Nokia N79

Photos: TBD

The Nokia N79 was one of the most unusual high-end smartphones of the late 2000s. In terms of functionality, it almost completely mirrored the famous N82: the same Series 60 3rd Edition platform, Wi-Fi, GPS, a 5-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, and video recording at 30 fps. But unlike the strict and “serious” N82, the N79 focused on style: it came with three interchangeable battery covers in different colors, and the phone would automatically change the display theme to match the cover in use. This trick turned the device into something more than just a tool — it became an accessory that highlighted the owner’s individuality.

Technically, the N79 didn’t disappoint either: it was lighter and more compact than the N82, weighing only 97 grams, equipped with the convenient Navi wheel, an integrated FM transmitter, stereo speakers, and a sizable 1200 mAh battery. Support for microSDHC cards made it possible to store not just music and photos but entire collections of apps and games, while Wi-Fi and GPS made it a versatile solution for both travel and everyday tasks. At the same time, the phone looked less “heavy” and much more approachable than its “older brother.”

My only encounter with the Nokia N79 happened in a Nokia flagship store when the smartphone had just gone on sale. I remember noticing its keyboard: soft, pleasant to the touch, and much more comfortable than the narrow buttons of the N82. It was this combination of thoughtful ergonomics and the bright “fashion” concept with colorful covers that stuck with me the most — the N79 left the impression of a device that managed to be both a powerful tool and a stylish companion.

All photos from Vintage Cellphone and PDA Museum by TiredSysadmin are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International.