Nokia Lumia 800 video review round-up

It's been hard to miss the Nokia Lumia 800 this week, but in case you have we've brought together some video reviews to remind you

Published by Karen Bartlett on November 4, 2011

This WIRED UK review tells you everything you need to know, from the unique unibody design made from the same material as ice hockey helmets, to why the Nokia Lumia 800 has great signal strength. 

If you’re short of time, Techradar gives you the best overall lowdown and concludes that “Nokia has turned a corner”.

For 15 minutes of uninterrupted reviewing watch thehandheldblog. It covers everything you might want to know, and says the eight month turn-around time is “very impressive”. 

Ben Stevens from Which? gives this comprehensive review, and focuses as much on the “Nokia experience” as the hardware.

This review by The Verge compares the Nokia Lumia 800 to the Nokia N9. The Lumia is “Very quick and snappy, Windows Phone through and through.”

And finally, Will from Frackulous, goes hands-on with the new handset and decides this is “The best Windows Phone yet”. We’re glad he thinks so.

Comments

  • MobileStrongBOX

     The Verge video is not a real comparison between N9 and Lumia 800. “The Lumia is “Very quick and snappy, Windows Phone through and through.” is not said related to N9!!! Bastards! If it would have been a real comparison between N9 and Lumia, then N9 would be the WINER!!

  • MobileStrongBOX

    BTW, I have just preordered mine N9!

  • MobileStrongBOX

    BTW, I have just preordered mine N9!

  • http://twitter.com/RCanto Rodrigo Canto

    Lumia 800 x N9

  • Anonymous

    From the Verge review you missed the sentence “How do you begin to grade [...] a parasite occupying the shell that rightfully belongs to another”

  • http://twitter.com/trinnemaa Toni Rinnemaa

    Verge did give better score for N9 than 800 and N9 mostly lost points only because Nokia’s lack of support for the device and not sold in big markets.

  • http://twitter.com/trinnemaa Toni Rinnemaa

    Verge did give better score for N9 than 800 and N9 mostly lost points only because Nokia’s lack of support for the device and not sold in big markets.

  • http://twitter.com/Chrisjcxa Chris

    Have to admit, it looks gorgeous. The addition of the camera key was much needed, and the OS looks very arty to me. However, it seems to have too much character, and be too internet dependant; without it most of its cool features mean nothing. Since the MeeGo OS is just as dynamic and exciting, while it remains much more basic and actually has much potential to evolve into something totally groundbreaking (if only Nokia gave it the change) unlike the Mango OS which is just what it is (even if what it is is really good), N9 is my choice all the way.
    Only things that could be better in N9 are the camera key and flash position of this phone, plus this phone’s extra processor power and battery power, plus the promotion it deserved, and it would dominate the market for years to come. Lumia 800 is only great until the next of its series comes out.
    If N9 was available in my country in any other color than black, ideally with these three tiny extra details, I’d even buy 2 (as I love both blue and white) even though I don’t have the money for 1 (I’d starve my self for a few months and they would be worth it). But I would never bother for Lumia 800, I’d only get it if it was free with my mobile service contract and nothing with better features was available at the same offer. Gorgeous, but not what I’m looking for at all.

  • http://twitter.com/Chrisjcxa Chris

    Have to admit, it looks gorgeous. The addition of the camera key was much needed, and the OS looks very arty to me. However, it seems to have too much character, and be too internet dependant; without it most of its cool features mean nothing. Since the MeeGo OS is just as dynamic and exciting, while it remains much more basic and actually has much potential to evolve into something totally groundbreaking (if only Nokia gave it the change) unlike the Mango OS which is just what it is (even if what it is is really good), N9 is my choice all the way.
    Only things that could be better in N9 are the camera key and flash position of this phone, plus this phone’s extra processor power and battery power, plus the promotion it deserved, and it would dominate the market for years to come. Lumia 800 is only great until the next of its series comes out.
    If N9 was available in my country in any other color than black, ideally with these three tiny extra details, I’d even buy 2 (as I love both blue and white) even though I don’t have the money for 1 (I’d starve my self for a few months and they would be worth it). But I would never bother for Lumia 800, I’d only get it if it was free with my mobile service contract and nothing with better features was available at the same offer. Gorgeous, but not what I’m looking for at all.

  • http://twitter.com/Chrisjcxa Chris

    Have to admit, it looks gorgeous. The addition of the camera key was much needed, and the OS looks very arty to me. However, it seems to have too much character, and be too internet dependant; without it most of its cool features mean nothing. Since the MeeGo OS is just as dynamic and exciting, while it remains much more basic and actually has much potential to evolve into something totally groundbreaking (if only Nokia gave it the change) unlike the Mango OS which is just what it is (even if what it is is really good), N9 is my choice all the way.
    Only things that could be better in N9 are the camera key and flash position of this phone, plus this phone’s extra processor power and battery power, plus the promotion it deserved, and it would dominate the market for years to come. Lumia 800 is only great until the next of its series comes out.
    If N9 was available in my country in any other color than black, ideally with these three tiny extra details, I’d even buy 2 (as I love both blue and white) even though I don’t have the money for 1 (I’d starve my self for a few months and they would be worth it). But I would never bother for Lumia 800, I’d only get it if it was free with my mobile service contract and nothing with better features was available at the same offer. Gorgeous, but not what I’m looking for at all.

  • http://twitter.com/Chrisjcxa Chris

    Have to admit, it looks gorgeous. The addition of the camera key was much needed, and the OS looks very arty to me. However, it seems to have too much character, and be too internet dependant; without it most of its cool features mean nothing. Since the MeeGo OS is just as dynamic and exciting, while it remains much more basic and actually has much potential to evolve into something totally groundbreaking (if only Nokia gave it the change) unlike the Mango OS which is just what it is (even if what it is is really good), N9 is my choice all the way.
    Only things that could be better in N9 are the camera key and flash position of this phone, plus this phone’s extra processor power and battery power, plus the promotion it deserved, and it would dominate the market for years to come. Lumia 800 is only great until the next of its series comes out.
    If N9 was available in my country in any other color than black, ideally with these three tiny extra details, I’d even buy 2 (as I love both blue and white) even though I don’t have the money for 1 (I’d starve my self for a few months and they would be worth it). But I would never bother for Lumia 800, I’d only get it if it was free with my mobile service contract and nothing with better features was available at the same offer. Gorgeous, but not what I’m looking for at all.

  • http://conversations.nokia.com Ian Delaney

    Good comment, thanks Chris. 

  • http://conversations.nokia.com Ian Delaney

    Good comment, thanks Chris. 

  • http://conversations.nokia.com Ian Delaney

    Good comment, thanks Chris. 

  • http://conversations.nokia.com Ian Delaney

    Vlad says that the device is “superficially.. like” the N9. While he has some criticisms we don’t agree with, I think his review is well worth a read:
    http://www.theverge.com/2011/11/3/2534861/nokia-lumia-800-review

  • Cod3rror

    In real comparison not only n9 but even 1 year old N8 will beat 800 as wp7 mango lacks real multi-tasking and many other basic features of smartphone

  • Cod3rror

    In real comparison not only n9 but even 1 year old N8 will beat 800 as wp7 mango lacks real multi-tasking and many other basic features of smartphone

  • Anonymous

    Agreed. WinPho needs persistent internet access for the Metro UI to be  meaningful. Otherwise, you end up with just ugly flat twitching tiles.

    Personally, I wouldn’t get a WinPho (Lumia or not) just because I don’t want to distract myself further by being online on the go all the time.

    That, and the flexibility is the reason I would go with the N9 all the way.

  • Anonymous

    Agreed. WinPho needs persistent internet access for the Metro UI to be  meaningful. Otherwise, you end up with just ugly flat twitching tiles.

    Personally, I wouldn’t get a WinPho (Lumia or not) just because I don’t want to distract myself further by being online on the go all the time.

    That, and the flexibility is the reason I would go with the N9 all the way.

  • Anonymous

    Agreed. WinPho needs persistent internet access for the Metro UI to be  meaningful. Otherwise, you end up with just ugly flat twitching tiles.

    Personally, I wouldn’t get a WinPho (Lumia or not) just because I don’t want to distract myself further by being online on the go all the time.

    That, and the flexibility is the reason I would go with the N9 all the way.

  • http://twitter.com/Chrisjcxa Chris

    And you have Anima as your avatar which is cool! I just wanted to add that. :P

  • SUNNY

    what the heck is wrong with nokia dude??? Wake up!!! Wake up!!! Wake up nowwwww!!!
    I’m a die hard nokia fan.. defending hard on my choice with surrounding Galaxy s2 and iphone users.. I waited for more than 1 year on nokia to come up with something which can finally shut the iphone mongers’ mouth up. But to my sheer dismay.. this is what uve got!!?
    I mean what has happened to a company who has always innovated and taken the mobile phone world to a new horizon.. u gave 6600.. then N 95.. then n8..  I got them all.. then u just gave up?
    u are the people who have given mobile world the camera n video revolution.. the gps revolution.. u gave the world something which we call a ‘smart phone’.
    How is that  all other competitor’s are finding it a sniff to keep coming up with more and more advanced specifications? when n95 was launched..i knew nothing is coming close in 3 ~ 4 years.. and i was right..it was a dynamite of features and top notch specifications..
    You had your time.. all the products to look upto.. and come up with something exceedingly powerful and feature packed..
    You introduced front camera 5 years back.. its an essential now.. if a phone has to have a SIM card.. a smart fone has to have a front camera and video calling feature.. what stopped u from putting it in Lumia 800? we have dual core processors in market.. why u couldn’t use one? nokia cameras with carl zies optics were a breakthrough.. Then why Lumia 800 sucks in picture quality? And when already 1080p recording is so common.. what makes you not cross 720p.. its not a time to lag behind.. you took your time n u dissapointed millions of nokia fans..
    Guys if u wish to exist.. Atleast mark these features as your basics.. 8+ mp camera, 1080p recording.. loudspeaker.. 1.4 dualcore processor.. 1 gb ram.. extended memory upto 64 gb.. WiFi.. 3.5/4g.. voice input for notes.. dual led flash.. AGPS.. NFC.. USB on the go.. Windows(thank lords uve got it) with maximum windows installable software n file support.. FRONT CAMERA!!.. HDMI port.. N if uve got windows then it should give the full internet explorer experience..
    If you can get these in place.. then u have a chance to compete.. n if you are serious to take over.. once again..
    Add these if you can.. 3d display.. 3d capture.. mini projector.. mini keybord as an accessory.. to plug in via usb port.. integrate tab and phone experience.. get your widows device do.. what a windows notebook can do..

    Lumia 800/N9 are the most beautiful devices ever created.. give it a life..
    and give us another chance to flaunt our new nokia.. thanks..

  • SUNNY

    what the heck is wrong with nokia dude??? Wake up!!! Wake up!!! Wake up nowwwww!!!
    I’m a die hard nokia fan.. defending hard on my choice with surrounding Galaxy s2 and iphone users.. I waited for more than 1 year on nokia to come up with something which can finally shut the iphone mongers’ mouth up. But to my sheer dismay.. this is what uve got!!?
    I mean what has happened to a company who has always innovated and taken the mobile phone world to a new horizon.. u gave 6600.. then N 95.. then n8..  I got them all.. then u just gave up?
    u are the people who have given mobile world the camera n video revolution.. the gps revolution.. u gave the world something which we call a ‘smart phone’.
    How is that  all other competitor’s are finding it a sniff to keep coming up with more and more advanced specifications? when n95 was launched..i knew nothing is coming close in 3 ~ 4 years.. and i was right..it was a dynamite of features and top notch specifications..
    You had your time.. all the products to look upto.. and come up with something exceedingly powerful and feature packed..
    You introduced front camera 5 years back.. its an essential now.. if a phone has to have a SIM card.. a smart fone has to have a front camera and video calling feature.. what stopped u from putting it in Lumia 800? we have dual core processors in market.. why u couldn’t use one? nokia cameras with carl zies optics were a breakthrough.. Then why Lumia 800 sucks in picture quality? And when already 1080p recording is so common.. what makes you not cross 720p.. its not a time to lag behind.. you took your time n u dissapointed millions of nokia fans..
    Guys if u wish to exist.. Atleast mark these features as your basics.. 8+ mp camera, 1080p recording.. loudspeaker.. 1.4 dualcore processor.. 1 gb ram.. extended memory upto 64 gb.. WiFi.. 3.5/4g.. voice input for notes.. dual led flash.. AGPS.. NFC.. USB on the go.. Windows(thank lords uve got it) with maximum windows installable software n file support.. FRONT CAMERA!!.. HDMI port.. N if uve got windows then it should give the full internet explorer experience..
    If you can get these in place.. then u have a chance to compete.. n if you are serious to take over.. once again..
    Add these if you can.. 3d display.. 3d capture.. mini projector.. mini keybord as an accessory.. to plug in via usb port.. integrate tab and phone experience.. get your widows device do.. what a windows notebook can do..

    Lumia 800/N9 are the most beautiful devices ever created.. give it a life..
    and give us another chance to flaunt our new nokia.. thanks..

  • Anonymous

    Haha! A Final Fantasy fan, I’d presume :)
    I simply loved that Aeon.

  • giiki

    With big Sales & Marketing dollars, you can increase the perceived value of Lumia; but when customers find the added value missing, it will backfire big time Nokia!

  • giiki

    With big Sales & Marketing dollars, you can increase the perceived value of Lumia; but when customers find the added value missing, it will backfire big time Nokia!

  • Guest

    Windows Phone is a great OS – it’s a pity that people have to spread all the negativity about it – you have no idea the amount of thought that goes into this device and how modern the platform is.
    Just an example is how the on-screen keyboard uses something like 10 subtly different sounds which it plays  between keys, which helps your brain receive feedback easier (that you’ve hit the key)- rather than hearing the exact same sound over and over which it gets used to.

    You might see it at first and claim it is very basic and monochrome, but so many people have no idea how difficult it is to design something so minimalistic which looks and flows so well. The UI design (which is done in XAML/Silverlight for most apps) supports a vast array of features – the reason for this minimalistic appearance is not that they couldn’t make something else – argueably, it is more powerful than the default in iOS. If you wanted, you could put a video as the background of a button and rotate the whole thing in 3D space (not advisable) with a few lines of XAML.
     
    The application development platform has had security features built in which platforms like iOS are just now adding – such as the hashing of Unique Identifiers of the phones – albeit this is a minor thing. The tools are much more modern and powerful, making the creation of apps a lot easier and allowing the developer to spend more time polishing and tweaking the UI. This is one of the reasons why WP7 has a disproprortionately large number of Apps for the number of users it has.

    Regarding the “real” multi-tasking: The OS supports and uses multi-tasking internally – the only reason why they “suspend” / stop the execution of apps whilst they are not visibleis to save resources/battery life and not hassle the user about closing apps when they are done with them or worry about their battery life. The latest version, Mango also supports “background agents” which allow apps to do some multi-tasking by giving them a small slice of time every so often (if they desire) to update their tiles and so forth. This is not a “we’re lazy” or “we couldn’t implement this” so much as a design decision on behalf of the Windows Phone team to fulfil their vision.

  • Guest

    Windows Phone is a great OS – it’s a pity that people have to spread all the negativity about it – you have no idea the amount of thought that goes into this device and how modern the platform is.
    Just an example is how the on-screen keyboard uses something like 10 subtly different sounds which it plays  between keys, which helps your brain receive feedback easier (that you’ve hit the key)- rather than hearing the exact same sound over and over which it gets used to.

    You might see it at first and claim it is very basic and monochrome, but so many people have no idea how difficult it is to design something so minimalistic which looks and flows so well. The UI design (which is done in XAML/Silverlight for most apps) supports a vast array of features – the reason for this minimalistic appearance is not that they couldn’t make something else – argueably, it is more powerful than the default in iOS. If you wanted, you could put a video as the background of a button and rotate the whole thing in 3D space (not advisable) with a few lines of XAML.
     
    The application development platform has had security features built in which platforms like iOS are just now adding – such as the hashing of Unique Identifiers of the phones – albeit this is a minor thing. The tools are much more modern and powerful, making the creation of apps a lot easier and allowing the developer to spend more time polishing and tweaking the UI. This is one of the reasons why WP7 has a disproprortionately large number of Apps for the number of users it has.

    Regarding the “real” multi-tasking: The OS supports and uses multi-tasking internally – the only reason why they “suspend” / stop the execution of apps whilst they are not visibleis to save resources/battery life and not hassle the user about closing apps when they are done with them or worry about their battery life. The latest version, Mango also supports “background agents” which allow apps to do some multi-tasking by giving them a small slice of time every so often (if they desire) to update their tiles and so forth. This is not a “we’re lazy” or “we couldn’t implement this” so much as a design decision on behalf of the Windows Phone team to fulfil their vision.

  • Dev Roc

    Wait..green Lumia…this changes everything…including my preorder! WILL IT GET WHITE?

  • Dev Roc

    Wait..green Lumia…this changes everything…including my preorder! WILL IT GET WHITE?

  • Dev Roc

    Wait..green Lumia…this changes everything…including my preorder! WILL IT GET WHITE?

  • Dev Roc

    Wait..green Lumia…this changes everything…including my preorder! WILL IT GET WHITE?

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