Nokia N81 8GB Review

Orange, T-Mobile and 3 turned down Nokia’s flagship music phone because it offers the manufacturer’s Music Store. However, the panel doesn’t think the networks are missing out on anything too special with the N81 8GB, particularly given the obvious comparisons with the similarly sized N95.

As can be expected by a phone of its considerable size, the N81 boasts a comprehensive range of features, including 3G, Edge and Wi-Fi capabilities, an MP3 player, FM radio, Push-To-Talk and up to four hours of talktime.

While it does not compete with the N95 on the camera front, the N81 has received positive reviews on its music and gaming offering. However, the N95 is more of an all-rounder, and the panel sees little compelling reason to opt for the N81 instead of the N95, and has mixed opinions on the device.

Kane was one of the more enthused. He says: ‘There are a lot of good things about the N81 – the screen, menu system, music player and gaming. It seems to be reliable with a good size and weight.’

The Carphone salesman is also impressed, saying: ‘I’m a Nokia fan, and I think the N81 is a really good phone. The gaming is excellent and so is the sound quality of the music player. The fact that it has Edge, 3G and Wi-Fi is extremely impressive, especially compared with the iPhone, which doesn’t even have 3G.’

The Carphone salesman adds that the camera could have been better, but says the quality of other features makes up for this.

However, the O2 salesman disagrees. He’s unwilling to look beyond the basic camera and is unimpressed with the design. ‘I think it’s a pretty poor handset.

It’s lacking in a lot of areas. The camera is sub-standard and has a very basic flash. It is also quite chunky and feels cheap.’ Kotecha also thinks the camera ‘could have been better’.

The panel agrees that the N81 targets a young demographic. The O2 salesman says: ‘I would say it’s aimed at the 18-24 year-old market, with the music and gaming as its main selling points.’

Wide appeal

The Carphone salesman says: ‘It will attract both music and gaming fans – basically a young crowd - although its appeal could stretch beyond that. The MP3 sound quality is actually better than the Sony Walkman phones.’

Kane also thinks the N81 will attract younger users, but feels the poor camera might disappoint. ‘It’s attractive to the younger market because of the music and gaming, and the stylish design. The camera could be more competitive when you consider the phone is aimed at a young market, many of whom want a good camera. That’s the one thing that lets it down.’
Overall, the panel could not reach a unanimous verdict over the N81. Kotecha says: ‘Seeing as the price is the same as the N95, people will probably go for the N95.’ The O2 salesperson describes it as ‘a brilliant multimedia device, but could have been better overall. The Carphone salesman calls it ‘a gamer’s dream’, while Kane says the N81 is a ‘typically stylish Nokia’.

source : http://www.mobiletoday.co.uk/