For a name that's as synonymous with mobile phones as Nokia, it's sometimes hard to understand why they have never really been able to crack the smartphone market, at least not in the same way Apple and HTC have, and some of the other manufacturers are starting to. All this could be about to change however, as the Finnish mobile giant tries to make up for lost time and opportunities, with the launch of the N8. But does Nokia even know what it takes to make a competitive smartphone anymore, and if so, is the Nokia N8 it?
There's no denying the Nokia N8 is a good looking phone, which is nothing new in today's smartphone market, but is quite an achievement for Nokia. With attractive lines and good proportions it looks like Nokia has been taking design lessons. The shape and size are enhanced by the quality of the aluminum casing, which all works together to give the N8 the quality look and feel that offers a serious challenge to the current market leaders. The fact that there's no way to remove the battery doesn't just help make the phone look good, but also sends the message that Nokia have got the operating system right as well, and you won't be fiddling around with the battery to try and reset your phone.
The 3.5 inch touchscreen display is a decent size without being anything outstanding, and is capable of providing clear and bright images on the N8. What is outstanding however, is the amazing 12 megapixel camera that Nokia has shoehorned into the N8. With claims that it is the best phone camera available anywhere, Nokia is obviously keen to demonstrate that it still has the ability to compete in the smartphone market. As well as the incredible still shots you would expect from such a hi-spec camera, you also get the ability to record video in 720p high definition. Plus, if the 3.5 inch screen on the N8 isn't quite enough for you, the mini HDMI output that's neatly tucked away, will let you hook it up to your HDTV and watch your videos in all their glory.
While most of the other manufacturers can't get near the N8's amazing camera, it takes more then great looking photos and HD video to make a market leading smartphone. This is where the N8's new operating system comes in. Previous 'smartphones' from Nokia had always suffered from relatively poor operating platforms, especially when compared to Apple and Android, so the new Symbian 3 is designed to redress the balance. 1GHz processing power and 16GB's of media storage will also help.
It may be that Nokia has left it too late to come up with anything that is going to seriously challenge the iPhone and other top smartphones, but the Nokia N8 is undoubtedly the Finnish giant's best shot. If all the latest tech and software work well together, the other smartphone manufacturers will have to start taking Nokia seriously again.
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