Review: Nokia N93 Update Firmware Version 20.0.058
I have been using the latest Nokia N93 firmware version 20.0.058 for a week now so I will review it and try to let you know what to expect when Nokia puts it on their Nokia Software Update page. It should be coming soon.
Symbian Freak reports the official firmware changes in the firmware but I’ll discuss what I personally notice.
Version 20.0.058 Highlights
- Initialization/startup time, improved to 2 ~ 3 sec
- Optical Zoom noise reduction algorithm updated to vary according to background noise level.
- Camera mode switching: Modes spec updated so that when changing from imaging mode to any other mode with camera still active the UI returns to idle screen rather than activate the sub-camera.
- Internet Folder added in position 9 on main menu, containing
Web (OSS Browser) , Search, Download! (contains Catalogs) and WLAN Wizard - WLAN Wizard displayed at Standby Screen
Video Review
For the first three highlights from above, there’s no better way of showing you than with a video. So I made one so you can see for yourself how much faster it turns on, how the switching camera mode was improved, and if the noise from the optical zoom was really decreased.
I notice that the phone turns on fast, but I’m not sure if it is faster because I never turn my phone off. I also like that they fixed the switch from camera mode to phone mode because it was annoying in the previous firmwares. Andy Carvin shares this annoyance. I don’t know whether Nokia is talking about the noise made by the optical zoom mechanism or whether they are talking about the noise of the images when zoomed in. I assume it is the mechanism in the video review. I don’t know if I’m just imagining, but I think the sound of the zoom decreased.
Other Improvements
The Main menu was moved around, and an ‘Internet’ folder was added. The contents of that folder are shown below.
Probably the most useful upgrade is the WLAN Wizard in the standby screen. I can tell the Nokia N93 to automatically find a WiFi connection, and if found, browse the web right away. The connection also automatically disconnects after closing the browser.
A lot of people also wonder if the image quality was improved in the new firmware because Nokia N93 users like Alec Saunders notice too much noise in the pictures. I really don’t see any difference in the new 20.0.058 firmware’s images, but you can see for yourself by looking at some of the pictures I took this week from school. Click on an image to view the full original size.
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Let me EDIT my 1st comment..
Thanks to Mark for reminding me about this event.. Even though I didn't get invited ...
Been using the Nokia N95 8GB for a while now, so I definitely would like a new phone to play ...
I am just curious which of your current phones you got bored with! 
Guys heres a link maybe itl help but yeah maybe its best for nokia to update it! 
Hey Mark, if you ever get really bored with your phone, I'm only 25 miles from NYC!
:D 
Cant believe this!! Ive just upgraded to the N96 and now they're bringing one out above it! How mad am ...
the video suggests it is some some of new privacy techonly, as to our phones now all from us, so ...
so hows abt n96 v11.101
has anyone tired this n succeeded .. cuz i cudnt :( 
* 3 green on/off until apear on sceen new region...all 4 button in same ...
Duke on 18 November 2006:
Do you know how to put back SMS after firmware update without using backup/restore? Cuz if I use Restore, it deletes the Internet folder.
Mark Guim on 18 November 2006:
Sorry Duke, I didn’t restore my SMS because I did not use SMS a lot (SMS costs more than voice calls and I don’t have unlimited SMS). I also installed all of my programs/pictures in the memory card so I did not even bother doing the backup before the update.
That’s weird that the internet folder gets deleted. I hope another reader here can recommend something.
Duke on 18 November 2006:
Yeah, it deletes them(since it brings even how the folders are arranged back to the time you backed it up). I can still find whats inside the Internet folder(except the Search), but are scattered in other folders.
Oh well…
THANKS anyway!
Noel on 21 November 2006:
Does this update fix the multiple keypress bug on the N93?
I want to know if it’s worth the hassle of updating my firmware so I can go back to using emulators like I did on my old 6680.
Mark Guim on 21 November 2006:
Yes it fixes the multiple keypress.
Dean on 30 November 2006:
Hey Mark. I own a Nokia N93, and i always check updates available and i also did recently. And this is my current Nokia N93 firmware version when i pressed *#0000#
V 11.0.034
17-08-06
RM-55
N93 (23.01)
And the thing is i can’t receive any updates since it tells me that theres no updates available.. so can you help me out?
Mark Guim on 30 November 2006:
It is still unavailable in the Nokia Software Update. Currently, the only ways to do it are in Nokia Service Centers or by flashing your own phone.
nomie on 7 December 2006:
were do i download the new nokia n93 firmware ive been looking for a month now an i cant download it from nokia software updater
Symbiatch on 12 December 2006:
Does this also fix the stupid networking issue? If you connect N93 to network and also connect your PC via the phone to network, they won’t work. If the PC downloads stuff, the phone can’t get anything. If the phone DLs, the PC can’t get anything. This with 11.0.034 and this problem is naturally not in N70 or other “older” phones.
Just that I’d know if it’s worth the trouble of going to “service” center or just wait for the update to appear on NSU.
You can trust Nokia to screw things up in newer phones…
Mark Guim on 12 December 2006:
Sorry Symbiatch, I have not tried connecting my PC to phone for network so I don’t know the answer.
Trumpkin on 24 December 2006:
Is there way to see yourself while you’re using the 3.2mp camera? There’s alot of times, where you want to record yourself or record with friends, but you can’t see what you’re recording.
Its possible to flip the screen to view as you record, but it doesn’t allow you to go into camera mode.
Mark Guim on 25 December 2006:
Triumpkin, unfortunately it goes directly into the vga camera if you flip the screen the other way.
paten on 2 January 2007:
i’m Frustrated!! i still can’t update it on Nokia SOftware updater, nokia is so sloooooooooooooooooowwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!!!!so slow it make you wanna break something!! arghhh
ARSH on 3 January 2007:
my soft ver is
V 10.0.025
12-07-06
N93 (60.01)
whats d latest?………..
can i update my firmware through net?
when i try to update my handset firmware it says no update available…….
Help me……
Mark Guim on 4 January 2007:
The latest version is the one I reviewed here which is 20.0.058. The only way to update to this firmware is by flashing your phone. I don’t want to get in trouble writing the guide here, but I’m sure if you search it on Google, you’ll find the sites that can help.
GD on 7 January 2007:
does any1 know when the update will be avaible from nokia!!!!!!???????????????????
?
??
?
?
?
?
/??/
/??
??
Duff Man on 15 January 2007:
hi marc
im going crazy trying to find the firmware (v.20)
right now i have v.10.0.025 and im almost constantly having trouble with random shut downs, and freezing.
i checked the nokia software updater but it says my phone has no upgrades available. (this was done via the USB cable and nokia’s upgrade software.)
any suggestions?
jay on 19 January 2007:
I have a problem with my hinge..
the phone doesn’t work at certain angles..
How and where can I fix that ?
Jay
long on 22 January 2007:
My phone (N93 V.11.0.034) keep giving me connection error, when I try to make a call in my apartment. My roommate has no problem with his phone.(I use Cingular network os is my roommate.) I called Cingular, they said something wrong with the phone, I called Nokia they said something wrong with the Cingular. Do anyone have the same problem like me? Is there any phone provider that N93 support?
Will new update fix the problem?
Thanks.
macsonynokia on 22 January 2007:
hi mark,
first of all, great review for the firmware, i hope to update soon,secondly im wondering if you could help me out here. i need to use my n93 as a modem to my ibook. is there a way to do so? whether using the data cable or bluetooth, i really need to know how. id greatly appreciate it if you could email me or leave a detailed guide here for the benefit of the other people aswell. thanks buddy
Ocelot on 20 April 2007:
hi guys
where can i find the latest firmware update v20.. for
my n93 ??
this version aren’t in the softwareupdater!!
where can i find this version????
fairuz on 24 April 2007:
how long u need to fully charge this n93? coz mine only took bout 20 minutes… is dis normal???
George Maluwa on 27 April 2007:
long Jan 22nd, 2007 at 9:01 am
“My phone (N93 V.11.0.034) keep giving me connection error, when I try to make a call in my apartment. My roommate has no problem with his phone.(I use Cingular network os is my roommate.) I called Cingular, they said something wrong with the phone, I called Nokia they said something wrong with the Cingular. Do anyone have the same problem like me? Is there any phone provider that N93 support?
Will new update fix the problem?
Thanks.”
This is to you LONG please i beg you if you still come on this site answer me… im having the same problem you are having and i dont know how to fix it. Tell me did you fix it and how did you do it. my email address is ‘mrmaluwa@gmail.com’ and mark if you can help me or anybody, just let me know how to fix this problem.
Thank you.
angelsheart84 on 1 May 2007:
hello,
the N93 camera take very bad quality still picture
is there any firmware or a fix for that matter
CONCLUSION on 6 June 2007:
I tried updating my phone to 20.0.058, half way through it stopped the installation then it told me to take out the battery and charger and insert them again and press the on/off button but no matter how many time i do it nothing happens, does anyone know how to fix this, if they do please email me at aafi_king@hotmail.com or jus add me on msn or something. Thanx
Don Vito on 10 July 2007:
i will agree with angelsheart84
As i updated to 20….. my camera went very bad VERY bad ,
Please help me , what shal i do? is there a way to downgrade it? or something else. PLEASE ANSWER
Luke on 6 August 2007:
Hello, jus got my phone from ebay and it has literally been in a cave since 2006. I have just plugged it in to update it and it has, and the thing has got a whole lot more confusing :P! But, my main problem is the camera, previously owning a N73 I have noticed a huge drop in picture quality. I was reading guides which were telling me its better at videos, but i never knew it was this bad!!! Is anyone else getting poor pictures! ? And have you fixed it?
Cheers
shemeem on 16 October 2007:
hi all when i am transfer oe video file to my nokia n93 ,then it is hang eroored.now when i am switch on then it shows one message plz check with dealer.so i cant operate anything with my phone .i want reinstall my operating system.but i cant any thing plz describe how i got operating system?how connect the phone ?and how install the os to my phone?plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
shemeem on 22 October 2007:
hi frnds my nokia n93 not reading or not scanning ‘bar code’.it is not detecting but nokia n93i is supported.anybody have these problem? and what the solution?plzzzzzz help me!!
shawn c on 6 February 2008:
I regret buying the Nokia n93 phone. It is unstable !!!!!. The phone is designed to breakdown after 12-14 months. The same occurs although I have installed the latest firmware 20.0.058. Though I have sent a letter of demand (with intent to sue) to NOKIA Malaysia of this undesirable and unstable phone; they will find many ways to counter your claim. My advice – don’t buy this particular phone model N93. IT’S PRIME TIME RIP-OFF at our expense.
Louise on 14 March 2008:
Hi, I am too getting “connection error” when i try and call out on my brand new nokia n73. I also find people cant call me (just goes to voicemail when the phone is on and good reception). Switching it off and back on sometimes works but not always. It is very frustrating!! Has anyone worked out what can fix this? Many thanks.
Che on 15 May 2008:
I have the N93 for more than a year now. It fell on a stonefloor and was repaired zoom was blocked. i got it with the new Firmware 20.0.058, it is always turned on an stabel for several months.
The Camera was a big problem and cause of much trouble the prerelease Version made a lot better pictures.
I think i will not buy a Nokia the next time because of the bad crippled photoquality because Marketing as Videophone.
Nokia has a Joint Venture with Microsoft, i dont want to use Microsoft Products on my Phone.
Perhaps a IPhone with UMTS will hit the spot for me
Stuart D on 21 May 2008:
I’m with “shawn c”. Purchasing the N93 was one of the biggest mistakes I’ve made. That firmware upgrade is, what I believe, a heavy contributor to its long list of faults. Meaning I’m stuck because I can’t downgrade, and Nokia refuse to release another update.
But basically, all its gimmicks, & hi-tech features, I hardly make use of anymore.
1: Because half of them don’t work, and 2: because it takes SOOOO long to process. Just getting to and from the menu screen is an effort for my N93. Quite an appropriate model name really; similar to the fatigue level of a 93-year old…
I’ll finish by saying, there aren’t enough swear words in the English language that would help me express my disgust over Nokia’s customer service with this matter
Vinod on 30 June 2008:
“Connection Error” after firmware upgrade - try doing a hard reset and removing the SIM card; reinsert it and power up. It should fix the problem.
neil on 6 July 2008:
i have a qustion, please answer me..
is the music player of n93 updated in its latest firmware??
i mean, is the music player now similar to the one found in the n73 music edition..and other new phones…??
Or is it still the old one that originally came with n93, the same with n80 and the classic n73??
thanks for the answer…
Death on 20 September 2008:
All N93 owners, DO NOT UPGRADE TO V20.0.058. It will completely ruin your camera. The images are below 1 MP now, and the autofocus actually does the contraty - meaning it lowers the quality instead of increasing it. For the ones who have upgraded, there is no hope but to wait for the next version (which Nokia refuses to bring out).
ryk on 25 September 2008:
great! i also experienced the same problem with the zoom, its annoying hehe but ill try to do the update, same thing with the from camera when you flip it back to its position after taking picture or video it turns on the small camera..this review helps a lot..i thought it was a hardware issue
ryk on 25 September 2008:
successfully did the upgrade without any problems! two thumbs up for you mark