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5.7 out of 10

Nokia N81

First seen: 8 june 2007

Information found in: from 134 sources in 27 countries.
  • User Score (153)
    8.2 8.2 from 153 reviewers
  • Expert Score (47)
    7.4 7.4 from 47 reviewers
  • Design (41)
    6.0 6.0 from 41 reviewers
  • Value for money (18)
    5.2 5.2 from 18 reviewers
  • Features (18)
    5.8 5.8 from 18 reviewers
  • Ease of use (28)
    5.7 5.7 from 28 reviewers
  • Performance (4)
    5.0 5.0 from 4 reviewers
  • Sound quality (27)
    6.4 6.4 from 27 reviewers
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Pros & Cons

  • strong sliding mechanism, looks good, easy buttons and controls, the slider than n95, internet access
  • weighty in the pocket, quite heavy, a little bulky now, horrible camera, shakey build quality

Entertainment . The next episode. Easy to get into and hard to put down, make space to play the best music and games with hot, swappable memory.

Manufacturer's Specs

Release Date

  • First seen
    8 June 2007

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Review Summary

One attractive thing about the Nokia N81 is that it is cheaper than the N95. That can be the fact as the Nokia N81 does not have that many features as the N95 has. Many would agree though that this one makes a nice music phone. This one as they say is mainly 8GB music and gaming geared unit. A certain reviewer noted that the N81 is glossy but cheap-looking. The N81 is said to be one of the first mobiles to support Nokia’s Music Store over-the-air download service. It is also one the first geared up to h…

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One attractive thing about the Nokia N81 is that it is cheaper than the N95. That can be the fact as the Nokia N81 does not have that many features as the N95 has. Many would agree though that this one makes a nice music phone. This one as they say is mainly 8GB music and gaming geared unit. A certain reviewer noted that the N81 is glossy but cheap-looking. The N81 is said to be one of the first mobiles to support Nokia’s Music Store over-the-air download service. It is also one the first geared up to handle Nokia’s revamped N-Gage mobile gaming platform, with a mix of dedicated keys and front-panel buttons that double up as console-style controls, according to reghardware.co.uk. Its operating system is that of Symbian 9.2 with Nokia’s own S60 3.1 user interface. The outlook of the phone is somehow of a slick design but some would agree that the plastic casing gives the N81 a cheap feel. Others would also agree that the controls are cluttered and definitely not as ergonomic as they could be the music player performance is excellent. Added in this phone is the 802.11b/g Wi-Fido that users have the option of selecting this cost-effective and convenient route for downloading and surfing. Many more features are included in this one. But what’s important is that they have all been well appreciated and loved by its users.

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  1. Nokia N81 mobile phone - First Look

    Reviewer: scenta.co.uk
    21 September 2007

    The feature set is good and overall welcomed and will certainly be one to watch when it becomes available later in the year Read more

  2. Nokia N81 mobile phone

    Reviewer: Pocket Lint
    16 November 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The N81 will still be seen as the Nokia N95's cheaper brother and with that in mind will always be fighting to prove its worth, especially when you see both in the store for free come its launch at Christmas - if you sign a big enough contract. As a music phone against the equivalent offering from Sony Ericsson, Samsung and Apple, the Nokia beats the Samsung offerings but neither the Sony Ericsson W910 or the Apple iPhone. Sony Ericsson's implementation of software for... Read more

  3. N81

    Reviewer: Stuff.tv
    26 October 2007
    Overall 8
    8.0
     

    The N81 8GB shows how the mobile music and gaming gig should be done, but won't give the PSP and iPod sleepless nights Read more

  4. Nokia N81 8GB

    Reviewer: Mobile Choice UK
    16 November 2007
    Overall 6
    6.0
    Features 6
    6.0
    Ease of use 8
    8.0
    Performance 8
    8.0
     

    The N81 8GB is a great all-rounder but suffers in comparison with the new Nokia N95 8GB. Read more

  5. Nokia N81 8GB

    Reviewer: Mobile computer
    8 May 2008
    Overall 7
    6.7
     

    A very powerful and good value smartphone with plenty of storage, but build quality lets it down. Read more

  1. "As a phone, it Stinks"

    Reviewer: CNET
    10 June 2008
    Overall 4
    4.0
     

    I purchased this phone, and for the most part it is ok. What burns my butt is that IT IS A PHONE, and as a phone it should be able to receive a signal! This phone fails in that regard. I have T-Mobile service and on my Motorola V-190 I get three bars at my house, with the Nokia N81 I have to drive three blocks in from the beach before I get I signal!! Nokia engineers must have lost sight that this is a phone first! I mean come on, all that technology in this phone, and... Read more

  2. Reviewer: John - South west, DialToSave
    9 October 2009
    Overall 9
    9.0
     

    Just when i thought Nokia was loosing the edge and becoming boring.... Well, purchased this phone sim free only 15 days ago, and it is simply stunning. I really cannot find any annoying faults with this device, everything is in the right place and works exactly as it should. Extremely robust design, ergonomic and a breeze to use. Outstanding sound and picture quality. Not a single problem experienced so far! If you are searching for an outstanding multimedia device and... Read more

  3. Nokia N81 8 GB Smartphone.

    Reviewer: Epinions
    8 July 2008
    Overall 10
    10
     

    This phone is an absolute favorite. Apart from the key pads that take a little time to get used to its absolutely lovable. the phone's ability to multi task is amazing. Gaming on this phone is absolutely fabulous especially with the new gaming key pad. Music is also a pleasure with this phone especially. Phone is a bit too weight and not very portable In conclusion I must say its a must have phone. Read more

  4. N81

    Reviewer: freeiphonecouk, Stuff.tv
    20 July 2008

    GET A COMPLETELY Apple iPhone 3G http://www.gimme-it-free.co.uk It is a completely legit offer and you don't have to part with a single penny. Don't believe me? Check out the site and watch the BBC Newsnight report and look at other proof to see how and why it works. http://www.gimme-it-free.co.uk Read more

  5. Nokia N81 8GB: Great all rounder

    Reviewer: Dooyoo
    21 September 2009
    Overall 9
    9.3
     

    This is my favourite phone I have ever owned - in fact I liked it so much that when my contract ended I decided to keep it instead of getting a new phone! I've had it for 2 years now (with one replacement along the way - my fault, I dropped it and the top button cracked) and have no intention of upgrading anytime soon! Looks: OK, so it's not the prettiest phone . It's kind of "bricky" looking, quite bulky - a million miles from some of the sleek phones that are out now.... Read more

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