Phones: Nokia 8800 Arte Mobile Phone Review – 72

Yes, that price tag really is correct. Nokia’s most exclusive phone yet, the 8800 Arte must be for those who move in the same circles as Daddy Warbucks.

This elegant, minimalist phone is very much a luxury item. Beautifully crafted from glass and metal (not inexpensive plastics like many other models on the market), there’s no way it was slapped together on an assembly line. Unfortunately, the quality of its materials means that it weighs a beastly 150 grams – that’s nearly as much as a whale in modern cellphone terms.  In saying this, the Arte doesn’t feel or look cheap, which is the point really.

Appearance aside, the Nokia is as fully featured as any other high-end cellphone. It stands out, however, in terms of its unique responsiveness. For instance, when the phone is inactive, if you double tap it the time (a ‘magic clock’) appears on its face. Or if a call comes through that you need to silence quickly, simply turn the phone face down to mute it (very handy in a meeting). Then there’s the ‘living wallpaper’ function where the desktop image moves organically through the day according to its environment. I set our review sample to the sunset wallpaper and was intrigued to see the sun glow and grow in bright conditions and fade in darker light.

Another nice touch is its exclusive video ringtones. Composed by Austrian electronica duo Kruder & Dorfmeister and illustrated with videos, they’re very funky and certainly won’t be seen on any other phone.

In terms of its usability, the Nokia interface is brilliant as always, however the central navigation key (though very attractive) is also very fiddly; it’s as though the frame around it isn’t thick enough and my finger kept slipping. As for the 3.2 megapixel camera (that’s all?) , it does a pretty good job but, oddly, has no flash. The autofocus is great at normal range, but when fully zoomed the picture can be a little blurry. An integrated music player is included but there’s no radio, though that probably won’t bother many.

Though not perfect, this exclusive cellphone is at the top of the social phone caste. It deserves to be loved by those who can afford to give it a home.

JESKA INNES

Remember, if you have to ask how much it is, you can’t afford it:

If you think this phone is expensive, have you considered a Vertu? The ultimate in luxury phones, Vertu is the must-have cellphone model for the rich and famous.

Mansors Jewellers, a New Zealand stockist of the phone, has models in its Auckland store ranging from $7300 to $26,000. A $250,000 special edition diamond encrusted model is available, but must be ordered in. Apparently most customers in the market go for the more ‘affordable’ $10,000 model…

Also consider:

The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte. This is the (even) more exclusive version of the 8800. It boasts a leather cover and a sapphire navigation key. Nokia has chosen not to distribute the Sapphire here, which may be just as well – its looks have been roundly ridiculed overseas.

Specs

Nokia 8800 Arte Mobile Phone

$2299

NETWORK: Tri-band EGSM900, GSM 1800/1900 and

WCDMA 2100

MEMORY:  1GB onboard

STANDBY: 300 hours

SIZE: 109 x 46 x 15mm

WEIGHT: 150g

FEATURES:

• 3G
• 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus
• Bluetooth and USB connectivity
• Ambient light sensor that adjusts screen brightness
• 2-inch OLED QVGA display, 16 million colours
• ‘Living’ wallpaper
• High quality construction material
• ‘Tap for time’
• Face down mute function
• Exclusive video ringtones

PROS

• It’s so plush

• Nice extra touches

• Beautifully crafted

CONS

• Whale-like weight

• No camera flash

• Irksome navigation key

VERDICT

It’s a luxury. Love it or do without.

This review is from Tone issue #72.