Nokia N8 Ultimate Specs Pricing Pros & Cons Guide

Introduction to Nokia N8

The Nokia N8, announced in April 2010 and released in October of the same year, stands as a landmark device in the history of smartphones. As the flagship model for Nokia's Symbian^3 mobile operating system, the N8 represents the brand’s effort to stay competitive amidst the rising popularity of iOS and Android devices. Despite eventually being discontinued, the N8 left an indelible mark on the mobile technology landscape through its groundbreaking features and exquisite design.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia N8 features a sleek and practical design, with dimensions of 113.5 x 59.1 x 12.9 mm and weighing 135 grams. Its unibody aluminum construction not only gives a premium feel but also provides durability against the rigors of daily use. The N8 was available in an array of colors, including Dark Grey, Silver White, Green, Blue, Orange, Pink, and Bronze, allowing users to express personal style preferences. The use of Corning Gorilla Glass ensures that its 3.5-inch AMOLED display is resistant to scratches and minor impacts.

Display

The Nokia N8's 3.5-inch AMOLED screen boasts a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels with a 16:9 ratio, resulting in a pixel density of approximately 210 ppi. The display's contrast ratio and clarity make it well-suited for a range of uses, from browsing the web to viewing multimedia content. Despite its relatively modest screen-to-body ratio of 50.3%, the display quality remains impressive due to vibrant colors and adequate visibility under sunlight.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the Nokia N8 is powered by a 680 MHz ARM 11 processor and equipped with a Broadcom BCM2727 GPU. Although this hardware may seem modest by current standards, it was adequate for running the Symbian^3 operating system and most apps of the era. The phone provides 256MB RAM and 16GB internal storage, which can be expanded via microSDHC. This setup allows for reasonable multitasking and storage of apps, photos, and media files.

Camera Capabilities

One of the standout features of the Nokia N8 is its 12 MP main camera. With Carl Zeiss optics and a xenon flash, the camera is capable of capturing high-quality photos, an impressive feat for the time. The camera also includes an ND filter to handle bright conditions better, and it can record 720p video at 25 to 30 frames per second, depending on software updates. The presence of a VGA front camera allows basic video calling functionalities.

Battery Life

The Nokia N8 is equipped with a 1200 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, which delivers satisfactory performance for its range. Standby time is up to 390 hours on 2G networks and up to 400 hours on 3G. When it comes to talk time, the device offers up to 12 hours on 2G and almost 6 hours on 3G networks. Music lovers can enjoy up to 50 hours of playtime, making the N8 a reliable companion for everyday use.

Connectivity Options

The N8 comes with a comprehensive range of connectivity options. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n with UPnP technology, Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP for audio devices, and GPS with A-GPS functionality complemented by Ovi Maps 3.0. The inclusion of a microUSB 2.0 port with OTG (On-The-Go) support, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack, ensures that connecting peripherals and transferring data is a hassle-free experience.

Network and Communication

The Nokia N8 is designed to operate on both GSM and HSPA technology, supporting a wide range of 2G and 3G bands. It features stereo FM radio with RDS and an FM transmitter, which further enhances its versatility as a multimedia device.

Software Features

Originally shipped with the Symbian^3 operating system, the Nokia N8 was upgradable to Nokia Belle Refresh, providing users with newer functionality and an updated user interface. The device was compatible with various apps prevalent at the time and included a browser supporting WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, and Adobe Flash Lite. Additional sensors such as an accelerometer, proximity sensor, and a compass contributed to its interactive user experience.

Audio and Multimedia

The audio features of the Nokia N8 include a loudspeaker and a 3.5mm audio jack, catering to traditional headphone users. The audio quality, measured at noise -89.9dB and crosstalk -90.9dB, underscores the device's competence in delivering an enjoyable auditory experience. Users could engage with various multimedia content including audio, video, and FM radio transmissions.

Pricing and Availability

At launch, the Nokia N8 was priced at around 140 EUR. Though the device is now discontinued, its innovative features and solid build have left a lasting legacy, making it a valued collector's item and a subject of interest for technology enthusiasts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nokia N8, with its robust design, impressive camera capabilities, and reliable connectivity options, marked a significant chapter in Nokia's storied history. Its legacy persists as a symbol of the innovative spirit and engineering excellence of its time, reflecting a pivotal moment in the evolution of smartphones.