Don't ask me how I know, THIS IS NOT A FACT, so just read it as a reference. I am not so sure about every details but here is what i know.

Previously all Nokia Symbian platform is running on Texas Instruments OMAP processor. Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8G and Nokia N82 all running on Texas Instruments OMAP2420 processor which integrated ARM1136 processor (330 MHz).

Rumors had it that the new Nokia N96 will not be using the OMAP processor anymore in conjunction with Nokia change of policy to source the components for its phones from different vendor rather than only one. Rumors also suggesting that the new Nokia N96 will probably using the STn8815 Nomadik processor from STMicroelectronics. I dig further into the STn8815 Nomadik processor datasheet from the internet and found out that the STn8815 processor only has a integrated ARM926EJ processor. I compare the ARM1136 and ARM926 processor specifications from ARM website and clearly ARM1136 is a better and more advance processor. I have no idea why Nokia decided to downgrade the processor for their latest N96 phone (to save battery life maybe?). We will just wait until the real phone is out in the market to make the final judgment.

First, let's don't jump into conclusion so fast whether or not there is any improvement between N95 8G and N96. What you see is only on paper, you haven't use the phone yet, so let's just be fair to all parties. Of cause we consumer want everything the best, VGA resolution display, 8 MP camera, etc...but we must also think from the design n application engineers point of view, to include so much into such a small form factor is already incredible, so don't push it. Although we can always argue that those are not our problem and since we consumers are the one who is paying the $$$, they should find a way to deliver what the consumer required. But hey, they didn't really put a gun at our head to ask us buy their product either right?

If you read my post previously, you probably already know that the N96 might be using a new processor which is different from N95/N95 8G/N82. N95/N95 8G/N82 are using Texas Instruments OMAP2420 processor while the new N96 might be using STMicroelectronics Nomadik STn8815 processor. I do a bit digging into these two processors and found out the following differences:

OMAP2420
CPU: ARM1136 at 330MHz
Power Management: TWL92230
Camera Processor: DM290

STn8815
CPU: ARM926EJ at 393MHz
Power Management: STw481x
Camera Processor: unknown


From above comparison, I am quite sure there will be some performance differences in term of battery life time and camera and imaging performance. But whether or not it will be better I cannot tell. We Just have to wait and see.

This post has been edited by Survivor: Feb 21 2008, 01:51 PM

Well, my N95 is on the 950mAh and I am satisfied with what it can offer me in term of battery life. I charge my phone daily on heavy usage and every 2 days on light usage. It is pretty good for me. I guess everyone's cup of tea is different. Daily charge might be OK with me but not for you, maybe. Let's hope our scientists can develop a phone which is powered by kinetic power eh? so shake ur phone and it got power

There is 1600mAh battery for N95 and N95 8G by China or Taiwan manufacturer, just that it will make your phone much thicker and uglier