The Nokia N8 and the Apple iPhone 4 have proved to be the basis for a fantastic debate - we originally wrote this article to highlight your feelings on Nokia's finest and the oft-receptionless Apple iPhone 4, and because you keep commenting on it, we have to keep updating! Read on for the latest in the Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4 epic...
With each piece we do on the Nokia N8 vs Apple iPhone 4 generating hundreds of comments, we decided it'd be best to put your debate in one place, and we'll be updating this page on a regular basis so you can keep an eye on the latest banter and updates. You can still see the earlier comments in our piece at the bottom of this page, but read on to find out the latest on what your fellow readers think.
The battle between the Nokia N8 and iPhone 4 continues to raise string debate on both sides of the fence for each device. We can see why - both are highly desirable handsets that have got the world talking. So what have NokNok readers been saying about both devices?
Sivhead, commenting on build quality, points out:
“What suprises me is that most people have not commented on is the build quality of the phone. I have stupidly put the phone on the roof of my car and drove off. This is where the N8 is miles ahead of its competitors. The screen is intact, the case has no scratch on it nothing fell apart and no I do not have a case or screen protector. If that was a HTC desire my battery would have gone flying and no doubt the screen would be cracked.”
“Another big win is I download a lot of MKV movies and stay in a lot of hotels. All I need to take now is a hdmi cable to plug into the hotel tv and watch my 720p movies back nativley no need for a laptop. The photos in low light is poor in opinion even with flash (indoor). but 720p video recording is amazing. When I travel about I can tune my radio in my car to 90.00 and stream my music from my phone to my car speakers. This also works for voice calls and sat nav. So I have a hands free and sat nav coming out of my car speakers”
Mark agrees, stating: “I think sivhead has nailed it for me. The key is that software can – and will be – improved. Hardware… eh, not so much.” He also goes on to say “no regrets about buying mine. It's a great all round phone”.
It's not all positive for the Nokia N8 though. Andy Burgin, an owner since it was released, points out that perhaps the designers got the location of the speaker wrong. “You can't lie the N8 down with the screen visible to you, or the speakers sound dim and not clear.”
Standing up for the Apple iPhone 4, Jake states that the iPhone 4 is made from “a highly chemically strengthened glass... Dropped it many times and it still works”. “iPhone is the best.” While it may be a tough 'un, we're still in no doubt that the Nokia N8 is more robust, however, having dropped our review sample more than a few times, and having seen Nokia employees scratch the casing itself with no ill effects.
Kevin P also brings up an interesting point about working conditions, pointing out: "Well.. I’m a Nokia guy. You ask me why? Basically, Nokia has been in the market since the beginning. Nokia has experience. And it is value for money, since the N8 is made in Finland, which naturally makes the N8 much much better than Apple (due to fairer working conditions etc.)".
Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4: The People (Really) Like Speaking!
Reader Nokiphone points out that “a phone is pretty much a personal item”, and that both phones have pros and cons. “Maybe the N8 edges the iPhone 4 slightly with HDMI connect, USB on the go and Bluetooth 3.0”, but “it all boils down to user experience”.
In terms of software, Nokiphone thinks that the Nokia N8 lags behind the iPhone slightly, claiming that Symbian ^3 is “the main reason Nokia is falling behind”.
However, reader Martin thinks this doesn't matter, pointing out that “not everyone focuses on the OS and UI. I am more of a hardware guy”. He also points out that “iPhones are too simple and boring. Nokia has always been ahead in hardware and that's mostly what I care about”.
Sergio points out that perhaps there's a lack of people that have actually tried out both devices. Not so the case for Sergio, who's currently got both a Nokia N8 and an Apple iPhone 4.
He (or she!) points out lots of pros and cons for each device – such as the speed of the Apple iPhone 4, or the impressive battery life of the Nokia N8, but goes on to say “as a business phone, I'm selling my iPhone 4 and keeping my N8”.
Adyuga states: “Like the one who has experienced both – Nokia is by far the better phone”. “There are a few things that Apple does better – maybe Nokia will change it through updates”. “Other than that, the N8 is awesome!”.
Echoing a sentiment we've heard on a few occasions now, Adz says of the Nokia N8 and its Symbian ^3 OS:
“It’s a piece of technology to learn how to use, not a toy. I saw it written somewhere that kids buy iPhones, teenagers/students buy HTC and adults buy Nokias. That’s not an insult but I liked the way the descriptions fitted the easy of use. I’m an adult and don’t mind the extra complexity of S^3.”
Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4: The People Like Speaking!
Last week the debate was increasingly heated, with fans defending both handsets . This week, Nokia fans have come out defending the Nokia N8. Reader Andy Burgin pointed out that the Nokia N8 is worth buying, and found time to take a cheeky swipe at the iPhone 4 saying "you could easily buy two N8s [for the same money]."
Meanwhile, Mark described the Nokia N8's Symbian ^3 operating system as "usable", but slammed the iPhone 4 for a "fundamental design flaw where you can bridge the aerials and drop signal". He later added "A clunky UI I can live with. A phone that doesn’t last a day or drops call if you hold it the wrong way I can’t. Software can, after all, be improved, hardware you're stuck with."
Debbie has yet to be convinced by the Nokia N8: "I haven’t yet decided which way to go but I am leaning towards the Desire HD. I refuse to get an Apple iPhone with all of its flaws. I love the camera in the Nokia N8 but not much else. I love the look of the Desire HD but will wait until I have played with one.
"I like Nokia and always will like Nokia but I need a phone that will suit my purposes long term and I am not sure this phone will do it for me. thanks."
Ending on a high note for the Nokia N8, stewie325 hailed it as one of the best handsets he has laid hands on:
"I just got my silver N8, and have to say…this is one of the best phones I’ve ever had the pleasure of owning. An iPhone is flashy, but an N8 is functional, as well as looking much better (IMO)."
As always, we'd like you hear your thoughts, so get involved by leaving a comment at the bottom.
Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4: More From The People!
Nokia N8 fan, Queppa urges others to plump for the N8 ahead of the Apple iPhone 4, saying that the iPhone 4 is not worth its price tag.
"iPhone is in its 4th version and it still falls behind a lot of phones. Bobet is exactly right. People buy iPhones to be just like everyone else. The general consensus is the iPhone is good, because it was one of the first touch screen phones that looked pretty and worked well for what it was. (appeared to work well) But it is certainly not worth the price tag."
Reader, Abhijeit believes the Apple iPhone 4 costs too much for what it offers in terms of features, and believes Nokia offers the best after sales service, getting particularly excitable at the same time:
"Apple may standout as far as the display and GUI and software apps is concerned, but if I'm paying a much less [sic] amount and getting features like HDMI TV output, DOLBY DIGITAL, USB on the go,12 MP Camera wid [sic] Xenon, and the Nokia Flagship which provides the best after sales service (at least in my country), then i would bother to buy the Nokia N8 to keep myself, my pocket and my parents happy!!!!"
Queppa goes on to say why you should purchase an N8: "If you just want a phone to call people, get a 100 dollar phone and be done with it. If you want a digital camera/HD video camera/GPS/music player/phone in one, get a Nokia N8."
Not everyone sees it that way though. Juan isn't so fond of the Nokia N8, describing its keyboard as a "pain." On the keyboard Juan commented "…sadly the keyboard experience in the N8 is not good, Nokia Messaging/MfE (mail) is better than on 5th devices, but is far from perfect."
He bought an Apple iPhone 4, but conceded that he will miss Ovi Maps, and hopes the N9 will be better. "So, one of the things that will miss a lot will be Ovi Maps, I really hope that the Nokia N9 brings all that Nokia fans want, but meanwhile the N8 is not for me."
On a more positive note for the Nokia N8, reader, Bruce, who works in remote environments says "The N8 has all the connectivity I need, including consistent mobile coverage (i.e. no call drop outs due to hand position)." He also praised being able to "load training videos, presentations directly from a memory stick and PLAY them on the data projector," and coverage some more. "I can download maps and transfer them to the device, thus not rely on flakey mobile coverage in remote areas for the GPS to work."
And if the default Nokia N8 web browser isn't your thing, Bruce points out that he can "download Opera for free to replace the browser if I want to." On his final point he find it more comforting that the N8 is, according to Bruce, made from sterner stuff. "The phone can fall out of my pocket and not shatter the GLASS back."
The above are just a small selection of comments we've received on the Nokia N8 Vs iPhone 4 debate. Being an open debate we're happy to take comments for and against the N8. What's your opinion? Why would you pick the N8 over the iPhone 4, and vice-versa. In the meantime, check out more of your fellow readers comments below:
Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4: The People Continue To Speak!
In a rousing start for the Nokia N8, reader Ados points out that the Nokia N8 has "better reception", "way better speaker quality", "better material", "free navigation with premium content", "video calling without the use of Wi-Fi", "USB on the go", "HDMI output", "dolby digital surround sound", "OLED [sic] screen" and "True multi-tasking".
Reader Justin doesn't care, however, stating "oh the N8 has a better camera, seriously? Who cares?". Well actually, we do, being that it's one of the features we use on a regular basis, but who are we to get in the way of a good debate! Justin goes on to say "oh it can make video calls over 3G. Wow so?". "In reality just cause somethings got an FM Radio and a better camera doest mean it’s better. Most people will view the pictures on their computer or phone so any resolution beyond 5 megapixels is essentially not needed".
Justin goes on to start another debate, stating: "They [Nokia] fail to realize that software plays a way bigger part than hardware. I had various Nokia phones before and loved them (SNAKE was really fun on the first Nokias, I also had the Nokia XpressMusic 5130 and N70 and N73), but touchscreen is just not their thing. Symbian OS is possibly the best OS there is for feature phones like the 5130 but for touchscreens they need to get their act together and realize that if you want to enter that market you have to at least try".
Reader Clint counters by pointing out: "I also don’t buy a cellphone for game playing! If I have a few minutes I’ll perhaps open up a game and give it a play to pass the time but it is hardly going to influence my buying decision. Not all people buying cellphones are kids, or kids at heart".
Attacking the Apple iPhone 4, reader ATT points out that "the multi-tasking such, basically it's useless!" This is quickly countered by Johny, stating "You have a choice to which way you want to open up your program. If you go to the home screen or you flick through at the bottom it works the same way. In fact, it works better because if you recently opened the program it will be the FIRST icon down".
The Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4 debate still rages on then. As before, we'd love for you to comment and get involved in the debate - which is your favourite phone, and why? You can also check out our original article below.
Nokia N8 Vs Apple iPhone 4: The People Won't Stop Speaking!
A couple of months back we took a look at the merits of both the Nokia N8 and the Apple iPhone 4. Since then, over 21,000 of you have checked out the article, and the comments keep coming. Join us after the break to see what other people think is the better handset...
The Nokia N8 and the Apple iPhone 4 make an interesting couple, with different price points, different software and completely different specs. They're both high-end devices, however, so it's inevitable that some users will struggle to pick the best handset for their needs.
Because we love the Nokia N8 so much, in our original article we chose to look at the benefits that the Nokia N8 had to offer – from the 12-Megapixel camera, to a tougher casing, to better satellite navigation.
We expected lots of comments from both Nokia and Apple fans, and boy did we get them, and the passion you guys feel for both the Nokia N8 and the Apple iPhone 4 is amazing. As such, we've rounded up some of the best comments below (again!), to help you choose which is the best phone for you.
Highlighting the fact that current numbers of apps are pretty irrelevant, reader Sam points out that “both phones have 'more than enough' features for the average user”, and goes on to say “how many of the 225,000 Apple applications are we going to use”.
Naturally, as with any comparison where people feel passionately about the products, tempers are running a bit high at times, with Khanxtreme trying to calm the situation by pointing out: “Don't argue, just compare the phones.
My opinion is that Nokia is a good product. I am currently using 5730 XpressMusic and it's much better than the iPhone 3G when comparing”
It's not all positive for Nokia, though, with Huliosus pointing out: “My current Nokia phone is 4 years old. I want to change my phone. But it will be not Nokia. And the main reason is that I have Mac computer and I can’t connect Nokia, because there is no support to Mac OS.”
Nikil goes on in favour of the iPhone 4, pointing out that it has a “better display”, “better user friendly UI” and that the “32GB internal hard drive is way more than the N8 supports”.
For those in favour of the Nokia N8's microSD card, Nikil states “the performance of the micro card storage doesn't compare to the internal drive”. That said, we'd still rather have a microSD card, purely for easier compatibility and the ability to keep more than one.
Reader Rex makes some very astute comments at the end, pointing out that most people want to display the merits of their favourite phones. He (or she) goes on to comment that the Nokia N8 is likely to trump the iPhone 4 when it comes to photo quality, but that the Apple has the better screen.
Obviously, being a Nokia fansite, we want to end on a positive note for Nokia, so the last words go to Randy: “The Nokia N8 is the best”.
For us, it's been a fascinating debate, and it's obviously stirred up a lot of emotions. As before, then, we'd love to hear your opinions.