Nokia N8

The price for a used Nokia N8 in good condition ranges from QAR 300 to QAR 600, depending on the device’s condition and the seller. However, it’s important to note that as a discontinued model, finding a brand new Nokia N8 is extremely rare, and prices for such units, if available, could be significantly higher due to their collector’s value.

Nokia N8 Specifications

Feature	Specification
Display	3.5 inches, AMOLED
Resolution	360 x 640 pixels
Processor	680 MHz ARM 11
RAM	256 MB
Storage	16 GB
Main Camera	12 MP, AF
Front Camera	VGA for video calls
Battery	1200 mAh
Operating System	Symbian^3, upgradable to Nokia Belle Refresh
SIM	Mini-SIM
Weight	135 g (4.76 oz)
Dimensions	113.5 x 59.1 x 12.9 mm

 

A Blast from the Past: Nokia N8’s Release and Features

The Nokia N8 was first announced in April 2010 and released in October of the same year. At the time of its launch, it was Nokia’s flagship smartphone, showcasing the best of what the Finnish company had to offer. The device ran on the Symbian^3 operating system, which was later upgradable to Nokia Belle Refresh, providing users with an improved interface and additional features.

One of the standout features of the Nokia N8 was its camera. The 12-megapixel sensor with Carl Zeiss optics was groundbreaking for its time, capable of capturing high-quality photos and 720p video. This camera setup, combined with a Xenon flash, put the N8 ahead of many competitors in terms of mobile photography.

The N8 also boasted a robust build quality with its anodized aluminum body, available in a variety of colors including dark grey, silver white, green, blue, orange, pink, and bronze. This metal construction gave the phone a premium feel and enhanced durability.

Connectivity and Multimedia Capabilities

Despite its age, the Nokia N8 was well-equipped in terms of connectivity for its time. It supported 3G networks with HSDPA, offering download speeds of up to 10.2 Mbps. Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n ensured fast internet connectivity when in range of a wireless network. The device also featured Bluetooth 3.0 with A2DP support for wireless audio streaming.

For navigation, the N8 came with built-in GPS and A-GPS, along with Ovi Maps 3.0 (later renamed to Nokia Maps), which provided free turn-by-turn navigation. This was a significant feature at a time when many smartphone users had to pay for navigation services.

Multimedia enthusiasts appreciated the N8’s HDMI port, which allowed for 720p video output to compatible displays. The phone also included an FM radio with RDS support and even an FM transmitter, allowing users to broadcast music from their phone to nearby FM radios.

Performance and User Experience

Powered by a 680 MHz ARM 11 processor and 256 MB of RAM, the Nokia N8’s performance was decent for its era but would be considered slow by today’s standards. The 16 GB of internal storage was generous for the time, and users could expand this further with a microSD card.

The 3.5-inch AMOLED display, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, offered vibrant colors and good visibility, even though its resolution of 360 x 640 pixels might seem low compared to modern smartphones. The capacitive touchscreen supported multi-touch, which was a step up from some of Nokia’s earlier resistive touchscreen devices.

Battery life was a strong point for the N8, with its 1200 mAh battery providing up to 12 hours of talk time on 2G networks or nearly 6 hours on 3G. Standby time was impressive, reaching up to 400 hours.

Comparing the Nokia N8 to Modern Smartphones

When comparing the Nokia N8 to modern devices like the Nokia XR20, Nokia X30 5G, or Nokia Style Plus, it’s clear how far smartphone technology has advanced. The Nokia XR20, for instance, offers a much larger 6.67-inch display with higher resolution, 5G connectivity, and a rugged design that’s water and dust resistant. Its 48 MP main camera, while numerically lower than the N8’s 12 MP, utilizes modern sensor technology and image processing for superior results in most conditions.

The Nokia X30 5G represents the current mid-range offering from Nokia, with a 6.43-inch AMOLED display, 5G capabilities, and a dual-camera setup with a 50 MP main sensor. It runs on the latest Android operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of modern apps that weren’t available for the Symbian platform of the N8.

The Nokia Style Plus, aimed at budget-conscious consumers, still outperforms the N8 in almost every aspect, from processing power to display quality and camera capabilities. It demonstrates how features that were once flagship-exclusive have become standard even in more affordable devices.

When looking at other brands in a similar price range to what the N8 originally cost, phones like the Samsung Galaxy A series or Xiaomi’s Redmi Note series offer significantly more advanced features. These include high-refresh-rate displays, multiple camera setups with advanced AI processing, fast charging capabilities, and 5G connectivity.

However, it’s worth noting that while modern smartphones vastly outperform the Nokia N8 in terms of raw specifications and features, the N8 still holds a unique place in mobile phone history. Its build quality, innovative camera for its time, and the nostalgia factor make it an interesting device for collectors and Nokia enthusiasts.

Practical Considerations for Using an N8 Today

While owning an N8 in 2024 might be appealing for nostalgic reasons, there are practical limitations to consider. Network compatibility could be an issue, as many carriers are phasing out or have already discontinued support for 3G networks, which the N8 relies on for data connectivity. In Qatar, where 5G networks are becoming more prevalent, using an N8 might limit users to 2G networks for calls and texts.

Security is another concern. The Symbian operating system no longer receives security updates, making it vulnerable to potential exploits. Using an N8 for sensitive tasks like online banking or accessing personal accounts is not recommended.

Additionally, finding replacement parts or skilled technicians to repair an N8 could be challenging. The battery, in particular, might be difficult to replace if it degrades, as it’s not designed to be easily user-replaceable.

The N8’s Impact on Smartphone Design

The Nokia N8’s influence can still be seen in modern smartphone design. Its focus on camera quality and multimedia capabilities foreshadowed the importance these features would have in future smartphones. The N8’s HDMI output, for instance, was an early precursor to the screen mirroring and video output features common in today’s devices.

The phone’s unibody aluminum design was also ahead of its time. While many contemporary smartphones were still using plastic bodies, the N8’s metal construction provided a premium feel that would become industry standard years later. This attention to build quality and materials is something that continues to be a focus in high-end smartphones today.

Alternatives to the Nokia N8 in Qatar

For those in Qatar who are attracted to the idea of the N8 but need a more practical modern device, there are several options to consider. The Nokia XR20, available for around QAR 1,800, offers a rugged design and modern features, making it a spiritual successor to the N8’s durability.

The Nokia X30 5G, priced at approximately QAR 1,500, provides a more premium experience with its AMOLED display and capable camera system. It runs on Android, offering access to the latest apps and services.

For budget-conscious buyers, the Nokia Style Plus, available for around QAR 800, offers a large display and decent performance at a more accessible price point.

Outside of the Nokia brand, phones like the Samsung Galaxy A54 5G (around QAR 1,600) or the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro (approximately QAR 1,300) offer excellent value with features that far surpass the N8’s capabilities.