For a name that’s as synonymous with mobile phones as Nokia, it’s sometimes hard to understand why they have never really been able to crack the smartphone market, at least not in the same way Apple and HTC have, and some of the other manufacturers are starting to. All this could be about to change however, as the Finnish mobile giant tries to make up for lost time and opportunities, with the launch of the N8. But does Nokia even know what it takes to make a competitive smartphone anymore, and if so, is the Nokia N8 it?

There’s no denying the Nokia N8 is a good looking phone, which is nothing new in today’s smartphone market, but is quite an achievement for Nokia. With attractive lines and good proportions it looks like Nokia has been taking design lessons. The shape and size are enhanced by the quality of the aluminum casing, which all works together to give the N8 the quality look and feel that offers a serious challenge to the current market leaders. The fact that there’s no way to remove the battery doesn’t just help make the phone look good, but also sends the message that Nokia have got the operating system right as well, and you won’t be fiddling around with the battery to try and reset your phone.

The 3.5 inch touchscreen display is a decent size without being anything outstanding, and is capable of providing clear and bright images on the N8. What is outstanding however, is the amazing 12 megapixel camera that Nokia has shoehorned into the N8. With claims that it is the best phone camera available anywhere, Nokia is obviously keen to demonstrate that it still has the ability to compete in the smartphone market. As well as the incredible still shots you would expect from such a hi-spec camera, you also get the ability to record video in 720p high definition. Plus, if the 3.5 inch screen on the N8 isn’t quite enough for you, the mini HDMI output that’s neatly tucked away, will let you hook it up to your HDTV and watch your videos in all their glory.

It will take more than an impressive camera for Nokia to get back in the game, and the inclusion of the new Symbian 3 operating system will certainly help. Although it’s an evolution of the previous versions, rather than a revolution, it’s a significant improvement. Combined with the powerful 1GHz processor, everything on the N8 moves smoothly, including the impressive music player - a prerequisite for any successful smartphone, that also benefits from the huge 16GB internal storage.

It’s not often that you find yourself getting excited about the launch of a Nokia smartphone, but this time it looks like the Nokia N8 could actually be a serious contender. As long as the headline grabbing improvements that Nokia has included all work together, the N8 could at last give Nokia a seat at the smartphone top table.

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