Launched in late 2011, the Nokia Lumia 800 marked Nokia's significant shift from Symbian to Windows Phone in an attempt to regain market relevance. Targeted at users seeking style and functionality, this smartphone was designed to offer a compelling experience with a focus on integration with Microsoft's ecosystem, including applications like Nokia Drive. Despite its aesthetic appeal, the Lumia 800 faced challenges in the competitive landscape dominated by Android and iOS devices.
For this review, I drew upon multiple credible sources, including IT Pro and CNET, to analyze various aspects of the Nokia Lumia 800. Community feedback from forums provided additional insight into user experiences and performance issues. This thorough approach ensures an accurate and rounded perspective on the device's strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, the Nokia Lumia 800 shines with its unique design and vibrant display, making it an attractive option for certain users. However, notable drawbacks, particularly in camera performance and the absence of a front-facing camera, might deter those who prioritize photography in their smartphone experience. The device stands out in terms of style but struggles to compete in some functional areas.
How does the performance hold up?
The Nokia Lumia 800 is equipped with a 1.4GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and runs Windows Phone 7.5 Mango, achieving a WP Bench synthetic benchmark score of 89.82. Although this places it near the top of the performance scale, it still lags behind competitors like the HTC Titan, which scored 98.
While the device offers decent performance for everyday tasks, its JavaScript performance in web browsing is notably poor, scoring 6,793ms in the SunSpider test, illustrating that users may experience delays while browsing heavier websites.
Is the display as good as it looks?
The Lumia 800 features a 3.7-inch AMOLED display that delivers vibrant colors and clear images. However, it uses a PenTile matrix display, which compromises sharpness compared to its competitors, especially when viewing text or detailed images.
While the display impresses with rich colors and brightness, its fuzzy nature may not meet the expectations set by users accustomed to higher-resolution screens, particularly in comparison to models like the iPhone 4S.
Does the camera live up to its specifications?
The Lumia 800 houses an 8-megapixel camera with a Carl Zeiss lens and dual-LED flash, offering the capability for 720p HD video capture. Despite these impressive specifications, real-world performance falls short, with users reporting inadequate image quality that fails to justify expectations.
The absence of a front-facing camera also limits the device's usability for video calls and selfies, making it less appealing to users who prioritize these features in a smartphone.
What about build quality and design?
With its striking polycarbonate unibody design, the Nokia Lumia 800 is visually appealing and feels sturdy. Weighing just 142 grams, it is lighter than many comparable smartphones, making it comfortable to hold.
However, the non-removable battery might be a drawback for some users who prefer the ability to swap out batteries on older models or other brands.
Is the user experience smooth?
The Lumia 800 runs a streamlined version of Windows Phone, which many users find intuitive and easy to navigate. The integration of applications is seamless, and Nokia Drive offers a reliable mapping solution.
Yet, the Micro-SIM slot can be difficult to access, which may frustrate users who need to swap SIMs frequently or perform hardware upgrades.
Pros & Cons
- ✅ Stunning 3.7-inch AMOLED display provides vibrant colors and brightness.
- ✅ Unique and stylish polycarbonate unibody design stands out from competitors.
- ✅ Decent performance with a 1.4GHz Snapdragon processor and 89.82 WP Bench score.
- ✅ Nokia Drive offers a solid navigation solution for users.
- ❌ Camera performance is below expectations, disappointing for an 8-megapixel lens.
- ❌ Fuzzy PenTile matrix display detracts from overall image clarity.
- ❌ Lack of a front-facing camera limits versatility for selfies and video calls.
- ❌ Micro-SIM slot difficult to access, hindering usability.
How It Compares to the Competition
- iPhone 4S — Offers superior camera quality and overall performance.
- HTC Titan — Features a more powerful processor and better display quality.
- Samsung Galaxy S II — Provides a more versatile camera with front-facing capabilities.
- Nokia Lumia 710 — A more budget-friendly option with similar operating system.
Who Should Buy This & Who Should Skip It
Buy it if: The Nokia Lumia 800 is ideal for users seeking a stylish smartphone with a vibrant display and solid integration with Microsoft services. Those who value design and aesthetics will appreciate its unique build and color options.
Skip it if: If photography is a priority for you or if you’re looking for a smartphone with a front-facing camera, the Lumia 800 may not meet your needs. Users who require high performance in web browsing might find better options among Android or iOS devices.
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