The Nokia N95 (8GB) to the N95 is what the HTC TyTN II is to the Dopod 838 Pro. We're not making a direct comparison here, but the similarity lies in the fact that both successors have big boots to fill. Announced globally on August 29 at the Go Play event, the new 8GB version of the N95 is expected to be available in Q4 this year in Asia. We just hope the Finnish phone-maker makes good its word not to keep us waiting like it did for the original.

The question now is whether this newer model will cannibalize sales of the incumbent N95. Assumed price difference aside (which we're betting our monies there will be), we don't think current N95 owners will rush to replace the handset they are using now with the 8GB one when it's available.

One of the main reasons is the omission of an expansion card slot. While some may argue that the N95 now comes with 8GB of onboard flash memory, the convenience of swapping memory cards is no longer available. However, we can't penalize the handset for this reason simply because we feel it is a matter of personal choice that only the user will know best.

Although this is still a prototype unit we're holding, the slightly heavier (by 8g) 8GB N95 feels relatively more solid and well-built than its predecessor. The two plates of this slider are less prone to shifting, which was one of the more annoying aspects of the earlier N95 as reported by many users.

Size-wise, the 8GB version is marginally thinner than the original N95. The reason for this is the missing mechanical lens cover on this upgraded model. So for that insignificant trimming, we have a lens element that's exposed to dust, dirt, possible scratches when the phone is in the pocket with other items and, most irritating of all, fingerprint smudges. Honestly, we're not quite sure if this is the best move.

Besides the piano black finish on the front fascia and the larger 2.8-inch QVGA LCD, which is now more flush with the surface, the softkeys also underwent some retrofitting. The buttons are slightly smaller, though we don't find them any more difficult to use. One of the more unique features of the original N95 is its two-way sliding mechanism which hides the media playback keys when not in use. The company did some improvements there as well. Instead of a flat column, the buttons are now raised, providing more tactile feedback.

Other features of the 8GB N95 remain largely similar to its predecessor. The quadband handset supports HSDPA (WCDMA 2100), Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), A-GPS, Bluetooth stereo, infrared and comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack and TV-out option. What we're pleased with, though, is the larger 1,200mAh BL-6F battery. As this is a prototype with a BL-5F cell, we won't be running any tests on it.

Overall, current N95 users shouldn't feel they were shortchanged since the upgraded model isn't a great departure from the original N95. It was a bit of a mixed bag for us, though. On the one hand, we liked the larger screen, sleeker shade of black and the more solid build of the handset. On the other, we weren't for dropping the lens cover. The lack of an expansion card slot, well, is up to the individual.

We'll be back with a review on the battery life and performance rating when the commercial set becomes available.

The buttons are slightly smaller, though we don't find them any more difficult to use.

The new N95 comes with 8GB of flash memory and no memory card slot.