Nokia N8 vs. Samsung Galaxy S II

Attribute	Nokia N8	Samsung Galaxy S II
Operating System	Symbian^3	Android
Processor	ARM 11 680 MHz	Exynos 4210 Dual-core 1.2 GHz
Display	3.5 inches, 360 x 640 pixels	4.3 inches, 480 x 800 pixels
Camera	12 MP	8 MP
Internal Storage	16 GB	16/32 GB
RAM	256 MB	1 GB
Battery	1200 mAh	1650 mAh
Weight	135 g	116 g

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia N8 and Samsung Galaxy S II both offer sleek and stylish designs, but with different approaches. The N8 features a solid aluminum unibody construction, giving it a premium and durable feel. On the other hand, the Galaxy S II opts for a lightweight plastic build, which makes it more comfortable to hold for extended periods.

While the N8 may feel more robust, the Galaxy S II's plastic build allows for a thinner and lighter device, making it easier to carry in your pocket. Additionally, the Galaxy S II offers a larger display with thinner bezels, providing a more immersive viewing experience.

Both devices have their own unique design elements, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prioritize a premium build and durability, the Nokia N8 may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a lightweight and more modern design, the Samsung Galaxy S II might be more appealing.

Display

When it comes to the display, the Samsung Galaxy S II takes the lead. It features a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display with a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. The Super AMOLED Plus technology offers vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent viewing angles.

On the other hand, the Nokia N8 sports a smaller 3.5-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 360 x 640 pixels. While the N8's display is still impressive, it falls short in terms of size and resolution compared to the Galaxy S II.

If you enjoy consuming media, browsing the web, or playing games on your smartphone, the larger and higher-resolution display of the Galaxy S II will provide a more enjoyable experience. However, if you prefer a more compact device that fits comfortably in your hand, the Nokia N8's display may be sufficient.

Camera

Both the Nokia N8 and Samsung Galaxy S II offer impressive camera capabilities, but with different strengths. The N8 boasts a 12-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, and a Xenon flash. It excels in capturing detailed and vibrant photos, especially in well-lit conditions.

On the other hand, the Galaxy S II features an 8-megapixel camera with autofocus and an LED flash. While it may have a lower megapixel count, the Galaxy S II's camera performs exceptionally well in low-light situations, thanks to its larger sensor and wider aperture.

Both devices also offer the ability to record high-definition videos. The Nokia N8 can record videos in 720p resolution, while the Galaxy S II takes it a step further with 1080p Full HD video recording.

If you prioritize photography and want the best image quality in well-lit conditions, the Nokia N8's camera is the way to go. However, if you often find yourself taking photos in low-light environments or prefer the convenience of Full HD video recording, the Galaxy S II's camera will better suit your needs.

Performance and Software

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S II packs a more powerful punch. It is equipped with a dual-core 1.2 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM, providing smooth multitasking and snappy performance. The Galaxy S II also runs on Android, offering access to a vast ecosystem of apps and customization options.

On the other hand, the Nokia N8 features a single-core 680 MHz processor and 256MB of RAM. While it may not match the Galaxy S II's raw power, the N8's hardware is optimized to work seamlessly with its Symbian operating system, resulting in a smooth user experience for everyday tasks.

When it comes to software, the Galaxy S II's Android operating system offers a more modern and intuitive interface, along with regular updates and a wide range of apps. However, some users may prefer the simplicity and familiarity of Nokia's Symbian OS, which has a reputation for stability and efficiency.

If you prioritize performance and want access to the latest apps and updates, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the clear winner. However, if you prefer a more streamlined and stable user experience, the Nokia N8's hardware and Symbian OS combination may be more suitable.

Battery Life

Battery life is an essential aspect to consider when choosing a smartphone. The Nokia N8 boasts a 1200mAh battery, which provides a standby time of up to 390 hours and talk time of up to 12 hours on 2G networks. On the other hand, the Samsung Galaxy S II features a larger 1650mAh battery, offering a standby time of up to 710 hours and talk time of up to 18 hours on 2G networks.

While the Galaxy S II's battery capacity is higher, it also has a larger display and more powerful hardware, which can drain the battery faster. The Nokia N8, with its smaller display and less demanding hardware, may offer better battery efficiency for everyday use.

If you prioritize long battery life and don't mind sacrificing some display size and processing power, the Nokia N8 may be the better choice. However, if you need a device that can handle more intensive tasks and are willing to compromise on battery life, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the way to go.

Conclusion

Both the Nokia N8 and Samsung Galaxy S II have their own strengths and weaknesses, making it challenging to declare a clear winner. The N8 offers a premium build, excellent camera, and stable user experience, while the Galaxy S II excels in display quality, performance, and software versatility.

If you prioritize design, durability, and photography, the Nokia N8 may be the better choice for you. However, if you value a larger and higher-resolution display, powerful performance, and access to a vast app ecosystem, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the more suitable option.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preferences and priorities. Consider your usage patterns, desired features, and budget to make an informed choice between these two capable smartphones.