Nokia Lumia 800

Nokia Lumia 800

In its latest version, Windows Phone is the best thing Microsoft makes. Sadly, it’s never had hardware that really feels like a truly premium product – until now.

The Nokia Lumia 800 is, according to CEO Stephen Elop, “the first real Windows Phone”. Other models, made by HTC and Samsung, have been decent enough, but they don’t offer the solidity of the new Lumia 800.

Although the seamless polycarbonate shell and the solidity of the device are impressive, in fact it’s the Windows Phone software that really shines. Teamed with Nokia’s excellent design and camera heritage, there’s a lot to like, whether it’s the Office integration, gaming with Xbox live or simply social network integration.

The 3.7” screen offers Super AMOLED resolution, and Windows Phone’s living tiles really do look impressive; showing you the weather, a boarding pass or a friend’s photograph, the display hardware here is as good as this software needs. And the phone’s tactile, matte finish means the Lumia is not like the bar of soap that many other phones often seem to be modelled on. It’s also pleasingly weighted, at 142g.

Unique apps on the Lumia are limited, although satnav and music applications are impressive. There's no front-facing camera either, but the Lumia puts Windows back in the game.

Full review: Nokia Lumia 800 mobile phone review

Score: 4/5

Operating System: Windows Phone 7
Screen: 800 x 480 3.7"
Processor: 1.4GHz
Battery (Talk time): 9.5hrs
Camera Resolution: 8 Megapixel
Weight: 142g
Memory: Built in 16g