Nokia 8800 Gold Arte Specs Prices Pros & Cons Unveiled

Overview of Nokia 8800 Gold Arte

The Nokia 8800 Gold Arte stands as a symbol of luxury and craftsmanship in the mobile phone industry. Launched in December 2008 and released in April 2009, this phone is renowned for its exclusive design and premium materials. Encased in an elegant gold exterior, it was aimed at consumers who value both technology and sophistication. Although it is now discontinued, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte remains a coveted collectible item for enthusiasts of vintage mobile devices.

Design and Build

The Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is crafted with precision, featuring dimensions of 109 x 45.6 x 14.6 mm and a weight of 150 grams, giving it a compact and robust feel. Its exterior is made from exquisite materials, with a gold-plated finish that exudes luxury. The phone sports a minimalist design with a slide mechanism, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail Nokia was known for.

Display Features

The device comes with a 2.0-inch OLED screen that displays 16 million colors, offering a vibrant visual experience. The screen resolution is 240 x 320 pixels, resulting in a 4:3 ratio and a pixel density of approximately 200 ppi. The display is protected with a scratch-resistant glass, a feature that ensures durability and longevity.

Network and Connectivity

The Nokia 8800 Gold Arte supports GSM and UMTS network technologies, with 2G bands of GSM 900/1800/1900 and 3G band of UMTS 2100. This allows for connectivity speeds of up to 384 kbps, suitable for standard browsing and messaging. While it lacks modern connectivity options like WLAN and GPS, it compensates with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP for wireless audio and file transfer, and microUSB with OTG support.

Camera Capabilities

Equipped with a single 3.15 MP camera, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte offers autofocus capabilities and can capture video at 480p@15fps. While these specifications may seem modest by today's standards, they were of good quality for its time, allowing users to capture memorable moments with ease.

Memory and Storage

With an internal storage capacity of 4GB, the device offers ample space for storing contacts, messages, and media files. It supports a phonebook capacity of up to 1000 entries with photocall features. However, there is no option for expandable storage through memory cards, which may limit the user's ability to store large volumes of data.

Sound and Audio

The sound quality of the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is facilitated by its built-in loudspeaker. Unfortunately, it does not feature a 3.5mm audio jack, which means users must rely on wireless Bluetooth headsets or the provided audio accessories for private listening.

Battery Life

The device is powered by a removable Li-Ion 1000 mAh battery (BL-4U), offering a standby time of up to 288 hours in both 2G and 3G networks. It provides a talk time of up to 3 hours and 20 minutes on 2G, and up to 2 hours and 45 minutes on 3G, which was relatively standard for mobile phones during its era.

Operating System and Features

Operating as a feature phone, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte does not support a modern smartphone operating system. However, it facilitates a range of functionalities including SMS, MMS 1.2, email, instant messaging, and support for Java MIDP 2.1 applications. The device comes with pre-installed games and has the option to download additional ones.

Market Perspective and Legacy

Upon its release, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte was priced at approximately 1070 EUR, targeted at a niche market seeking luxury and exclusivity rather than advanced technology. Its high cost was justified by its premium materials and exquisite design. While it lacks the features and capabilities of modern smartphones, its elegance and aesthetics make it a symbol of a bygone era where luxury was integrated into mobile technology. Today, it remains a sought-after collector's item, cherished by enthusiasts of mobile history.

Conclusion

The Nokia 8800 Gold Arte epitomizes a blend of art and functionality, representing a unique chapter in mobile phone history. Its luxurious design, respectable performance features, and the allure of exclusivity have cemented its status as a timeless classic. As technology continues to advance, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte serves as a reminder of the days when phones were not only tools for communication but also symbols of personal identity and elegance.