N99i Cell Phone – A Knockoff Nokia Model

August 18, 2008 · Filed Under Cell Phones/Mobile Phones, Gadgets 

My friend introduced me to some of his cell phone distributor-contacts in Laoag City and I was enticed to try some of their made in China products. I am willing to try/test the knockoff Nokia model (N99i) because of the following reasons.

Price. The N99i is cheap selling at Php5,000 (around US$113) or even less.

Features. The N99i has the following specifications:

  • Network:GSM 900/1800/1900
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • Dual SIM card, dual standby
  • Comes with a spare lithium battery (optional)
  • Ring tones Type: Polyphonic (64 channels), Monophonic, True Tones, MP3
  • Music player: Support MP3 player with mp3,midi,wav format
  • Movie player: Support 3GP/MP4 movie player with full-screen
  • Camera function: Digital Camera Built-in with video recording capability
  • Memory Type: Support Micro SD expansion slot – up to 2GB
  • Interface: USB 2.0
  • Built-in hands free operation mode
  • Display: 2.6″ TFT Touch Screen QVGA display with 260k colors, 320 x 240 pixel resolution
  • Vibrate: Yes
  • Internet Browser (GPRS + WAP)
  • Java 2.0
  • Handwriting Recognition
  • Messaging: Email, SMS, MMS and EMS supported for both main and sub SIM card, SMS group send, Long text SMS
  • Cell phone Directory: Phone Book Memory supports 400 records
  • Supports Caller Ringing / Caller Video Player
  • Game Supported with built in games
  • Calculator/world time/Unit Conversion/Currency Conversion/Calendar/Games
  • Stand-by time: Up to 150h
  • Talk time: 180min–300min
  • Complete English Interface (Default)

Depending on the seller, the package may also include:

  • Instruction Manual
  • 1 x 256MB Micro SD Memory Card
  • 1 x USB Data Cable
  • Unlocked N99i Dual GSM Tri-Band Cell Phone 2 x Lithium Batteries (1800mAh)
  • 2-in-1 Power Adaptor + External Battery Charger
  • Earphones
  • 1 x Handwriting Stylus
  • Car Charger

Be warned, however, that some N99i units have been reported to experience some problems after a few months of usage. First, some told that when the battery gets drained, they were forced to go back to the seller for servicing of the unit because it won’t power up after charging. Some even said they could not connect to the internet using WAP. Others didn’t like the camera because there is no built-in flash.

However, being curious that I am, I will still get one myself. I think feature-wise, I can live with N99i’s lacking. Price-wise, I think no Nokia model of its class and features will sell at lower than 10K. I told myself, ok let me do some experiments on N99i (also known to many as “iPhone clone”) to give benefit to the doubt. Here in laoag City, many people are friendly and with my reputation as a good buyer, I think that seller will not turn down my request/demand for free service should the unit bug down within 3 months. I intend to use this cell phone in getting the 2008 Beijing Olympics Medal Count/Tally updates.

I will update this post on the N99i when I have obtained the cell phone unit from the store tomorrow. :-)

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Comments

60 Comments/Reviews on “N99i Cell Phone – A Knockoff Nokia Model”

  1. PhilppinesNewsVote.com on August 18th, 2008 9:49 pm

    I’m at the edge of my seat! Can’t wait to see how the N99i stacks up to the real Nokias. If these specs are real…I won’t have to buy that 20thou E71

    [Reply]

    rhodnie Reply:

    do you know any sites 4 the n99i phones?

    [Reply]

  2. jessie on August 21st, 2008 5:17 am

    The N99i lacks many features but I really find it great considering its price.

    [Reply]

  3. N99i V9+ - a Knockoff Cell Phone With Some Great Features | Technology Talks on August 21st, 2008 10:26 am

    [...] serves as a follow-up to my post “N99i Cell Phone – A Knockoff Nokia Model” where I discussed the most of the N99i specifications and features. Specifically, What I got [...]

  4. N99i V9+ Toshibo Model: Full Specifications, Themes and Games | Technology Talks on August 21st, 2008 2:11 pm

    [...] N99i V9+ full specifications have been discussed in my post “N99i Cell Phone – a Knockoff Nokia Model” and I have tested some of its features in my article “N99i V9+ – a Knockoff Cell Phone [...]

  5. The 2008 Beijing Olympics Closing Ceremony Was Truly a Hit | Technology Talks on August 25th, 2008 4:25 am

    [...] ceremony, I would have captured the event using an iPhone or a high-quality cell phone, not a knockoff cell phone like N99i although N99i is made in [...]

  6. Purchased Another Cheap Web Hosting Plan for Business | What Have You on September 5th, 2008 11:56 am

    [...] per month counts much in my rating scale. The same way with you, whether your site talks about Nokia N99i Mobile TV with Dual Sim or Global Positioning System (GPS), that actually doesn’t matter. What matters is the web [...]

  7. Mike Weston on September 14th, 2008 6:41 pm

    Just got the N99I everything works but I did not receive a operational manual also cannot get on the internet. It talks about a GRSP but have no idea what that is. Do I buy a service for this. I just transferred my Simm card with T mobile but no GRSP internet. Also when i tried to bluetooth songs from computer to cell phone it says disk is full.
    How do I delete disk and cannot find memory card.

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Mike,

    The China-made Nokia N99i v9+ Mobile TV Dual Sim phone does have a memory card installed (check with your seller, mine is only 256MB). Go to Menu >> File Manager. From there open the Memory Card and delete files you don’t need like games installers. These installation files don’t work. It’s safe to delete them. you may also delete photo, music and video files pre-installed before you purchased your N99i cell phone. These files only consume so much of the N99i’s memory (disk space)

    jessies last blog post..America Lyrics | Song Lyrics

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Mike,

    about the GPRS service, you can enable it in Menu >> Settings >> Network Setup of your N99i cell phone. Check with your network how to setup the internet service because your network provider will send you the necessary access codes to access the internet like WAP settings, username and password.

    [Reply]

    bobbie Reply:

    Tmobile Setting

    1- Main Menu click on Entertainment then click on Services

    2- Click on Data Account–> click on GPRS

    3- Choose any account–> click on Edit

    4- 1- Account Name
    TMOBILE
    2- APN
    wap.voicestream.com
    3- User Name
    leave it blank
    4- password
    leave it blank
    5- Auth. Type
    Normal

    CLICK ON DONE AND SAVE IT

    CLICK ON BACK TWICE IT WILL TAKE YOU BACK TO SERVICES

    5-Click on WAP –> click Settings–> click Edit Profile.

    6- Choose any one on list then press ok–>Edit Profile

    1- Rename Profile->(name it anything or u can name it T-mobile GPRS)
    2-Homepage–> http://wap.smart.com.ph
    3-Data Account–>Select–>click on Gprs–> you will see the one we named earlier TMOBILE, select it and press OK
    4- Connection Type
    HTTP
    5- Username
    leave it blank
    6- Password
    leave it blank
    CLICK DONE AND SAVE IT—>CLICK ACTIVATE PROFILE AND SAVE

    SMS, MMS AND VOICEMAIL

    1- Click on thee envelope icon it will take you to Messages

    CLICK ON SMS
    1- Message settings–> click in Profile Setting
    2- Click edit on any profile name it T-mobile that will be line No. 1 in No.2 type +12063130004

    MMS
    1-Message Settings–>click Server Profile
    2-Click on any 1–> click on Edit Profile

    1- Rename profile
    T-mobile MMS
    2- Homepage
    http://216.155.174.84/servlets/mms
    3-Data Account
    click on GPRS–> choose Tmobile–> press OK
    4- Connection Type
    HTTP
    Proxy: 216.155.165.050
    port: 8080

    5- Username
    leave it blank
    6 Password
    leave it blank

    CLICK ON DONE –> SAVE–>ACTIVATE PROFILE

    VOICEMAIL:-

    Edit it–> name No.1 Viocemail
    No.2 +18056377243

    [Reply]

    di Reply:

    Thanks that really helped me with my n99i

    [Reply]

    pamela Reply:

    thanks! it helped me a lot! you solved all my problems! thanks so much.. you are so genius..

    [Reply]

  8. How to Configure Nokia N99i V9+i, Nokia N95 8Gb Clone and Other China Cell Phones to Connect to the Internet | Technology Talks on October 7th, 2008 11:49 am

    [...] I have actually answered this question but I will provide here a simple procedure in configuring Nokia N99i V9+i, Nokia N95 8GB clone and other China-made cell phones to connect to the internet by enabling WAP [...]

  9. Huy Dinh on October 9th, 2008 4:13 am

    I just purchased this N99I. When I put my USA Tmobile (1900mhz) SIM card in, all it said ” No service”. I cannot get it to work. Please Help

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Huy Dunh,

    Your Nokia N99i is not an open line GSM phone. Ask a cell phone technician in your are to open the line to accept SIM cards whose network serves your area. Let me know the development of this. I hope this helps.

    jessie’s last blog post..Updated List of Milk and Milk Products Found Positive and Negative for Melamine Content by DOH-BFAD

    [Reply]

  10. mikhei on October 9th, 2008 9:27 pm

    hi! kindly advise po where in Laoag you bought the unit. my dad is staying in Laoag and he’s asking me to buy him a unit like that here in Manila. thanks so much in advance!

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    mikhei,

    I got my Nokia N99i V9+i Toshibo Dual SIM TV Mobile from a Muslim store near Karen’s along Bonifacio street in Laoag City.

    There is a Nokia N99i variant known as CECT. It’s slightly different from the Nokia N99i Toshibo model. You can ask your dad to check it out and see the units himself. The prices of the two Nokia clones are the same.

    jessie’s last blog post..Updated List of Milk and Milk Products Found Positive and Negative for Melamine Content by DOH-BFAD

    [Reply]

    mikhei Reply:

    hello! that was a fast reply. üü
    thanks for the info! will relay this to my dad.

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    No problem. It’s my pleasure to help. Just inform me if you encounter problems with Nokia N99i. I’ll try to troubleshoot any of them in this site.

    [Reply]

    bobbie Reply:

    @jessie, i have the phone and every time i make or receive a call my phone drops the calls after about 2mins. help

    [Reply]

  11. denny on October 14th, 2008 10:27 am

    hi please i need the code to unlock the keypad of n99i

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Denny,

    Just press the red button on the top right of your Nokia N99i cell phone keypad then asterisk.

    jessie’s last blog post..Prevent Water Leaks in Your Homes to Safeguard Your Life and Property

    [Reply]

    Rubi Reply:

    Does this really work

    [Reply]

  12. Yolaine on November 21st, 2008 9:45 am

    I would like to know how to put my music in this phone.

    thanks

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    You have to insert the USB cable to your computer and from there, choose to use the Nokia N99i cell phone as a mass storage device. then upload music files from your PC to your phone’s music folder.

    [Reply]

  13. tina on January 11th, 2009 9:52 am

    do you know how to display the synchronized lyrics of a certain music file in this phone..?

    [Reply]

  14. jacky on January 13th, 2009 11:05 am

    i have N99i china phone.. im here in israel, the sim card which i have is orange company but in trying to called them to figure out how to connect to the internet but they dont have any settings of GPRS and MMS.heres my email add astrilxyc@rocketmail.com… pls help meeee..

    [Reply]

    cristine Reply:

    low,,,,me 2 have a problem about opening or activating my gprs n99i tv mobile china phone,,,plz help me 2 if you know already how to activate plz…send me a message how in my fs account..kctin08_hubBy@yahoo.com..plzzz

    [Reply]

  15. MC on January 17th, 2009 8:58 pm

    I have lost my adapter and cable. I need a new one where in us can I find the cable for n99i? If you don’t know please tell me what is this cable called. It’s not regular b mini with 5 pins. I try to find b mini (6 pins) but there is no cable like that. If there is any distrubutor in US please mail me at yeneremsiz@gmail.com.

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    MC,

    The N99i adapter cable is a non-standard cable. You may try looking for a replacement for your N99i adapter and cable from your local cell phone stores (where you got your Nokia N99i).

    [Reply]

  16. Qui on January 26th, 2009 5:06 am

    Guys,

    Does N99i have 3G in it??

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Qui,

    Sorry, but the Nokia N99i phone is not a 3G mobile phone.

    [Reply]

  17. Jorge H on March 1st, 2009 3:11 am

    I have the N99i and it used to send text messages, (SMS), but I think i messed with the settings and now it won’t send any. It receives messages but doesn’t send any. HELP!

    [Reply]

  18. bobbie on March 6th, 2009 1:48 am

    I have a n99i and when i am talking on the phone all of a sudden the phone will either turn off or it goes on hold . I dont know what to do to solve this promblem. Maybe i have a setting wrong or something. HLP!!!!!!

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    Bobbie,

    i think your N99i battery is failing. this is common when batteries fail.

    [Reply]

  19. bobbie on March 7th, 2009 12:00 am

    I guess i didnt explain what happens well enough. i just loss the call my phone dont shut off power wise. Its like it goes on hold or i loss the call i am on and i still have power and signal.

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    bobbie,

    your Nokia N99i has an antenna defect. have it checked at the store where you purchased it. i have checked this with my technician friend. that’s what he said.

    jessie’s last blog post..Add More Storage to Your PC by Using an External Hard Drive

    [Reply]

  20. bobbie on March 7th, 2009 4:51 pm

    Thank you . the only problem is that i ordered the phone off of line and i will have to send it back have it worked on.

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    bobbie,

    oh, that’s too bad my friend. in that case, i think you better get another Nokia N99i from your local store/s. but maybe a visit to a cell phone technician in your location can still help you with your problem.

    jessie’s last blog post..Incidence of Pneumonia in the Philippines During Cold Months

    [Reply]

  21. pao on March 10th, 2009 8:28 pm

    pls help for some information to where i can download free anti-virus software for n99i china phone…thankzzzz..

    [Reply]

    jessie Reply:

    I have been looking for a free antivirus software for Nokia N99i China-made clone myself but no luck. :-(

    jessie’s last blog post..Stanley 20-Piece Socket Set Review, Price and Specs

    [Reply]

  22. CHRIS on June 21st, 2009 2:43 pm

    THERE IS NO APPLICATION,

    [Reply]

  23. CHRIS on June 21st, 2009 2:44 pm

    HOW TO INSTALL APPLICATION ,eg. java?

    [Reply]

  24. Jha on July 3rd, 2009 10:48 am

    how can I activate the internet with N99i phone?

    [Reply]

  25. ISH on July 16th, 2009 2:57 am

    my problem about n99i is that there is already sim card but it keeps on asking insert sim.. please help.. thanks

    [Reply]

  26. Abe on July 27th, 2009 4:27 pm

    Hey Guys. I just got this as a gift from my uncle in Lebanon because he knows I love phones. I put my sim card in it and try to register to TMOBILE USA network but it doesnt seem to find any networks. Any ideas on how to fix this. I believe it is already unlocked because it didnt prompt me WRONG SIM like locked phones normally do.
    I tried to go thru the preferred network list and I didnt see anything that said TMOBILE USA.

    Any help would be great

    Thanks so much

    [Reply]

  27. Drew on July 30th, 2009 1:38 pm

    I’ve been trying to transfer a file from my N99i to another phone but I just can’t seem to….can someone please tell me how to?

    [Reply]

  28. jeff on August 26th, 2009 8:38 pm

    How do you tell if a Nokia is a knockoff?

    [Reply]

  29. Rubi on September 1st, 2009 2:46 am

    Hiiiiii I need the phone lock code becuse my uncle send me this phone without it or is there any way to get in without putting the phone lock.. plzzzzzzz tell me

    [Reply]

  30. alex on September 3rd, 2009 5:02 pm

    hi i just bought an n99i tv mobile phone.i love it cuz of wat it can do i guess u to should try it but there’s one problem with my n99i, everytime i plug d usb cable to a computer after few seconds it will beep and on the phone screen will make warning bad contact charger.it will work well with some computers but not all.can everyone tell me wats the problem i’m facing or wat can i do?

    [Reply]

  31. fran on September 9th, 2009 6:01 am

    got this china phone n99i v9+i from a ffriend. it has pasword protect. he can’t remember the pasword either. any suggestion is greatly appreciated. i don’t think the phone is locked it always ask for the pasword…. california, usa.

    [Reply]

  32. leo john on September 10th, 2009 10:52 pm

    i want to change new themes for n99i china phone. can i get downloads themes for my cell?

    [Reply]

  33. leo john on September 10th, 2009 10:55 pm

    can you pls teach me how to configure my wap? i read how to configure but can’t still get connected. my cell n99i

    [Reply]

  34. tracey on October 29th, 2009 12:30 am

    how do you change the sms alert? I want to change it to a song but don’t how

    [Reply]

  35. chad on December 13th, 2009 7:15 pm

    so my n99i stopped working after three months of usage both batteries wont take a charge is there any way i cud get the phone to work again

    [Reply]

  36. Zack on February 2nd, 2010 1:16 am

    hello
    i got a gift from my friend N99i and i did every thing but its not going on line and it look like there is something wrong with my tv connection plzz anyone know anything about this phone plzz help me.my email add. m_zshaikh@hotmail.com
    Zack

    [Reply]

  37. tash on February 21st, 2010 10:20 pm

    music wont transfer to the cellphone can you please help me

    [Reply]

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