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

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

As you all know, there are two versions of the handset - standard and 8GB. The standard version features a memory card slot, the other has none but offers the exciting 8GB of onboard memory. We are looking at the Nokia N81 8GB but all of it holds true for the standard Nokia N81 as well. Therefore, from now on we are going to simply call it Nokia N81.

Nokia N81 review photos

Both versions of Nokia N81 have been in the spotlight ever since their official announcement at the Nokia Go Play Event in London back than in August. The air is getting thick with anticipation, as N81 seems to have earned quite a lot of fans. No wonder with a specs sheet like this, though we know better than taking anything for granted. After all, the question is whether performance cashes the checks written by the specs. Besides, we just couldn't wait to play a few games and see if those dedicated keys are worth the fuss.

A word of warning is due as our review is based on a beta version of the handset it's possible that the retail version will have some minor changes. But enough chit-chat, you are welcome on the Nokia N81 tour right after the jump.