We were gutted when we discovered the US was to receive the N97 first, as we'd not have any exclusives. Anyway after some brain storming we decided it would be useful if we truly put the Nokia N97 through it's paces with a number of stress tests.
Test 1: Screen scratch test. We used the stylus, a coin and a key to test just how scratch resistant the screen on the Nokia N97 is. The result? Hardly a mark on the screen. I really don't think you'd need a screen protector. Though I guess it always adds an extra layer of protection.
Test 2: Pocket test. We placed the phone in a bag, along with coins and keys to see what damage could be done if you accidentally put the phone in your pocket with other stuff. Once again the N97 come out unscathed. Top marks so far.
Test 3: Paintwork scratch test. This time we tested how easily the paint work scuffed and scratched. Overall I we were pretty impressed with how well the paint work held up. The most fragile paintwork was on the rim of the keypad where the paint flaked off pretty easily, though generally this part of the phone will be protected by the keypad
Test 4: Cereal test: So just what happens if you drop your N97 in a bowl of cereal? Well it gets wet obviously. The phone is still fully functioning at this point, minus the menu key.
Test 5: Wash test: If you happen to drop your N97 in a bowl of cornflakes, you're gonna need to wash it off right? Well no, not exactly, but for testing purposes we did. As you'll see in the video, washing with soap and water put the N97 out of action for roughly 2.5 hours, but minus some condensation on the screen, it's now fully functioning and ready for tomorrows tests!
Test 6: Washing Machine: Let's be realistic. If this happens your phone is pretty much gone. We aren't even going to test this one. It ranks up there with the "How Does The Nokia 97 Fare in Molten Lava" test. If you are running your business from your cell phone, let's hope you forwarded to your calls to your phone answering service before you decided to give it a wash because you just turned your Nokia N7 into a paperweight, or for the table sports fan, a very heavy paper football.
P.S please feel free to post suggestions for other stress tests you'd like to see, we'll fulfill as many as we can.
