Outstanding optics, refined looks, on-demand TV for channels like CNN and National Geo, and a huge array of features take the Nokia N8 straight to the head of the pack. The 12 megapixel camera records 720p (yes .. that's Hi-Def) video and professional optics from Carl Zeiss combine with a xenon flash, face recognition and geo-tagging to bring possibly the best camera and video package available comparing well with the Panasonic dedicated SD60 Hi-Def Camcorder in those stakes. The multimedia story doesn't end here though, with thoughtful inclusion like an HDMI interface for TV or projector connectivity and Dolby Digital Plus technology for compatibility with home theatre systems.

The Nokia N8 has a 3.5 inch OLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 640x360 pixels. Your own widgets can be added to the three customisable home screens which can be accessed with a simple finer swipe. The home screen shows live updates from social networking sites and there’s a dedicated widget for Facebook and Twitter, bringing them into one application.

The N8 can download applications from the Ovi store via the 3G HSDPA web browser. For music addicts there’s an FM radio and Nokia’s Music Player. There’s 16GB internal memory (expandable up to 48GB) for storing your music files and the N8 can play back an impressive 50 hours from one battery charge, you can listen to music all day long.

Connectivity options are also varied with quad-band roaming, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Emails are handled by a unified email client whilst instant messaging capability and SMS in a conversational view perfectly round off any users communication needs. Nokia are also offering navigation for free with GPS and Ovi Maps providing turn-by-turn, on foot or by car, voice guided instructions. The Nokia N8 is a tremendous smartphone package with too many features to mention.

The Nokia N8 is only available on a Sim-Free basis from the Nokia store at this time, with delivery expected at the end of Septembver 2010.

Dimensions

• Size: 113.5 x 59 x 12.9 mm




• Weight (with battery): 135 g




• Volume: 86 cc

 

Display and user interface

• Screen size: 3.5"




• Resolution: 16:9 nHD (640 x 360 pixels) AMOLED




• 16.7 million colours




• Capacitive touch screen




• Orientation sensor (Accelerometer)




• Compass (Magnetometer)




• Proximity sensor




• Ambient light detector

Keys and input methods

• Physical keys (Menu key, Power key, Lock key, volume keys, Camera key)




• Finger touch support for text input and UI control




• On-screen alphanumeric keypad and full keyboard




• Dedicated camera and volume keys




• Possibility to use capacitive stylus




• Handwriting recognition for Chinese

Colours

• Anodized aluminium casing, available in:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Silver white
  
  
  
  
  • Dark grey
  
  
  
  
  • Orange
  
  
  
  
  • Blue
  
  
  
  
  • Green
  
  
  
  
  
  




• Colour availability varies by country

Personalisation

• Up to three customisable home screens:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Widgets
  
  
  
  
  • Themes
  
  
  
  
  • Shortcuts
  
  
  
  
  • Icons
  
  
  
  
  • Menu
  
  
  
  
  
  




• Customisable profiles




• Ring tones: mp3, AAC, eAAC, eAAC+, WMA, AMR-NB, AMR-WB




• Video ring tones




• Themes
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • wallpapers
  
  
  
  
  • screensavers
  
  
  
  
  • audio themes
  
  
  
  
  • pre-installed themes
  
  
  
  
  • changeable colour themes
  
  
  
  
  
  

No contract deals have been announced presently, but check OneStopCompare Nokia N8 Deals for virtually every deal available from retailers.