19 Jun 2008
Often described as a powerful multimedia device, the Nokia N81 has a concrete and robust form which weighs 140g and has a thickness of 17.9mm - just a bit heavier than the other phones from the N-series collection. It has a width of 50mm and a length of 102mm. However, its chunky look did not hinder the appearance of yet another trendy and cool mobile phone.

The handset has a glossy black finish and a coloured edging. It is available in two colours, namely; Cobalt Blue and Graphite Grey. This slider type phone has quite a few keys and buttons- for games and volume controls. Other than the usual navigation wheel and number keys, it also has dedicated easy access multimedia keys for playing games, video and music. Users can play, pause, rewind, forward or stop several multimedia features. At first glance, the phone settings and menus are a bit complex as it provides jam-packed management controls over its full features.

It is apparent that the Nokia N81 is always associated with the N95 mobile phone. You might not notice that the high resolution screen measuring 320 x 240 pixel is a bit smaller compared with N95. However, its quality display, which supports up to 16.7 million colours, is similar with N95. This is enough for users to experience quality viewing.

The fact that this is a 3G phone, it is inevitable that imaging features are also embedded. N81 comes with a 2 megapixel camera with a digital zoom of up to 20 times. It has an integrated flash wherein different modes can be set to on, off, automatic or redeye reduction. The camera does not have an auto focus function, but it has an interesting aspect - video and still image editors are in place.

The Nokia N81 carries several audio formats. These include MP3, AAC, eAAC+, AAC+, WMA/M4A, WAV and even Windows Media DRM format. Moreover, playlist management is as easy as you’d imagine. Music synchronization with Windows Media Player is made possible with N81. The music player is integrated with stereo speakers, a 5-band equalizer, and volume keys with 20 volume steps. Likewise, it has an FM radio with visual radio support. This means that the user can view the song title, artist and other artist information on its screen. It also has easy access media keys which makes this handset even more appealing to music lovers.

The most inviting element of N81 is its gaming features. Although its gaming functions are not of the same level as a PSP, it definitely is several steps higher than the usual games preinstalled on other mobile phones. The handset is loaded with three games based on N-gage platform and runs with 3D graphics. These features make the mobile phone’s games more exciting. To answer your curiosity, the said preinstalled N-gage games are Space Impact Light, Asphalt Game (demo) and FIFA Soccer 2007 (demo).

A feature that sets N81 apart from the usual 3G phone is its impressive 8GB internal memory with swappable microSD memory card slot. This will allow users to store video recordings, pictures and 1600 songs (approximately).

As for connectivity options, you wouldn’t be disappointed. The mobile phone includes Wi-Fi connectivity, which provides HSDPA support for high speed downloads. Furthermore, it has a Bluetooth feature. It also supports a Micro USB for mass storage and WLAN.

You won’t go wrong with this phone if call management is your concern. The Nokia N81 has a “contacts” feature which supports multiple phone and email details. Users can also put thumbnail pictures to their contacts.

The Nokia N81 comes with automatic redial, automatic answer features and conference call functions. The mobile phone also carries voice features that include voice commands, voice recorder, talking ringtone and integrated hands-free speaker. The picture messaging features of the phone also comes with automatic resizing of images.

Sound quality won’t be a problem with this mobile phone. The mounted stereo speakers on the sides are loud enough. In addition, the call quality is very clear and has a strong reception. Needless to say, it really has superior sound quality.

As for battery life, it usually depends on phone usage. The Nokia N81 has a standard talk time of approximately 240 minutes and a standby time of approximately 17 days.

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