and web'n'walk icon. The backcover however does say T-Mobile on it but a new cover is what 2 quid?

Mr G · #6 03-05-2008, 11:12 AM

I think Gaz has seen more T-mob handsets then you dtm so i would go with him on this one....sorry.

Bartmanekul · #7 03-05-2008, 11:14 AM

Im a bit lost, if you dont want a tariff, why not just buy new simfree?

Steve_R · #8 03-05-2008, 11:18 AM

Carphonewarehouse should be able to sell you a sim free one, or try somewhere like play.com or expansys.com

Vodafone handsets I believe are now unlocked (but branded) from the start.

Bartmanekul · #9 03-05-2008, 11:25 AM

From play.com, brand new its £430 with free delivery. If you go with the cheapest tariff which gives you an N95 8GB free (I suspect vodas £35 a month for 18 months), its £630.

dtm · #10 03-05-2008, 11:33 AM

I have had 4 N95's with the exact same branding over the last 12 months maybe he is taking about sony ericsson's or samsung's or other handsets? but not nokia handsets as they all come with the exact branding but the back cover branding varies across models. Unless they are from carphone warehouse or phones4u who knows. Btw you cant get the 8GB from T-Mobile stores at the moment they dont have it.. you would have to go to carphone or the likes.

P.S i know because my stepdad is a area manager manager of the North West stores of T-Mobile and i get to look at all the new phones (T-Mobile stock) as and when they become available and i havent had a 8gb in my hands as of yet. Im still waiting to check out the N82 as a possible next handset if they ever blimin get it :(