aside 12 Nov

Nokia E71-1 vs E71-2 and some shortcuts

When the Nokia E71 Smartphone came out, I had to have it. I’ve been a fan of the E-Series and the Nokia S60 devices since I got my hands on an E61, courtesy Papa Guj from a2zwireless.com. The phones are an absolute dream to use and allow me to run my business remote. At the time of release, only the E71-1 or the Asian/European version of the E71 existed, so I purchased it, making due with lower speed but tolerable EDGE Internet access.

Nokia E71-1 vs E71-2 by you.

Recently, I decided to bite the bullet and purchase the North American E71-2 which can take advantage of high-speed 3G internet here in Canada. I was impressed but I also noticed some interesting differences between the first phone I got and the second one. Apparently, the E71-2 I received has an additional feature – quickdial. On the standby screen, you can start typing your intended victim’s name and voila – the E71-2 will try to discern who you’re trying to reach and wil pop up a list of potential callees. No such luck with the E71-1. This, of course, is pre-firmware upgrade. I’ll report once I actually get to that.

For reference, my E71-1 bears a product ID of RM-346. The E71-2 bears a product ID of RM-357. Other than that, they’re both firmware 100.07.76 dated 08-06-2008.

BTW – I also discovered a new shortcut for the phone. If you want to toggle between predictive text and standard entry, hit ALT then press CTRL then hit SPACE. If you’re looking for other shortcuts, check out the E71fanatics page on the topic, HERE.

  • Maran

    Hey, were there any other noticable differences between the two besides faster speeds in canada? like any performance difference or anything

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    I’ve since upgraded my E71-1 to firmware 110.07.127. I’m still waiting for the update for the E71-2 to appear on NSU.. thus far no update.

    Regarding the differences between the two phones – even with the updated firmware, it seems that the E71-1 still can’t quickdial by name from the standby screen.

    The E71-1 is a 3G model for Europe and Asia so it will only transmit at 3G speeds on those networks, if you’re in the Americas, you will only get EDGE at best. The E71-2 is a 3G model for the Americas – Canada and USA specifically.

  • Khaled Shakwy

    now i have a real problem… i live in Egypt and i stupidly purchase the E71-2 (i did not know the difference) and ofcourse i can’t see 3G, is there anyway i can update the firmware to turn it to E71-1 ?!?!?!? .. Please help me with this one

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @Khaled – I highly doubt this – I think the firmware doesn’t dictate what type of services are available to the mobile device… I have speculated about this in my other post, though HERE.

  • Vanessa

    Hi, Raj… sorry about my question if it seems stupid but… can I unblock an E71-1 and make it work with an operator that usually runs with an E71-2? I have two phones from different operators and I bought the E71-1 thinking that I could utilise it with both numbers… I really don´t mind if it can´t work with 3G… but I’d like to know if it´s possible.

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @Vanessa – the E71-1 and E71-2, from my understanding, as an unlocked phone will work anywhere in the world. The sole difference is the speed of Internet, one supporting North American high-speed, the other supporting Europe and Asian high-speed.

    Here’s a listing of the operating frequencies:

    E71-1 Quad-band EGSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 900/2100 HSDPA
    E71-2 Quad-band EGSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/1900 HSDPA
    E71-3 Quad-band EGSM 850/900/1800/1900, WCDMA 850/2100 HSDPA

    It sounds like you have a seperate issue, though. I don’t believe a firmware update gets rid of Operator locks that a branded phone may have.

  • Sean

    Nokia won’t release the E71-3 unless there’s a mobile network provider operating on that specific frequency that wants the E71-3.
    Most annoying for Australians.

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    I’d like to look at Nokia’s books – it seems that they make their money through relationships with carriers – which makes sense based on how they’re operating. Otherwise, it would be pretty simple to make a phone which operates on ALL the above frequencies. I’m sure there’s regulations as well but given that some phones on the market are already providing 3G on all networks, it isn’t too much of a stretch. Nokia needs to take a step into reality and break the embargo.

  • Julie

    I noticed the European versions also come in different colors 4 including red, why don’t the American versions offer the same, i find that strange – the network differences I understand. Sorry this seems silly, but i LOVE red.

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @Julie Europe appears to be more profitable as a market for Nokia. North America has always been protectionist. You can still purchase the Red E-Series, but you won’t get the benefit of 3G internet. Not a biggie, really, you still get EDGE.

  • Ravi

    Hi Raj

    How can I find out whether my Nokia E71 is E71-1 or E71-2 or E71-3
    I want to use it on the new WCDMA850 n/w in NZ and I bought it in India

    Tx

  • http://www.raj.jp raj
  • MSA

    Hi,
    I bough a E71-2 but I can’t use it on 3G (only EDGE). I found out that in Brazil Nokia is selling E71-3, so that’s probably because of the different frequencies 1900 (E71-2) x 2100 (E71-3). Is there any way of changin my E71-2 to E71-3 regarding 3G frequencies?

    many thanks,
    MSA

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @MSA – My understanding is that the firmware is exclusive of the operating frequencies a phone works on. Sorry – at this point, there is no way to change that without changing out the hardware.

  • Sogand

    Hi Raj
    I purchase a E71-2, but Icant use 3G. I think that E71-1 Keyboard is better. & It Support my native Language: Persian

  • sogand

    Hi Raj
    I purchase a E71-2 but Ithink E71-1 keyboard is better. and it supports my native languge: Persian
    Is there same difference in one model in Nokia Products?
    thanks

  • lilly

    I live in Canada Ontario and i just bought the e71-3. everyone is saying how the -2 is the one to get if living in Canada or America. will the -3 work in 3G, EDGE, etc?

    would very much appreciate an answer.

    thanks!

  • Alex

    I have new e71-2, would love to exchange to e71-1. Phone made in Finland, bought in US, since I spend most of the time in Europe I would like to swap.

  • steve

    Hey

    about to purchase an e-71. I actually work for in a rogers corporate store. Nokia had a campaighn for associates selling at least 5 nokia e-71s or n-95s would get a free phone (n-95 or e-71 of your choice) . This was at the time they were doing the $90 accescory kit. anyways…I asked for the n95 because i wanted to sell it and get the black e-71 …(which i’m absolutely in love with)…but are you 100% certain that the black one is an e-71-1 and will not get 3g data like the 6gb I’m using for my iphone right now?

    thanks

    s.s.
    rogers plus vaughn mills, Vaughn, Ontario

  • Victor

    @Alex, I have a E71-1 that I am willing to trade the E71-2. Contact me for details. nguyevic at gmail dot com

  • Jignesh Patel

    Hey Alex I bought it E71-1 3 weeks ago, iam also willing to trade. Contact me for details. jignesh_pats@hotmail.com

  • delicado

    Hi Ravi,
    type this on your mobile phone *#0000#
    You will see what type of E-71 you have.

  • GiLmore

    I am in the USA and bought the Nokia E71-1 last week thinking I would get the 3G network. But I don’t. I’m looking to swap for a Nokia E71-2, and I’ll also throw in $50 cash.

    GiLmo_574@yahoo.com

    P.S. Raj – you rock, man. Very, very helpful to a Symbian rookie like myself. Thanks again.

  • Pingback: Nokia E71-1 vs E71-2 and some shortcuts « SSID Wireless

  • uzoma markson

    i love nokia e series

  • Ashraf

    hello!
    I am using E71-2. IS there a way to use asia 3G with this one?

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    @Ashraf – there is no way, the physical hardware is different between the E71-1 and the E71-2

  • Danzo

    how do I update my E71-1 software will I lose everything in it when I do So. Beside am in south africa. How do you know the different if it’s a south africa or american

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    You will lose everything. Use PC suite to make a backup.

  • G.Lufu

    I just love my E71-1 the surprises are limitless

  • Mayuresh Thombare

    Hey, how can I detect weather my phone is E71-1 or E71-2

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Product code will give you the info you need. Compare the RMXXX number against a list online.

  • frank

    how do i find the serial and phone number on my nokia e71-2 phone

  • rajab

    raj can you help me out if some features fail to respond what should i do like my camera which says unsupported feature?

  • http://www.raj.jp raj

    Nokia lost my business long ago. Life is so much better with my iPhone.