Nokia N81 8GB Review: N-series N-gaged

Nokia Inc Nokia N81 8GB N811

The Nokia N81 8GB is a truly exciting smartphone combining the power of Symbian 9.2 OS spiced up with the new N-Gage platform. What we have in N81 8GB is entertainment and multimedia unleashed. Not only does its specs sheet impress, but it promises tons of fun. With that said you cannot blame us for being too eager to test it out, can you? So please make yourselves comfortable and join us for this review.

Nokia N81 official photos

Key features:

Massive storage space (8GB version)
Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3.1 UI
Wi-Fi support
Unique gaming experience with the new N-Gage platform and dedicated gaming keys above the display
Brilliant 2.4" 16M-color QVGA display
2 megapixel camera
3.5 mm audio jack
Touch sensitive Navi wheel
Dedicated music keys and hardware keypad lock switch
3G with video calls
Nice multimedia menu

Main disadvantages:

Mediocre camera
Awkward D-pad
Hefty weight
Uncomfortable keypad
No HSDPA

Conclusion

Reviewing the Nokia N81 was fun, except for the short periods when it got on our nerves with its awkward D-pad. Having in mind that some of its disadvantages will be fixed, we think a strong and able Symbian device is joining up the ranks. A screen of this size is not so often seen, while its gaming powers add up to a really exciting gadget. There's no doubt however that the N81 is quite a niche product, even if it's not as outspokenly eccentric as its N-gage siblings. It's worth considering how many people will be tempted by the rich smartphone functionality and turned down by the excessively youthful image of the gaming-happy N81. The hefty price tag is no surprise but it may cause many to think twice before choosing a Nokia N81 over N95 for example. If you ask us, we'll definitely go for the N95, never mind its inadequate battery. Plus, the N81 is the game-centered device in the N-series, but many of its teammates are compatible with the N-gage games anyway.