Introduction
The Nokia 8 marked a significant milestone in Nokia's smartphone journey, representing their return to the flagship segment after the Nokia-Microsoft partnership. Announced on August 16, 2017, and launched on September 7, 2017, this device was Nokia's ambitious attempt to reclaim its position in the premium smartphone market.
Powered by the cutting-edge Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor with a 10nm chipset, the Nokia 8 was designed to compete with other 2017 flagships. Priced at ₹39,999 (inclusive of all taxes) at launch, it targeted users seeking premium build quality combined with Nokia's legendary durability and clean software experience.
Design & Build Quality
Materials & Construction
The Nokia 8 features a premium unibody design crafted from 6000-series aluminium with dimensions of 151.5 × 73.7 × 7.9mm and weighing 160g. Available in Polished Blue, Tempered Blue, Steel, and Polished Copper finishes, the phone exudes sophistication.
Display Protection
Corning Gorilla Glass 5 provides excellent scratch resistance and durability for the 5.3-inch display.
Body Protection
IP54 rating - Splash resistant (not waterproof), a notable limitation for a flagship device.
SIM Configuration
Hybrid slot - Supports either dual nano-SIM or single nano-SIM + microSD card (up to 256GB).
Display Specifications
The device sports a 5.3-inch IPS LCD display with Quad HD resolution (1440 × 2560 pixels), achieving a pixel density of approximately 554 PPI. With a 16:9 aspect ratio and 69.4% screen-to-body ratio, it offers sharp and vibrant visuals.
Performance & Hardware
Strengths
- ✓ Snapdragon 835 still performs well today
- ✓ Clean Stock Android experience
- ✓ Fast UFS 2.1 storage
- ✓ Timely software updates
- ✓ Excellent thermal management
Weaknesses
- ✗ Limited to Android Pie (no further updates)
- ✗ Hybrid SIM slot limits expandability
- ✗ Battery capacity could be larger
- ✗ No wireless charging
- ✗ Camera performance inconsistent
Processing Power
At its heart lies the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 (10nm) chipset with an octa-core CPU (4×2.5 GHz Kryo & 4×1.8 GHz Kryo) and Adreno 540 GPU. This configuration delivers smooth performance for most tasks and handles moderate gaming well.
Memory & Storage
Available in 4GB/64GB and 6GB/128GB variants with UFS 2.1 storage. The memory configuration options cater to different user needs, though the hybrid SIM slot remains a compromise.
Camera & Multimedia
Dual Camera System
The Nokia 8 features a dual-camera setup with two 13MP sensors:
Primary: 13MP, f/2.0, 1.12µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
Monochrome: 13MP B/W, f/2.0, 1.12µm, PDAF
Video: 4K @ 30fps with 3D OZO Audio
Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, PDAF, 4K video recording
While the camera hardware is capable, video recording is limited to 1080p @ 30fps and 4K @ 30fps - noticeably lacking 60fps options that competitors offered. The 3D OZO Audio enhances audio recording quality in videos.
Connectivity & Features
| Feature |
Specification |
Notes |
| Wi-Fi |
802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band |
Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot support |
| Bluetooth |
5.0 |
A2DP, LE support |
| USB |
Type-C 3.1 |
Fast data transfer |
| Audio |
24-bit/192kHz audio |
3D sound, Loudspeaker |
| Sensors |
Comprehensive suite |
Fingerprint, Gyro, Barometer, etc. |
Battery & Software Experience
Battery Performance
The 3090mAh battery supports 18W fast charging via Quick Charge 3.0. While adequate for moderate use, heavy users may need to charge before the day ends. Some users reported battery degradation issues after prolonged use.
Software Journey
Launched with Android Nougat 7.1.1, the Nokia 8 received updates up to Android Pie. The stock Android experience, combined with Nokia's commitment to timely security patches, was a significant selling point. However, the update journey ended with Android Pie.
Final Verdict
As both a reviewer and former user of the Nokia 8, this device represents an important chapter in Nokia's smartphone history. The combination of premium build quality, clean software, and capable hardware made it a compelling option in 2017.
The device handles daily tasks efficiently, with occasional heating during extended gaming or multimedia sessions. The audio quality (thanks to OZO Audio) and display sharpness remain standout features even by today's standards.
Who should consider the Nokia 8 today? It remains a viable option for users prioritizing build quality and clean software over cutting-edge features. However, those requiring modern camera capabilities, extended software support, or 5G connectivity should look elsewhere.
The Nokia 8 successfully revived Nokia's premium smartphone aspirations, laying groundwork for future models while delivering a solid, if not revolutionary, flagship experience.
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