Nokia Lumia 800
An impressive debut for Nokia’s new look smartphones; a refreshing alternative
Write your own reviewFor
Refreshing design and OS; Windows Phone is clean and fast; good AV performance
Against
Touch controls require care; Windows Phone can’t match selection of rivals
Nokia has struggled to make much of a splash in the smartphone industry, concentrating instead on the entry-level end of the market.
The Finnish company hopes to change this by embracing Windows Phone, and this is its first, flagship Windows smartphone.
The handset is a little stubbier than the profile you'll see elsewhere but its curves are easier to grasp than flatter, squarer devices.
It's refreshing in a sea of Androids and Apples. And it's a similar story with the Windows Phone OS. It's a fair step away from Android and iOS. And it's a success.
A smaller screen – but fast
The home screen comprises a series of customisable 'Live Tiles', two abreast. There's less immediately at your disposal on the main screen but it's neat and tidy.
Away from this screen the menus have a Windows feel – in a good way – with clear, text-led menus. It's fast and functional, if understated.
The touchscreen is a little sensitive, so horizontal swipes sometimes register as vertical, while it's easy to tap in to an app rather than scroll past it.
This can be an issue with internet browsing, too, but there's nothing wrong with the speed of the Internet Explorer browser. Flash is missing – though an update is imminent.
Zune has clever wireless sync
Microsoft Zune is your music software. It tries hard to be busy and exciting, which makes basic functions a little harder to work out than maybe they should be, and will only rip in MP3 or WMA, but the wireless sync feature is clever.
You can fill the Lumia 800's 16GB memory (there's no SD card slot) with the normal selection of music files.
The 3.7in, 800 x 480 resolution screen is less impressive at a glance due to less screen compared with the big boys. But it's as sharp as any, and the AMOLED screen delivers plenty of detail.
Sonically it's strong, too. There's a slight lack of refinement and detail compared with the best, but in isolation it can hum a tune perfectly nicely.
Limited number of apps
There's a decent 8MP rear camera that will record 720p videos and an FM radio. The number of apps is limited.
There's no BBC iPlayer, but BBC News, Spotify and ESPN Goals are here.
There's also a nice Xbox Live tile, allowing you to play games, and access your friends and content.
We're impressed. It doesn't match the best in key areas for us – music and video playback, or choice of extras – but this is an interesting and welcome alternative. With Nokia, and Windows Phone, we could have a serious new contender.
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