Nokia 8800 Arte unboxing...

So, this will be my first proper experience with an S40 phone, and what better way than to start right at the top. The Nokia 8800 Arte.

This phone is supposedly in Nokia "premium" range targetted at people who appreciate the finer things in life, but maybe still can't afford a Vertu. Materials and build quality are as good as it gets without comparison to Vertus. Technology takes a back seat in this range of phone. While not as power packed as the N series, it no laggard either. There is 3G and a 3.2MP autofocus camera besides all the things we all take for granted in a mobile phone these days.

The packaging really reflects the target audience. The box is made of what feels like very nice quality paper with expensive printing. So let's get on with the unboxing.


Nice, black and classy.









The phone and bluetooth earpiece sits on the 1st layer of the box.





On the bottom layer lies the manual, installation disc, charger, battery, desktop stand (that feels like it's made of gold!) and leather pouch.






Installation CD/manual pouch is very nicely designed.





Full contents of the box.





The INCLUDED desktop stand (hello N series???) deserves a very special mention. It not only matches the phone and looks incredible, it feels like it's made of some kind of heavy metal. I mean this thing is HEAVY. Well done Nokia!







Bye bye plastic protector.





Put in the SIM and battery.






And it's alive!





I am quite speechless as how beautiful this thing looks. Even the E Series have nothing on these guys in terms of build quality. N Series, no where near.





The phone from a few angles.









3.2 megapixel autofocus camera.





The speakers, which by the way, sound ASTONISHING.





A close up view of the keypad. One of the very best keypads I have ever used. Better than an E51 even. I am very impressed at this point.





Double tap anywhere at the bottom half of the phone to bring up the beautiful clock. Stunning.





I find the sync function without much trouble.





Setting up the phone is a one-click affair if you use another Nokia phone. I transfer my stuff over from my N82.





So far, with my limited experience with this phone, I already have a feeling that I am going to enjoy using it. Yes, it does not have wifi or HSDPA or 5MP camera with xenon flash. In fact it doesn't have even somewhere to plug in a set of earphones. Of course one can see that as weaknesses. But if Nokia only makes this phone, then it would be worth critisising. But Nokia has a whole range of phones that will satisfy tech leaders.

This lack of features only shows the focus of this range of phones. Not everyone needs the latest or fastest. Some people drive Honda Civic Type R's and others choose Mercedes C180's. Both cars are in the same price range but serve very different consumers. So far, the refinement and tactility of this device is certainly good enough for me to overlook the lack of some features I have been used to with N Series devices.

Now, if they only made an N82 that looks and feels like this... Someday, I hope...