Nokia 800 Tough

amazon Nokia 800 Tough reviews

If you expect a product from Nokia, the Nokia 800 Tough is the choice for you. Possessing a sturdy and durable design by US military standards, the Nokia 800 Tough will be a hit for users who need the most durable basic phone possible.

Nokia’s recent strategy is quite clear; on the one hand, they want to hit smart devices from mid-range to low-cost. They also want to revive their name associated with quality devices in terms of their features and capabilities.

Appearance

You can imagine the Nokia 800 design most clearly; it is just a basic phone with a screen, T9 keyboard, speakerphone, camera, then put in a box with a durable frame sure with the necessary components will be exposed, and that is the Nokia 800 Tough.

The first time you hold the 800 Tough in your hand, it feels like you are holding a protective case rather than a phone. The Nokia 800 is ’embedded’ inside this hard plastic frame, including three types of plastic finishes, with the frame being hard plastic with a soft coating. The edges are covered with hard plastic using engraved motifs to hold the user’s hand more; the back is lumpy plastic with military gray tones, it looks like a large piece of metal covered.

The 800 Tough is announced by Nokia to be impact resistant from a height of 1.8 meters and comes with IP68 dust and water resistance.

The top edge is a 3.5mm jack and a micro-USB charging port for charging and connecting to a computer; here also includes a rubber seal to prevent water, and the right edge will be the location of the SIM slot.

With a solid outer shell, the 800 Tough’s weight is only on par with some current smartphone devices of 161g, which is quite compact in hand.

The back also marks another highlight with a scratched metal layer to cover the camera, LED flash, and speakerphone. This part is also placed slightly lower than the back to protect the camera better and create a unique look for the device.

The bottom edge is a rather large ledge; it seems hooked to a backpack or worn on the hand during picnics or exploration.

Display

The Nokia 800 Tough features a 2.4-inch QVGA display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This is a basic display by modern smartphone standards, but it is adequate for the device’s intended use. The screen is covered by a layer of toughened glass, which provides some protection against scratches and minor impacts.

The display is not particularly bright, but it is readable in most lighting conditions. However, in direct sunlight, it can be challenging to see the screen clearly, which is a common issue with lower-resolution displays. The small size of the display also limits the amount of information that can be shown at once, which may require some scrolling to view content fully.

Despite these limitations, the display serves its purpose. It is functional and reliable, which aligns with the overall design philosophy of the Nokia 800 Tough. The screen is not meant for watching videos or browsing the web extensively but for displaying essential information like calls, messages, and navigation.

Performance

The Nokia 800 Tough is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 205 processor, a dual-core chipset clocked at 1.1 GHz. It is paired with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of internal storage, which can be expanded via a microSD card up to 32GB. These specifications are modest, even for a feature phone, but they are sufficient for the basic tasks that the device is designed to handle.

The phone runs KaiOS, a lightweight operating system designed for feature phones. KaiOS offers a simple user interface that is easy to navigate, with large icons and straightforward menus. The operating system includes essential apps like a web browser, messaging, and basic productivity tools. It also supports a limited selection of apps from the KaiStore, including social media apps like Facebook and WhatsApp.

In terms of performance, the Nokia 800 Tough handles basic tasks like making calls, sending messages, and browsing the web without any issues. The phone is not designed for multitasking or running demanding applications, and users may notice some lag when switching between apps or loading web pages. However, for its intended purpose, the performance is adequate.

One of the key features of the Nokia 800 Tough is its support for 4G LTE connectivity, which allows for faster data speeds compared to older 2G and 3G networks. This makes it possible to browse the web, use social media, and even stream music or videos, although the small screen size and limited processing power may not provide the best experience for these activities.

The phone also includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, and GPS, providing essential connectivity options. The inclusion of GPS is particularly useful for outdoor activities, as it allows users to navigate and track their location even in remote areas.

Battery Life

Battery life is one of the standout features of the Nokia 800 Tough. The phone is equipped with a 2100mAh battery, which is relatively large for a feature phone. Thanks to the power-efficient Snapdragon 205 processor and the low-power KaiOS operating system, the battery life is excellent.

In typical usage scenarios, the Nokia 800 Tough can easily last several days on a single charge. HMD Global claims up to 43 days of standby time on a 4G network, which is impressive. Even with more active use, including calls, messaging, and occasional web browsing, the phone can last several days before needing to be recharged.

The phone charges via a micro-USB port, which is somewhat outdated compared to the more common USB-C standard. However, given the phone’s target audience and intended use, this is not a significant drawback. The charging speed is not particularly fast, but with such long battery life, this is less of an issue.

Overall, the battery life of the Nokia 800 Tough is one of its strongest features, making it an ideal choice for users who need a reliable phone that can last for extended periods without access to a charger.

Camera

The Nokia 800 Tough is equipped with a single 2MP rear camera, which is basic by modern standards. There is no front-facing camera, which means no selfies or video calls, although this is unlikely to be a priority for the phone’s target audience.

The 2MP camera is sufficient for taking simple snapshots, but it is not designed for photography enthusiasts. The image quality is average, with limited detail and dynamic range. In good lighting conditions, the camera can capture usable photos, but the quality deteriorates significantly in low light, with noticeable noise and lack of clarity.

The camera app is straightforward and easy to use, with basic features like zoom, a timer, and the ability to switch between photo and video modes. There are no advanced features like HDR or panorama, which are commonly found on smartphones.

Video recording is also available, but the quality is similarly basic. The camera can record videos at a maximum resolution of 480p, which is low compared to the HD and 4K capabilities of modern smartphones. The video quality is adequate for documenting events or capturing quick clips, but it is not suitable for high-quality video production.

While the camera is not a highlight of the Nokia 800 Tough, it is functional and aligns with the phone’s overall design philosophy. The camera is there for basic documentation purposes, not for professional photography, and it fulfills that role adequately.

Software and Usability

The Nokia 800 Tough runs on KaiOS, a lightweight operating system that is specifically designed for feature phones. KaiOS is based on the Linux kernel and is a descendant of the now-defunct Firefox OS. It offers a simple and intuitive user interface that is easy to navigate, even for users who may not be familiar with smartphones.

The home screen consists of a grid of large icons that provide access to the phone’s various functions, including calls, messages, contacts, and apps. The interface is designed to be used with the physical keypad, and the navigation is straightforward. The directional pad is used to move between icons, while the center button is used to select options. The soft keys provide additional functionality, such as accessing the menu or going back.

KaiOS supports a limited selection of apps, which can be downloaded from the KaiStore. While the selection is not as extensive as on Android or iOS, it includes some popular apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google Maps. These apps are optimized for the KaiOS platform and work well on the Nokia 800 Tough, although their functionality is limited compared to their counterparts on more powerful smartphones.

The phone also includes a basic web browser, which allows users to access the internet and browse websites. The browser is functional, but the small screen size and limited processing power of the Nokia 800 Tough mean that web browsing is not as smooth or enjoyable as on a smartphone. However, it is useful for quick searches or checking information on the go.

One of the key features of KaiOS is its support for Google Assistant, which is integrated into the phone. Users can activate Google Assistant by pressing and holding the dedicated button on the side of the phone. This allows for voice commands, which can be used to make calls, send messages, search the web, or access other features without needing to navigate the phone’s menus manually. While the functionality of Google Assistant on KaiOS is more limited compared to its use on full-fledged smartphones, it remains a useful tool for hands-free operation and adds a layer of convenience to the Nokia 800 Tough.

One notable aspect of KaiOS is its focus on bridging the gap between feature phones and smartphones. By providing access to essential apps and services, KaiOS allows users of devices like the Nokia 800 Tough to stay connected and access important digital tools without requiring the full capabilities of a modern smartphone. This makes the Nokia 800 Tough particularly appealing to users who prioritize durability and simplicity but still want some degree of connectivity and access to online services.

Durability and Rugged Features

The Nokia 800 Tough’s primary selling point is its durability and ruggedness, and in this area, the phone excels. The device is built to withstand extreme conditions and is certified to meet military standards for durability. The MIL-STD-810G certification means the phone has passed tests for resistance to shock, vibration, humidity, temperature extremes, and more. This makes the Nokia 800 Tough an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts, workers in demanding environments, and anyone who needs a phone that can take a beating.

In addition to its MIL-STD-810G certification, the Nokia 800 Tough also carries an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance. This rating means the phone can be submerged in water up to 1.5 meters deep for up to 30 minutes without suffering any damage. The phone is also completely dustproof, which is crucial for use in environments like construction sites, deserts, or other areas with high levels of particulate matter.

The rugged design of the Nokia 800 Tough is complemented by practical features like the reinforced corners and the textured back panel, which improve grip and reduce the likelihood of drops. The phone’s rubberized exterior also helps absorb impacts, further protecting the device from damage. The sealed ports and reinforced build give users confidence that the phone can withstand the rigors of tough environments without compromising its functionality.

Connectivity and Network Performance

Despite its rugged design and feature phone status, the Nokia 800 Tough offers a respectable range of connectivity options. The phone supports 4G LTE, which allows for faster data speeds and better network performance compared to older 2G and 3G networks. This is a significant advantage for users who need reliable connectivity in remote or challenging environments, where network strength may vary.

In addition to 4G LTE, the Nokia 800 Tough also includes Wi-Fi support, enabling users to connect to wireless networks when available. This can help conserve mobile data and provide a faster and more stable connection for tasks like browsing the web or downloading apps from the KaiStore. The phone also features Bluetooth 4.1, which can be used to connect to wireless accessories like headsets or speakers.

GPS is another important feature included in the Nokia 800 Tough. For users who spend a lot of time outdoors or in unfamiliar areas, GPS can be a lifesaver, providing accurate location tracking and navigation. The inclusion of GPS makes the Nokia 800 Tough a valuable tool for activities like hiking, camping, or traveling in remote regions.

Call quality on the Nokia 800 Tough is generally good, with clear audio and reliable signal reception. The phone’s loudspeaker is robust, providing loud and clear audio even in noisy environments, which is essential for users in outdoor or industrial settings. The phone’s network performance is consistent, and it handles voice calls, messaging, and data usage without any significant issues.

Experience

Because the Nokia 800 Tough is essentially a basic phone with the same features added as previous Nokia devices and recently the Nokia 2720 Flip, it will still be KaiOS with a familiar interface, familiar setting buttons, and similar features.

It possessed a 2.4-inch screen and T9 keyboard, the experience is not much different from the previous 2720 Flip, but the advantage of the 800 Tough is that the key surface is raised for a better press feeling than the previous 2720 Flip. 2720 ​​Flip, overall, makes the machine somewhat familiar with product lines for harsh environments that emphasize durability, not softness like the 2720 Flip.

The device is also installed in many utility applications such as virtual assistant Google Assistant, Google Maps, Facebook, and Youtube to meet normal use needs. In addition, using the device for the Wi-Fi playback feature is also quite good, with a 2,100mAh battery just enough for a day or for 43 days of standby time.

The camera-equipped on the Nokia 800 Tough does not provide good image quality, but it is enough to use or as a temporary solution for long trips where your main phone has run out of battery.

Conclude

Nokia 800 Tough will be another interesting choice along with 2720 Flip, one side is durable, and the other is soft and thin. Although it doesn’t offer a great experience like a smartphone, it is a classic experience for those who like a good product for long trips. This device can withstand extreme weather and even continuous Wi-Fi for daily use.

where can you get a Nokia 800 Tough online

Nokia 800 Tough 2.4″ 4GB 512MB RAM 2100mAh IP68 Rugged Cell Phone (GSM Only, No CDMA) Factory Unlocked – 4G LTE International Model No Warranty (Black): Buy it now