Gadget Reviews

Nokia, one of the most popular brands worldwide has been coming up with more new phones in the past few years. Recently, they created a new operating system called the Symbian ^3, which they first introduced in the Nokia N8. Improving both the product and the technology integrated, Nokia is hoping to set the bar high once again in the mobile phones market.

The housing is made with aluminum, anodized with marks-resistant coating. The size is about similar to that of the iPhone 4, but the latter is thinner. This is probably because of its 1200mAh battery integrated in the unit – meaning it cannot be taken out unlike in other Nokia phones. At its side are slots for the SIM and memory cards, which are easily removed.

One of this model’s best assets involves its screen. Its display has a very responsive touchscreen capability, measuring 3.5 inches diagonally. Not only that, it is Amoled with about 16M colors and resolution worth 360×640 pixels. While it pales in comparison to that of the HTC Desire or the iPhone 4, it fares relatively well.

The first thing that a typical Nokia user would probably notice is its home screen, which is different because of the new operating system. It actually has three, which the user can interchange with a flick of the finger. Switching from portrait to landscape mode is simple, with moving the phone to the orientation of your choice.

Another feature that is sure to attract many budding photographers is its built-in camera with a whopping 12-megapixel sensor. Carl Zeiss optics are utilized, as well as a flash using xenon, which is a step up from a number of entry-level digital cameras available in the market. With excellent focusing capabilities and popping colors, with its superb color balance, people will never think your photos come from a mobile phone. The N8 can also record HD-quality videos, with a very decent sound quality as well. It has a secondary front camera, used for video calling and those self-portraits.

For music and videos on the go, the media player will serve you well. While playback is smooth, this phone can also connect to FM radio stations with RDS. Using the main speaker, connecting it to a Bluetooth-capable player or listening through headphones with a 3.5mm jack is such a good experience as audio quality is great. In addition, you can use this with your home theater system with its provided HDMI connection ability.

With regards surfing the internet, the web browser used is a new program from Nokia. It has a pinch to zoom capability and integrated Flash Lite, for movie streaming. An app that combines the most used social networks, including Facebook and Twitter are also installed, making for a smoother experience. Other programs and apps are also on hand via the Ovi Store, although the selection is not that extensive as that from the Android Market or from Apple.

One great add-on to the phone is a GPS system with access to Ovi Maps. For easier navigation in any part of the globe, a voice prompt can guide you to where you need to go.

Utilizing these internet-based apps is possible through an ultra-fast 3G connection. When that is unavailable, just go to a Wi-Fi hotspot as this supports that type of connectivity as well.

Up to 400 hours of standby time, 12 hours of calls and 50 hours of music play is supported, which outlasts a lot of its competitors in the market. At this rate, performance is already pretty good with the Symbian^3, and use of other features.

While the Nokia’s new OS supports all of these programs and new features well, it is not free from the usual hang-ups found on the typical Symbian-powered phones. There are reports of apps crashing and screens freezing while in use, which is not unusual for the Nokia user. Nonetheless, this is also an improved excellent device that can surely be leveled among other smartphones in the market. Price is pretty competitive too, which gives us more reason to believe this will surely help Nokia emphasize their place in the mobile phones world.

If you are looking to get rid of your old Nokia N8, then there is the option to get cash for mobiles, by using mobile phone recycling comparison services to help you get the most money back. You can then use that money to fund another mobile phone.