UK 3G Mobile Phones - Nokia N81 Review

Sign-up for our new monthly newsletter now



Mobile Broadband Plans

Nokia Phones
Nokia 1112
Nokia 1200
Nokia 1208
Nokia 1650
Nokia 1680 Classic
Nokia 2310
Nokia 2600 Classic
Nokia 2610
Nokia 2630
Nokia 2680 Slide
Nokia 2760
Nokia 3109 Classic
Nokia 3110 Classic
Nokia 3110 Evolve
Nokia 3500 Classic
Nokia 5000
Nokia 5200
Nokia 5220 XpressMusic
Nokia 5300 XpressMusic
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic
Nokia 5320 XpressMusic
Nokia 5610 XpressMusic
Nokia 5700 XpressMusic
Nokia 6080
Nokia 6110 Navigator
Nokia 6111
Nokia 6120 Classic
Nokia 6210 Navigator
Nokia 6212 Classic
Nokia 6220 Classic
Nokia 6233
Nokia 6280
Nokia 6288
Nokia 6300
Nokia 6300i
Nokia 6301
Nokia 6500 Classic
Nokia 6500 Slide
Nokia 6555
Nokia 6600 Fold
Nokia 7070 Prism
Nokia 7373
Nokia 7390
Nokia 7500 Prism
Nokia 7900 Prism
Nokia 8600 Luna
Nokia 8800 Arte
Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte
Nokia 8800 Sirocco Edition
Nokia E50
Nokia E51
Nokia E61i
Nokia E65
Nokia E90 Communicator
Nokia N70
Nokia N73
Nokia N76
Nokia N78
Nokia N81
Nokia N82
Nokia N92
Nokia N93i
Nokia N95
Nokia N96

Nokia Phone Resources

Apple Phones
Apple iPhone

BlackBerry Phones
BlackBerry Pearl 8100
BlackBerry Pearl 8110
BlackBerry Pearl 8120
BlackBerry Curve 8300
BlackBerry Curve 8310
BlackBerry Curve 8320
BlackBerry 8800
BlackBerry 8820

LG Phones
LG KE770 Shine Bar
LG KE800 Chocolate Platinum
LG KE850 Prada
LG KE970 Shine
LG KF510
LG KF600 Venus
LG KF700
LG KF750 Secret
LG KG800 Chocolate
LG KU990 Viewty
LG U970 Shine 3G

Motorola Phones
Motorola KRZR K1
Motorola RAZR V3
Motorola RAZR V3i
Motorola RAZR2 V8
Motorola RAZR2 V9
Motorola RIZR Z3
Motorola RIZR Z8
Motorola RIZR Z10
Motorola ROKR E6
Motorola ROKR Z6
Motorola Sidekick Slide
Motorola U9 PEBL2
Motorola W181
Motorola W230
Motorola W375
Motorola W377
Motorola W510
Motorola Z6w

O2 Phones
O2 Cocoon
O2 XDA Orbit

Samsung Phones
Samsung Armani
Samsung C300
Samsung D600
Samsung D780 Duos
Samsung D840
Samsung D900 Ultra Edition
Samsung E250
Samsung E370
Samsung E590
Samsung E840
Samsung E900
Samsung F110 miCoach
Samsung F210
Samsung F250
Samsung F480
Samsung F490
Samsung F500 Ultra Video
Samsung F700 Ultra Smart
Samsung G400
Samsung G600
Samsung G800
Samsung G810
Samsung i450
Samsung i550
Samsung i560
Samsung i780
Samsung J600
Samsung J700
Samsung L170
Samsung L310
Samsung L320
Samsung L760 / Ted Baker
Samsung L770
Samsung M110 Solid
Samsung U600
Samsung U700
Samsung U900 Soul
Samsung X820 Ultra Edition
Samsung X830 / Blush

Sony Ericsson Phones
Sony Ericsson C702i
Sony Ericsson C902i
Sony Ericsson G502
Sony Ericsson G700i
Sony Ericsson G900i
Sony Ericsson K200i
Sony Ericsson K320i
Sony Ericsson K510i
Sony Ericsson K530i
Sony Ericsson K550i
Sony Ericsson K610i
Sony Ericsson K660i
Sony Ericsson K750i
Sony Ericsson K770i
Sony Ericsson K790i
Sony Ericsson K800i
Sony Ericsson K810i
Sony Ericsson K850i
Sony Ericsson P1
Sony Ericsson R300i
Sony Ericsson R306i
Sony Ericsson S500i
Sony Ericsson T250i
Sony Ericsson T270i
Sony Ericsson T280i
Sony Ericsson T303i
Sony Ericsson T650i
Sony Ericsson V630i
Sony Ericsson V640i
Sony Ericsson W200i
Sony Ericsson W300i
Sony Ericsson W350i
Sony Ericsson W380i
Sony Ericsson W580i
Sony Ericsson W610i
Sony Ericsson W660i
Sony Ericsson W700i
Sony Ericsson W710i
Sony Ericsson W760i
Sony Ericsson W810i
Sony Ericsson W830i
Sony Ericsson W850i
Sony Ericsson W880i
Sony Ericsson W890i
Sony Ericsson W910i
Sony Ericsson W950i
Sony Ericsson W960i
Sony Ericsson W980i
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1
Sony Ericsson Z310i
Sony Ericsson Z555i
Sony Ericsson Z610i
Sony Ericsson Z750i
Sony Ericsson Z770i
Sony Ericsson Z780i

Sony Ericsson Music Phones

Camera Phones

Nokia N81 & N81 8GB 3G Phone Overview

Expected UK Release Date: Available

Nokia N81 8GB Best Deals

Key Features
N81 with Expandable Memory
N81 8GB with 8 Gbytes of Internal flash Memory
WLAN Technology
3G Technology
2.4 Inch QVGA 16 Million Colour Screen
2 Megapixel Camera with 20 x Digital Zoom & Flash
Music Player with Music & Volume Keys

Our Summary
The Nokia N81 is a high capable 3G phone which comes with easy to use features & built in technologies. It comes with a digital camera feature, music player & a stunning 2.4 Inch high colour display. The N81 comes with Bluetooth®, EDGE, 3G & WLAN technologies which make this a fast & efficient mobile device.

For the best deals on the Nokia N81, why not visit Dial-a-Phone who are currently offering a free handset along with a free XBOX 360 Arcade console.

Design
76%
Usability
71%
Features
75%

The above ratings are average figures, which have been generated from submitted mobile phone reviews.

Do not copy content from the page. Plagiarism will be detected by Copyscape.

Nokia N81 3G Phone Review

The Nokia N81 & Nokia N81 8GB are members of the Nokia N-Series which includes other popular phones including the Nokia N73, Nokia N77 & the Nokia N95. The N81 & N81 8GB are identical in design & features but come with differing memory options & the phones have different colour options on their casing. The Nokia N81 & Nokia N81 8GB come with a Nokia headset with remote control, connectivity cable, compact travel charger & battery but the Nokia N81 comes with a 2 Gbyte MicroSD™ memory card. The N81 comes with an expandable memory options which allows the user to add memory card to suit their storage needs & the start up kit includes a 2 Gbyte MicroSD™ memory card. The N81 is mainly black in colour with highlights of coloured edging around the casing & the navigation wheel. The N81 comes in a choice of two colours which are graphite grey & cobalt blue. The Nokia N81 8GB comes with 8 Gbytes of internal flash memory which allows the user to store much data on their new handset. The N81 8GB also comes with coloured edging around the casing & navigation wheel which are subtly coloured cocoa brown. The handset is solid & robust in design which weighs 140 grams & the overall measurements are 17.9mm deep by 50mm wide by 102mm high. The Nokia N81 & N81 8GB are beautiful in design & in capabilities. The phones are 3G capable handsets complete with WLAN technology. The phones are media, music & internet focused handsets which come with a simple slide opening casing complete with easy access music, video & function keys. The user can enjoy viewing the large screen when the handsets are open or closed. The screen is large measuring 2.4 inches with a high screen resolution & displays up to sixteen million colours for a quality viewing experience.

The phones comes with high quality imaging features which include a 2 megapixel camera complete with flash option & 20 x digital zoom. The flash comes with a selection mode which allows the user to turn the flash on & off or to automatic flash mode or to red eye reduction mode. The user can capture still images & record video footage on their N81 or N81 8GB handsets. The user can record, stream, playback & edit video footage with ease. The user can store, share & even blog their personal images & video footage. The user will never be short of entertainment on their new phone as both phones can view games in either portrait or landscape mode & the user can enjoy lively action packed games on their handset. The Nokia N81 & N81 8GB operate on a Symbian operating system complete with S60 3.1 software. A fully charged battery will provide either up to 4 hours GSM talk time, 3 hours WCDMA talk time, 408 hours standby time, 3.5 hours QVGA video recording time, 4.5 hours QVGA video playback time, 11.5 hours music playback time or up to 6 hours of gaming time.

Nokia N81 8GB 3G Mobile Phone Front View
Nokia N81 8GB 3G Mobile Phone Game Mode
Nokia N81 8GB 3G Mobile Phone Open View

The user can rest assure that a call will never be missed & forgotten as the Nokia N81 & Nokia N81 8GB come with a call log feature which allows the user to access all missed calls, calls received & dialled calls easily. The phones come with other easy to use communication features including a push to talk call feature, handsfree speaker phone feature, conference call & voice over IP Internet call feature. The user can take part in a face to face call using the 3G video call feature which allows the user to see who they are talking to on their screen. The 3G video call can take place between two 3G compatible mobile phone users & is a fun way to communicate & provides a real feel to any call whether it is a business or pleasure call.

The phones really come alive when the built in music functions are used & the user can enjoy many hours worth of music entertainment on their beautiful new handset. The phones both come with a high quality music player which supports all popular music formats. The user can access & control their music simply by using the dedicated music & volume keys. The music keys allow the user to play, rewind, fast forward, pause & stop music using the external keys without having to slide the phone open. The user can create & manage their music playlists on their phone. The phones come with a 5 band equaliser which allows the user to gain the best sound for the type of music being played. The user can stream music & enjoy a wireless Bluetooth stereo A2DP connection. The Nokia N81 & N81 8GB come with a FM radio feature complete with visual radio which allows the user to view information on what band or artist is playing & the name of the song they are listening to.

The Nokia N81 & Nokia N81 8GB work over quad band technology with WCDMA which allows the user to enjoy worldwide network coverage on their new handset. The phones are 3G mobile phones which provide the user with multi tasking capabilities & the phones support WLAN technology. The user can enjoy wireless connection to compatible devices using a Bluetooth® connection between devices. The user can transfer files or data including photos, videos 7 music files using Bluetooth® Wireless technology or a USB cabled connection. The user will find their new handset provides high speed transfers with the help of the built in Edge technology. The user can enjoy a mobile Internet experience on their handset as both phones come with a Nokia browser complete with mini map. The phones come with a variety of messaging services which allow the user to stay in contact with others quickly & easily. The user can send & receive text messages, multimedia messages containing photos or video & emails complete with attachments. The messaging services are all easily accessible from the phones main menu & the user can enjoy sharing messages between all compatible messaging contacts. These phones have been designed with the user in mind & the user will fully enjoy their new mobile experience with one of these beautiful handsets as their companion.


Do not copy content from the page. Plagiarism will be detected by Copyscape.

Nokia N81 Specifications & Features

Screen
2.4 Inch QVGA 16 Million Colour Screen (320 x 240 Pixels)

Imaging
2 Megapixel Camera
20 x Digital Zoom
Flash
Flash Mode (On, Off, Automatic & Red Eye Reduction)
Photo Gallery
Photo Editor
Video Player
Video Recorder (MPEG4, H264, H263, 3GPP, RealVideo 8, 9, 10)
Video Streaming
Video Editor
Video Call
Second CIF Camera
Theme Wallpapers
Theme Screensavers

Messaging
SMS (Text Messaging)
MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
Email with Attachments
Picture Messaging
SMS Distribution List
Predictive Text

Sound
Music Player (MP3 (VBR), WAV, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, M4A & WMA)
Media Keys (Play, Pause, Stop, Rewind & Forward)
Volume Keys
FM Radio
Visual Radio
Playlists Management
5 Band Equalizer
Music Streaming (UPnP)
Bluetooth Stereo A2DP
Integrated Stereo Speakers
Headset
Nokia Podcasting
Voice Commands
Voice Recorder
MP3 & Polyphonic Ringtones
Talking Ringtones

Entertainment
Game Keys
Game Mode (Landscape or Portrait)
Embedded Games
Downloadable Games
Organiser
Contacts
Calendar
To Do List
PIM Printing
Calculator
Clock
Call Log (Missed, Received & Dialled Calls)
Speaker Independent Name Dialling (SIND)
Internet Calls VoIP
Conference Call
Push To Talk
Handsfree Speaker
Symbian OS
S60 3.1 Software

Connectivity
WLAN
3G
Bluetooth™
USB
EDGE

Network
Quad Band (GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800 & GSM 1900)
WCDMA 2100

Internet
Nokia Browser with Mini Map

Memory & Talk Time
MicroSD™ Memory Card with 2 Gbyte Card or 8 Gbytes Internal Flash Memory
4 Hours Talk Time
408 Hours Standby

Weight & Size
140 g
102 x 50 x 17.9 mm



Best Buys - Nokia N81

Your Nokia N81 Reviews

Click here to add your own review for the Nokia N81
Click here to add your own review for the Nokia N81



Reviewer: Rana Higazi - Abudhabi, United Arab Emirates
Date: 4th May 2008

I want to know how much this mobile is now & if it will breaks quickly & I want to know more information about this mobile I want to buy this mobile it's the best.

Design
55%
Usability
65%
Features
75%

Reviewer: Ali - UK
Date: 15th Apr 2008

Like the phone overall, haven't experienced any problems with it yet. Only downfall is the camera, the quality is poor,

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
70%

Reviewer: Scarz Snt - London, UK
Date: 15th Apr 2008

I have the n81. My girlfriend brought it for me & it's excellent. It has a large amount of memory but how do I rewind & fast tracks.

Design
80%
Usability
70%
Features
80%

Reviewer: Mike - London, UK
Date: 10th Apr 2008

This is the best phone in the world for me. I like it so much! & the camera is not so bad.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: David - UK
Date: 3rd Apr 2008

Nokia 6300 IS A GOOD MOBILE PHONE IN ALL WAY. I HAVE USED THIS MOBILE PHONE FOR 2 MONTH & I FIND THAT IT IS A NICE HANDSET IN ALL WAYS. I BOUGHT THIS HANDSET FROM HERE. THIS SITE DEALS CHEAPEST MOBILE PHONE CONTRACTS.

Design
70%
Usability
60%
Features
55%

Reviewer: Soundar - Dartford, UK
Date: 30th Mar 2008

I got this phone last week. Compare to the other Nokia products this one is best. But camera is very poor. If the phone is lock & kept in the pocket & unfortunately. But over the best phone is Nokia apart from the camera.

Design
85%
Usability
90%
Features
65%

Reviewer: Joe - Stoke On Trent, UK
Date: 25th Mar 2008

Now, first off, I'd like to just point out that I work for phones 4 you on behalf of the repair team they use, at head office, now that's not boasting I just want to clarify what qualifies me to give a review regarding this handset.

Nokia in general are brilliant handsets, in my professional experience, Sony Ericsson's rank the worst for repair issues & global issues, this isn't to say they are bad, just that I personally would not trust one. Samsung & LG follow a close second in regards to durability & general software issues, with Nokia at the rear with their excellent vitality in regards to both physical endurance & software maintenance.

The first thing which is obvious about this handset, that many of you have mentioned is of course the 2.0 mega pixel camera, now I agree, a lot of handsets especially Motorola's that are equipped with similar camera's generally take better pictures, simply down to the fact that the camera software in this Nokia handset isn't very good, unlike the N73 for example which had a 3.2 mega pixel camera that took pictures with quality on par with the N95 due to the fact it had superior software, this is no longer the case as the N95 has had a good few upgraded software patches released.

As a rule most handsets with a slide or (flex) if you want to be technical would make me feel a little insecure regarding the build of the handset, it's natural to worry about it falling apart, admittedly as some of you have reported there have been cases of the N81 being sold with a loose slide, that's all it is though, a loose slide, it won't cause any short or long term issues handset wise, however it would leave important parts of the handset vulnerable to liquid ingress.

The N gage compatibility, is excellent, the music technology & the large headset jack, excellent additions, to a handset that leaves nothing to be desired. The software as you may have picked up before hand camera wise needs rethinking, here's to hoping Nokia will allow us to update it through PC Suit. However I believe this handset is another excellent addition to the Nokia Symbian 60 family.

So to sum up, good handset, people have had bad experiences in some cases but from what I can tell on the whole the feeling towards this handset is good. If you don't want a high end N-Series handset & a large monthly tariff, then go for the N81 it in no way is shadowed by the N95 boasting quite a few of the same features, it simply is to be considered the Lite version.

Anyway I do hope that reading this review helps some of you to make your mind up in regards to what handset to pick & whether or not this if the one for you.

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Lee - Surrey, UK
Date: 22nd Mar 2008

Upgraded to this phone about 2 weeks ago, previously I had been using an apple iPhone & also had the N95 before that. As far as this phone goes I find it to be almost identical to the N95 feature wise, in fact this is a lot better as regards to games & gimmicks. The n95 whilst being a nice phone has a lot of flaws which people seem to forget, such as the rubbish battery life, the annoyance of it sliding open every time you put it in your pocket & the sat nav takes a lifetime to fire up. Lots of flaws & as for the iPhone, well, personally I would get & 8GB iPod touch & a decent phone separately as the iPhone is great as a music player but as a phone falls flat on its bits! No Bluetooth, lame phone, ringtones are a nightmare to download & install. The annoyance of having to use iTunes etc. & its huge! The n81 isn't bad. OK it's not great but it's defiantly worth the upgrade. All phones have flaws but it depends what you're looking for, if you want a decent camera look for something with Carl Zeiss. Music players, get a Sony. This kind of covers all bases, 8GB is plenty of memory to store pictures, tunes etc & if you have any sense you'll back it all up anyway in case it all goes Pete tong. The phones a bit heavy, but so what! It's a phone! I am happy with this so far. No breakdowns & lockups, will keep you updated but I am sure it's going to be fine! Go look for yourself!

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Sandra - Hong Kong
Date: 18th Mar 2008

There are some bad & good things about this phone.

Music quality & features are excellent.

Design feels a bit bulky & terrible fingerprints on the screen & buttons of the phone.

However used the phone for less than 3 months & the buttons not working.

Design
70%
Usability
50%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Giantrust - UK
Date: 15th Mar 2008

I've had my replacement three weeks now, (see review below) & all is well. This is a great phone for business & pleasure, apart from the often mentioned camera, I use it for emailing, web browsing, chat & texting, the one thing that concerns me is the memory is so large 8 GB, that's a lot of information, programs, tunes & pictures to lose if this one goes the way of my other one & freezes, refusing to start. Not sure if I'd feel happier if in that situation I could remove a memory card to put in its replacement.

Design
80%
Usability
90%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Claire - UK
Date: 6th Mar 2008

I really like the phone. However, I had trouble trying to take the music application off my standby so I had to download software (task list) & it gives you an option to kill the music application, which I do, & it clears it. Also, I was very concerned about the battery life, lasting for a day, until I discovered if I turned the sleep mode OFF, the navigation wheel would stop flashing, & the battery would last me. So far, I recharged it Monday night (9.15), now it's Thursday, & one bar has just gone, & that includes messing about on the phone, transferring pictures & songs. I like the life blog & all the other features. The slide show is brilliant, when you can watch your pictures moving about on the screen (it zooms in & out) & you can listen to music at the same time. The keypad is a bit stiff to press sometimes though, especially when you want a capital letter.

Design
100%
Usability
95%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Edward Cullen - Forks, US
Date: 1st Mar 2008

This is a great phone. I do understand that its camera quality isn't good but I don't really like taking photos anyway I just love the music player cause I can listen to my favourite. Songs & very thing is great.

Give it a go, Edward.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Veasna - Cambodia
Date: 29th Feb 2008

I always trust in Nokia but for Nokia N81 camera is very bad quality. I think Nokia forget to test the camera before selling it.

Design
75%
Usability
50%
Features
50%

Reviewer: Joyce - Singapore
Date: 28th Feb 2008

Hmmm, actually, the reviews here are so varied, from utter condemnation to nothing but praise. Am considering either getting an N81 or an E51. Or perhaps even a 5610 (but that doesn't even support WLAN). Could anyone give some advice please? Thanks!

Design
50%
Usability
70%
Features
70%

Reviewer: Oliver - Oxborough, UK
Date: 26th Feb 2008

I only got the phone bout begining of February & already I love it, & I recommend it to all the music lovers because it's a brilliant phone. I have got tones of music & pictures on it & I still got tones of memory left. People out there thinking about buying this phone, I will tell you now GET IT! Now.

Design
95%
Usability
100%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Giantrust - Preston, UK
Date: 24th Feb 2008

I had my n81 two days, fantastic phone until it froze & refused to restart. Now waiting for a replacement, hopefully it will last a little longer.

Design
75%
Usability
75%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Fateema - Bradfrd, UK
Date: 18th Feb 2008

So far so good. Best phone I have had. Camera is only 2 megapixels. If you're looking for a very good camera, it's not for you. Overall I think its one of the best Nokia's around.

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Richard S - Bradford, UK
Date: 12th Feb 2008

Despite reading many reviews on this phone, I still opted to go for it when it came for upgrades, partly because I am not a high user, there was very little option around, that & the fact I didn't wish to join the N95 club.

I agree that the camera leaves a little to be desired for, however I use the camera for the occasional snap & for that it's great. When I want to take serious pictures, I have a proper camera with optical zoom. The features for this phone are amazing, I have spent years being anti-Nokia, but the operating system is great. The phone is nice & clear for calls & texting is nice & easy. Weight wise it is a little bit heavier but it's nice to know I have something on me, saves me trying to work out if I have remembered it or not.

This is a nice alternative to the N95 in my opinion, it is a little bit different. I was concerned about the amount of buttons but they are easy to work round. The iPod type scroll wheel impressed me, I don't know if other people are too light handed or heavy but it whizzed round for me & was very responsive.

The only other thing to remember is to close applications properly when you are not using them, failure to do so will make the phone run a little slower.

Design
95%
Usability
95%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Dave - UK
Date: 4th Feb 2008

I bought this Sim Free for £269 (Great Price) & received it the next day. I had spent the previous day ripping all my CD's ready to transfer onto the massive 8GB memory.

I had read all the reviews before ordering the phone & was concerned about the build quality & thought to myself it can't be that bad, unfortunately side.

The phone is a fingerprint magnet & after a while the whole phone becomes very slippery.

The phones features are superb & the music quality is the best I have ever heard on a phone. I really tried to like this phone but sorry Nokia the build of the N81 is not up to standard.

Design
5%
Usability
95%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Keshav - Bangalore, India
Date: 4th Feb 2008

Phone rocks. But camera is poor.

Design
95%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Michael Angelo - Manila, Philippines
Date: 2nd Feb 2008

Base on my test use. It is clear that this is a very good phone! Just don't drop it! MP3 player & loud speakers is very loud & camera is not that bad. If you need a good camera, try buying a digital camera. Thanks! More power!

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Nick - Portsmouth, UK
Date: 1st Feb 2008

Some people are just so picky! This phone is by far the best phone I have & I would say the picture quality is only slightly less than my old k810i.

I think you all need to double check that you have removed the plastic covers, I must admit mine was next to invisible & only noticed the camera had one 2 days later. Also the screen cover really does nothing for the screen.

I will admit I dropped it OK, this made my keys go mental & in response was calling all numbers & sending texts etc. Being a phone mechanic myself I quickly found the problem, upon opening the phone up I noticed it had your usual plugs etc to connect the screen etc, you need to make sure this is down properly also open it sideways from the left if you fancy a bash because there is a tiny plug on the right which is for the navi wheel & buttons etc. Make sure they are both secure & all button problems will be cured.

My only complaint is the greasy appearance when you play with it, but this is only because it's a shiny slick phone!

Music programs are fine to use, you don't need anything more? My lock button doesn't rattle like others apparently do, but again I dropped mine & it got stuck, it took me two minutes to un stick it. Yes the keyboard is a little creaky & yes the screen does seem slightly loose but common, all these amazing features & an easily fixable phone & 8GB memory, well the only other phone on the market to even look at this phone is the n95. That only has the up on this because of its camera. But if you wanted an amazing camera, wouldn't you go buy a digital one? This is a phone & the 2.0 gig picture is good quality providing you've removed your little sly cover & you have decent light conditions. Get the phone for all reviewers. It's worth the cash!

Design
85%
Usability
95%
Features
95%

Reviewer: M Mustafa - London, UK
Date: 30th Jan 2008

Agree that the PC Suite is a bit slow, but I found that using Windows Media to transfer files was a lot faster & easier.

It does look like it has many functions, but I was only interested in the music player & the 3G. I found that I can use normal headphone jack with this, so it's very useful.

Design
95%
Usability
70%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Robski - London, UK
Date: 24th Jan 2008

I just sent mine back, what a very poorly made phone considering all the hype it has received. Poor build quality means it rattled & squeaked whilst texting & felt like it wouldn't stand up to long term use. Also with the keys set back & under the top, it was fiddly to text with one hand.

Every application opened has to be exited via a menu screen otherwise it is still running & draining power, the music player function couldn't be exited at all, which meant that the alert light is flashing all the time, very annoying if you think you may have received a text or missed call.

The music player functions are basic & the sound very average, & the loading times for converting & transferring music via Nokia PC suite are agonisingly long, hours & hours. The N Gage gaming which is a big selling point hasn't even been launched yet, check out their site & you will find no confirmed start date, so it's a useless function.

Camera is Pathetic, sadly a big disappointment. I think without the gaming ability the N95 looks a much better phone.

Design
60%
Usability
60%
Features
60%

Reviewer: Richard - Stoke, UK
Date: 23rd Jan 2008

Very, Very POOR camera quality! The phone has some very good features but the camera quality is a huge let down! Waste of money would not recommend!

Design
80%
Usability
40%
Features
5%

Reviewer: Eco - Munich, Germany
Date: 14th Jan 2008

Cool phone, nice design & good SW. Music quality is the best up to now in the market.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Martin Doyle - Leeds, UK
Date: 13th Jan 2008

Very good phone, GET IT.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Emily - London, UK
Date: 8th Jan 2008

Have had this phone for a month & found none of the problems reported below with freezing or the nav key (maybe I am just lucky).

The buttons are very close together & if you're looking for a phone that has a good camera. I would not recommend this model as it is more of an afterthought than an extra! The MP3 function is exultant compared to the Sony Ericsson phones, much easier to upload music & listen to.

Would recommend as a cheaper version of the phone any day (my partner has one & it has far more problems than this).

Design
85%
Usability
95%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Alan - London, UK
Date: 7th Jan 2008

I have been using the N81 8GB model for about three weeks & am extremely pleased with it. Having used Samsung & Sony Ericsson phones for the last couple of years, I found it very easy to make the switch, as the Nokia interface is intuitive & easy to use.

The music player is easy to use & has some nice features like the ability to automatically generate smart playlists & the EQ function. Transfer of music to & from the device is also quick & easy from any computer, as you can use the data transfer mode to transfer files as you would to an removable drive, even without installing the software provided with the handset.

The camera is adequate but not excellent & struggles in poor light, although the screen resolution & size is such that photos & videos can be viewed clearly.

While this handset looks very good, the build quality is really quite poor. The slide mechanism is not as smooth as others I have used & seems a bit flimsy. In addition, the key lock located on the top of the handset & the battery cover rattles about, making the phone feel a bit cheap.

That said, the Wi-Fi functionality & large internal memory more than compensate for these shortcomings & I would certainly recommend this phone to anyone looking for a good all round multimedia device.

Design
50%
Usability
100%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Veasna - Cambodia
Date: 7th Jan 2008

Every things good but I met a small problem with the key, while the keys locked then I have missed a call I have to slide up to view number.

Design
80%
Usability
90%
Features
80%

Reviewer: Shilli - UK
Date: 6th Jan 2008

Can someone please tell me if this phone is good or not. I really like it but want some advice! & what about Nokia 6500 slide? Please get back to me.

Design
50%
Usability
50%
Features
50%

Reviewer: Tmh - UK
Date: 6th Jan 2008

I've had my N81 for approximately 2 months, some days I really enjoy using it, whilst others I totally despair. I have two major issues with the phone the camera & the sound quality during calls. My previous phone was the Nokia 6280 which came with a 2MP camera therefore I felt nothing of going for another 2MP camera, however no matter what adjustments I make the quality of the photos is poor! As for the sound quality during calls, after about 2 minutes into a conversation there is an incessant hissing that can only be resolved by terminating the call & calling the person back, not always convenient & a little embarrassing! I have already exchanged the phone once for the same problems consequently I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the same thing or have any suggestions on how to rectify the problems? My service provider is adamant that no one else has complained of such problems & I really don't want to go for another phone although the new N95 is tempting.

Design
100%
Usability
85%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Sean - Manchester, UK
Date: 4th Jan 2008

This phone is quite a nice surprise from Nokia, my previous phone was the N80 & putting them together is like Beauty & the beast. It's a vast improvement on the previous phone in all areas. The phone loses marks on usability because it is difficult to use when you first get it. The learning curve is probably about a week, doesn't sound long but it is when you have just upgraded from its predecessor. The design of the phone is very good the keypad seems cluttered but there is a method to the madness & it all seems to work well after the first few days apart from the navi wheel which seems like a bit of an afterthought. Everything about the phone seems to be a pot shot at the iPhone, but it is by no means a no frills version of the iPhone, in fact there is hardly any justice in a price difference between the two. The quality of the whole thing is brilliant best of all, the music player closely followed by the Internet. The sound quality of the phone not only matches the iPhone but beats it by a country mile. The Internet is fast & the Wi-Fi ability is brilliant. It also links up well with my Playstation3, the only drawback is the difficult set up on p.c.

On the whole it's a brilliant phone probably one of the best on the market at the moment Nokia has shied away from the jack of all trades tactic reverting to making phone specifically for a certain purpose. In this phone it has worked well.

Design
95%
Usability
80%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Evi - Cyprus
Date: 27th Dec 2007

Hey gyus. I don't know what to do! I am between Nokia n81 8GB & Nokia 6500 slide. Which one should I buy? Help me please! Answer as soon as possible!

Design
100%
Usability
80%
Features
75%

Reviewer: Jerry S - Portugal
Date: 25th Dec 2007

The good, design, functions like ngage special keys & download, Wi-Fi, the MP3 player, & of course, the 8 GB memory!

The bad, feel a bit bigger for some people, the 2 mp camera!

Conclusion, this a great phone, cheaper than n95 but as good in functionalities! Don't get scared for the 2 mp camera, it's not the MP that makes a phone good or bad! & the image quality is very good! With Wi-Fi & 8 GB memory this makes a great alternative to the iPhone!

Score 9.0.

Design
85%
Usability
95%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Bob - UK
Date: 24th Dec 2007

This is a fantastic phone. Very good design but the keys are a little bit confusing & squashed but that's all right you will get used to it. Features are excellent especially the music player & the ngage gaming. It has lots of keys for different functions & I like it. The keypad buttons are very nice as well. Usability could definitely improve it is complicated & hard to use. 8GB memory is fantastic. You can store up to 600 songs! Wi-Fi is probably my favourite feature it is amazing & the connection is very good as well. I would recommend it to everyone. Yes, it is an expensive phone but the money is worth it. You will find it hard the first couple of days but after that it is fantastic!

Design
90%
Usability
80%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Kalpit - Lucknoow, India
Date: 21st Dec 2007

I like this phone, & I will return with more comments.

Design
90%
Usability
80%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Avish - Kolkata, India
Date: 15th Dec 2007

Worst I have ever used.

Design
5%
Usability
5%
Features
5%

Reviewer: Cila - London, UK
Date: 13th Dec 2007

Despite what I am about to say. I really like this phone.

The only reason I gave the design such a low score is I am concerned about how the phone is put together. The slide isn't smooth & it's rickety. The light shines through from the seams on the face of the phone (& I don't mean the buttons) & it's very clunky. I've had this happen before on another Nokia model (that was discontinued soon after distribution) & the problems got worse as time went on starting with the slide, answering the calls & freezing & crashing.

Also the phone crashed the first 10 minutes of using it. Since, I JUST got it out of the box. As much as I love, I'll have to return it for the sake of my sanity. Hope this helps.

Design
50%
Usability
75%
Features
85%

Reviewer: Jmbd - Philippines
Date: 11th Dec 2007

Very happy with the N81 phone.

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
85%

Reviewer: Ismael Nazar - Bradford, UK
Date: 5th Dec 2007

I was disappointed if I am truly honest, after 2 hours of having it, each little part of the phone had dust in it, the phone is sensitive to finger marks, & there was a tapping noise everytime I put the tiniest amount of pressure on the phone.

The camera is shocking, when flash was on, it was mistimed, causing a white image. Without the flash it was blurry & distorted.

Apart from that I loved it, but it's going back & I am getting an n95 8GB, which would have been smart to do initially.

Design
90%
Usability
60%
Features
60%

Reviewer: Din - Pakistan
Date: 30th Nov 2007

What more could you ask for, great phone.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: A Rsolé - UK
Date: 30th Nov 2007

I never write on these things, but figured I should as I've just got the n81. Generally read many bad reviews on it, however after 48 hours I am personally quite impressed, & I am the sort of guy who uses their 14 day return policy to its fullest.

I have had about 30 phones over the last 3 years due to this indulgence, & so I get a good idea of what's good etc. & I say the n81 is very good.

A guys phone really, it's heavy & solid & although some things at first seem irritating like not ever being able to exit the music player, I think it just shows it's a MP3 player as much as a phone, so standby & music player are always on as standard. On an MP3 player, all you do is press the play button, just as you do on this device.

I'd recommend it. If you get one that you think the build quality isn't up to scratch (which is something I've returned about 13 phones for all manufacturers are guilty of it), just use the 14 day policy. (Although after about 8 returns, they generally stop sending them out & say you'll have to pick one up in a shop so you can see it in the flesh).

Anyway, if you want one device for LOTS of music & making phone calls, this is it. Obviously iPhone is the one people are raving about, but I think I'll wait a couple of generations before I trust apple with making phones.

Design
85%
Usability
80%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Lwaurah - UK
Date: 29th Nov 2007

You know what Pete I just want to say what was the point of that? You know you didn't give any reviews either so you can talk can't you? & maybe they want to ask a question.

Design
50%
Usability
50%
Features
50%

Reviewer: Greg - Edinburgh, UK
Date: 29th Nov 2007

I've tried to like this phone. I really have. But I've failed & it's going back.

Yes it has some nice gizmos but it rattles buzzes & creaks a lot more than my old Sony Ericsson W850i. It also crashes if you try to skip through menu's etc too quickly.

I've had to switch it off & back on far too many times to clear a frozen screen. Sorry Nokia, just not good enough!

I really wanted this phone to remind me of previous indestructible Nokia's but it isn't even close.

Back to Sony Ericsson's for me.

Design
90%
Usability
50%
Features
80%

Reviewer: Ferret Lover - Isle Of Wight, UK
Date: 27th Nov 2007

I don't have this phone but it does sound quite good even though there seems to be some flaws. Why do most of the phones that are out now break a lot or have serious problems? I have the Samsung X830 now but I really want a new phone because the screen on my current phone is so small you can't really see any details on the photos. I want a camera & music phone with great memory. Can anyone help by suggesting a phone with those three things?

Design
100%
Usability
60%
Features
75%

Reviewer: Lisa - Lincolnshire, UK
Date: 26th Nov 2007

I had this phone on a week's trial. I think it is a very good phone for music & has a lot of memory. The bits I didn't like were the fact that you cannot move your photos out of the gallery. You can create albums to store them in but they are still visible in the gallery.

The navi key is a bit sensitive & keeps setting the MP3 player going. The camera isn't the best I have ever had on a phone & other than it being a bit heavy it was OK. Unfortunately camera, so I took mine back on got a 6500 Slide which I am finding much better.

Design
85%
Usability
75%
Features
75%

Reviewer: Umar Iqbal - High Wycombe, UK
Date: 25th Nov 2007

This phone just looks excellent. If your looking for a phone that looks great, plays music well & has a wide range of applications, then this the phone for you!

The phones price is very cheap for an N-Series cheapest is found on dialaphone on the contracts section. Honestly if I didn't have an e65 I would buy this phone. Trust me I buy allot of phones & I always get the best.

Design
95%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Jebali - Yazd, Iran
Date: 23rd Nov 2007

This is a really good mobile phone, I love it too. It works good.

Design
90%
Usability
5%
Features
5%

Reviewer: Luke Clarke - Wisbech, UK
Date: 19th Nov 2007

FEELS, LOOKS & IS GENERALLY CHEAP & NASTY! I WILL BE EXCHANGING IT!

Design
60%
Usability
40%
Features
80%

Reviewer: Brenda - Sydney, Australia
Date: 19th Nov 2007

You really should try this phone out! It's fantastic! I just brought it 2 days ago. I couldn't stop playing with my phone. Excellent features, especially the games & the music player. One of the best yet!

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Pammy - East Yorkshire, UK
Date: 18th Nov 2007

I can't GIVE IT BAD POINTS AS I don't OWN ONE, YET. WHAT is the BEST 12 MONTHLY DEAL? I have ORDERED ONE WITH 400 ANYTIME MINUTES, 500 FREE TEXTS, FOR 23 POUND A MONTH, FREE PHONE, NO CATCHES, CAN anyone BEAT THAT? LET ME KNOW AS I have TIME TO CANCEL.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Gareth Sullivan - Merthyr Tydfil, UK
Date: 17th Nov 2007

Just a quick question to anyone who has this phone. Can you use your ringtones as text message tones? Because I know some other phone brands don't allow you to do this.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Farhan - Lahore, Pakistan
Date: 16th Nov 2007

Looks good might as well give this one a try.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Justin - London, UK
Date: 16th Nov 2007

I've had this phone for about 2 weeks now & it's one of the better Nokia's I have owned. The phone does feel a bit plasticy, but the features & screen quality are good. The main gripes I have with the phone is that the navi wheel seems to accidently set off the music player, which can be quite embarrassing when you are on the tube, my work around for this has been to set the player to mute. The software isn't as buggy as many other Nokia's I have used, but the browser does often shut its self down & returns to the main screen. However, the browser is good when it is open, there is no HSDPA support & wireless network browsing is strangely slow, but these are minor problems. Camera quality is pretty poor by today's standards, but it does the job. The phone has 8GB of built in memory, but is not expandable & the built in speakers are very good. To sum it up, I really enjoy owning & using this phone, but I wouldn't say the build quality or features are wowing me. Hope this helps.

Design
70%
Usability
70%
Features
75%

Reviewer: Lora - York, UK
Date: 15th Nov 2007

I got this phone yesterday & I absolutely love it! Although the camera is only 2 megapixels, the pictures you get are great, & you have the choice of which camera to use! Some of the buttons are a bit confusing, but I would definitely recommend it to anyone! If you can use a Nokia already it's really not that hard to get used to. Go get it!

Design
90%
Usability
80%
Features
80%

Reviewer: Amy - Warks, UK
Date: 14th Nov 2007

Hello All, have a N81 (8GB version). I really like this handset, & trust me I get through I a lot of them. It's a typical Nokia symbian handset not far from the N73.

The Navi wheel is not great I find that when you use & want to press the centre button you move the navi wheel, no that it's a bother as you can turn the feature off.

No storage space. FANTASTIC! I mean just as good as any iPod, & the Internet speed very good also.

Two bad points to this phone, the camera is rubbish. It's on a 2MP, but I took photos at a bonfire party & they were so dark I gave up using it, & I don't like the way you can't really organize your photos.

This is a VERY good music phone packed with lots of bits you will probably never use. But if it's a camera you're looking for like me. Imaging to swap it today for a K850i.

Design
95%
Usability
85%
Features
85%

Reviewer: Sam - UK
Date: 13th Nov 2007

Well I am getting this phone defiantly but I got to wait till 2 weeks though : (, anyway Nokia said this is the loudest phone ever out, is that true as I need a loud phone & I know Sony Ericsson are good for music but I love Nokia's.

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Sanjeev - Kalyan, India
Date: 13th Nov 2007

This is very nice, everyone likes this phone.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Adam - Birmingham, UK
Date: 10th Nov 2007

8GB internal memory 2 mega pixel camera.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Jh3d - Dhaka, Bangladesh
Date: 10th Nov 2007

Pete, why are you wasting your valuable time in correcting other peoples mistake? Anyway, the phone isn't that great after all, I have had this phone for a week now & the camera has already been damaged without me actually breaking it!

Design
25%
Usability
50%
Features
15%

Reviewer: JT - UK
Date: 10th Nov 2007

Its out in the UK priced at £280 that's quite cheap considering its an N Series with all its features. Tells you that Nokia N81 is a competitor of the iPhone.

Design
100%
Usability
90%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Pete - London, UK
Date: 9th Nov 2007

Look, if you don't own the phone why do you bother to make a silly comment. Hi I am looking at Nokia N81 & I was wondering if anyone knew how much it is? Thanks well do a search in Google! Duh! & what sort of a review is Got this phone today & it is the best. Yeah, thanks very much Jay that is so helpful. If you are going to write a review then tell us potential users what the phone can do! What you like about it & what you don't like.

I.E what do you want to know about the phone if someone else had one, what questions would you ask them? Ask yourself these questions & then put your answers in a review. Is that too much to ask?

Design
95%
Usability
50%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Paul C - London, UK
Date: 9th Nov 2007

Have had phone for a couple of days. A great phone that is good for music. Haven't really tried out N Gage stuff yet the installed demos look quite good

Design
90%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Ronaldo - Brazil
Date: 8th Nov 2007

Not used the phone so can't really say anything about the features & usability but reading about the phone it sounds really good.

Design
95%
Usability
90%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Prashant - Pune, India
Date: 8th Nov 2007

Good looks defined! I feel 450 Euros for this phone is overpriced.

Design
100%
Usability
5%
Features
5%

Reviewer: Me - Chichester, UK
Date: 6th Nov 2007

Hi I am looking at Nokia N81 & I was wondering if anyone knew how much it is? thanks.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
90%

Reviewer: Venkat - London, UK
Date: 5th Nov 2007

Phone really great & I am enjoying both music, Phones. It's highly recommended handset for music lovers.

Design
100%
Usability
90%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Anon - Finland
Date: 3rd Nov 2007

Marvellous phone. It has everything you need for a phone.

Design
100%
Usability
90%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Jay - UK
Date: 1st Nov 2007

Got this phone today & it is the best.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Sting Friver - Portugal
Date: 29th Oct 2007

I have already seen the phone & it looks good, with great functions. It will be my next purchase.

Design
100%
Usability
95%
Features
95%

Reviewer: Richard - Helsinki, Finland
Date: 28th Oct 2007

Great features but pour camera. The Navi Wheel looks hot. I am definitely getting it.

Design
85%
Usability
80%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Jahed - Syhlet, Bangladesh
Date: 17th Oct 2007

The worst phone I have ever used.

Design
5%
Usability
5%
Features
20%

Reviewer: Ejad - UK
Date: 14th Oct 2007

This phone looks serious. Wonder when its released in UK.

Design
100%
Usability
100%
Features
100%

Reviewer: Sophie Folwell - Hullbridge, UK
Date: 13th Oct 2007

Looks like I am the first person to comment.

OK this phone looks good & I am thinking of buying it. Can people give me advice on this please.

Also does it com in pink?

Design
95%
Usability
75%
Features
100%

Click here to add your own review for the Nokia N81
Click here to add your own review for the Nokia N81



Home  |  Webmasters  |  Your Privacy  |  Our Legal Disclaimer
Nokia N81 3G Mobile Phone Reviews & Features © 2006 - 2008, Your Mobile Phone Reviews UK Limited

Your Mobile Phone Reviews UK
Best Buys - Nokia N81

Latest Nokia Mobile Phones

Additional Editorial Reviews