A week with Nokia 8800 Arte Sapphire (Symbian Series 40)

My first Nokia phone was a 5000-series model back in 1998. It has a simple operating system and a largely independent device i.e. no synchronization with PIM such as Microsoft Outlook, etc. The subsequent phone includes a couple more of 5000-series and the first model with built-in antennae 3120.

From there, I switch to its flagship range - the 9000-series or widely known as Communicator. I used all except the very first communicator including 9110, 9210, 9210i, 9500, 9300, E90. While it’s bulky or rather a size of a wall brick, it has a number of function that I really use namely Personal Information Manager (Calendar, Alarm, Contact/Phonebook, etc). A couple important features are a full QWERTY keyboard and a wide screen.

Nokia launched the smartphone line sometime in 2003-4 (?) called Symbian Series 60 or S60 for short. It has a form factor of usual mobile phone but packed with plenty of features. I started to pick-up some phones on this range in late 2006 on their 3rd edition of S60. This is particularly useful when I don’t want to bring a ‘brick’ during weekends or non-business matters. Meanwhile, the older phone (basic) are called Series 40 or S40 for short.

I never really liked or interested to use S40 due to its simplicity and lack of smartphone features that I’m looking at. To my surprise, it has grown quite mature in the recent year e.g. from text-based to GUI-based. It started to impressed me with Nokia 6300 that offers a new user interface (UI) and a 3G support. It was also implemented in Nokia 8800 Sirocco, a luxury line of the phone.

Last week, I had the chance to use the latest and the most expensive Nokia phone (excluding Vertu range), Nokia 8800 Arte Sapphire (RRP: S$ 2088). Here’s what I found:

1. Synchronization with Microsoft Outlook 2007 is flawless supported by mature PC Suite software. Data synch-ed include: Contact, Calendar, Notes, Task, To-do. Perfect to bring all the data I need on the phone.
2. It has 1GB built-in memory, enough space for me to take pictures, songs and some other media or files. Previous model has a very limited memory and without possibility to use memory cards.
3. The camera has auto-focus capability
4. The screen was gorgeous and bigger than previous model
5. The leather cover both on front and back sides are really a plus. It offers good grip and less ‘fingerprint marks’ issues.
6. Sound quality really nice and no complaint during voice call even when I’m outside in noisy area. It has a voice clarity feature.
7. Ringtones are very crisp and clear
8. Voice dial for all contacts. Voice training is offered to enhance recognition quality.
9. Key sensitive keypad, an almost effortless experience in typing SMS-es
10. Java program such as Gmail, Google Maps, Opera Mini works and can be installed.
11. Support for 3G connection making it viable to be used all over the world

With those features, I have more than 60% of frequently used function on the phone. As it is small and has style, it is a good phone to be in my pocket when I don’t need to do any work. It is, however, no replacement for my E90 or N95 which has worldwide GPS navigation enabled, dictionaries, and other 3rd party utilities installed.

One most unfortunate feature that I’m missing is the ability to make/receive video call. Although it operates in 3G network, no video call can be made/received. At the moment, I haven’t been able to find information if data connection can be made in 3G or only limited to GPRS/EDGE.

I can’t have S40 or simple phone as my primary phone all week long, but I know it can complement me on certain situation. The Nokia 8800 Arte Sapphire is a luxury phone that offers good features compared previous model. In 2006, Nokia 8800 Sirocco Gold edition sells about S$200 cheaper but is not comparable to Arte Sapphire in terms of luxury and technical feature.

If you have the money to spend, this is one of the good phone to get for both functionality and style.

Practical advice

A S40 phone or simple phone can be a complement for those smartphone power users. There are times where we just want to enjoy life or relax and certainly not having a blackberry-enabled device would bring some peace for the family. It is also small and more comfortable to bring around.

Know where you’re going and only leave your S60 or advanced smartphone when you’re sure that you won’t need them. I usually bring two phones when I’m not sure if I need the advance smartphone features. It wouldn’t hurt and you have a spare phone in case you have a flat battery.

Opinions expressed in this article are mine and does not represent any affiliations to any organizations that I may have.

Tags: 8800, Arte, Nokia, S40, S60, Sapphire, Series 40, Series 60