Review: Nokia E73 Mode
Screen
One feature that sadly has not been improved on the E73 is the display. It carries forward the same 2.4-inch, 320 x 240 display. Not only is it smaller than many competing smart phones, the resolution just doesn't cut it. Pixelation is visible everywhere. Text, icons, graphics, images and Web sites all have rough edges. With so many high-quality displays on the market, it is a disappointment that Nokia thinks it can get away with such an inferior screen on what's supposed to be its flagship business device. As far as view-ability is concerned, indoors is no problem. It actually holds up pretty well outdoors, too, though that depends in part on the settings, backgrounds and themes you choose.
Signal
The E73 excelled at collecting T-Mobile's signal. Nokia devices typically have 7 bars for signal strength (as opposed to 5). Most of the time, the E73 had 5 or 6 bars. I only saw it dip down to T-Mobile''s EDGE network once, and it was in an area that I know to have spotty coverage. How did the signal performance affect calling? I didn't miss a single call while testing the E73. Nor did the E73 drop any calls. Data sessions were mostly speedy, though I noticed a couple of minor slow downs. It's a Nokia, and it behaves like a Nokia.
Sound
Call clarity with the E73 was outstanding. Nokia knows how to make phones that are superior as phones, and the E73 is no different. I heard zero noise or fuzziness while making calls with the E73, and those I spoke with said I sounded crystal clear. As far as volume is concerned, the earpiece is easily loud enough to overcome most environments, including a noisy coffee shop and a busy city street. The speakerphone was board room quality. You could conduct a business meeting in the executive suite with no problem. Clarity and volume were perfect. The ringers and alerts can also be ratcheted up to near rock concert levels. I easily heard a call with loud music and a lawnmower providing background noise.
Battery
The E73 is also a solid performer when it comes to battery life. One benefit of having a smaller display is that it takes less processing power to handle it, which in turn leads to better battery life. I was able to manage 2.5 days with the E73, and that included a lot of voice calls, email, texting and Web browsing. Even turning on the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi radios didn't appear to have too much of an impact on the E73's battery life. If you're headed out for the weekend, you can probably leave the charger behind. Going on a 3-day business trip? Better bring it just in case.
Video Tour: Nokia E72
Summer 2009
Nokia Launches E73 with T-Mobile
Nokia E72 Now Available In the U.S. for $470
Samsung Refines its Foldable Phones
Nokia E73 Mode / E72
