Nokia 808 PureView: The 2012 Camera Pioneer – Specs, Features, and Legacy
The Nokia 808 PureView, launched in February 2012, was Nokia's flagship Symbian smartphone, renowned as the first camera phone to feature a 41-megapixel sensor. It marked a pinnacle of mobile photography at the time, introducing the PureView technology for pixel oversampling, which combined multiple pixels into one for sharper images and lossless zoom. Priced around ₹30,000-35,000 in India upon release (now discontinued, used units ~₹5,000-10,000), it ran on Nokia Belle OS and targeted photography enthusiasts. Though outdated by 2025 standards, its legacy endures as a benchmark for sensor size in smartphones. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of its specifications, features, and why it mattered.
Key Specifications
Display: 4.0-inch AMOLED touchscreen (360 x 640 pixels, 184 ppi density, 16.84% screen-to-body ratio, 16M colors, Gorilla Glass protection).
Processor: 1.3 GHz single-core ARM 11 (Broadcom BCM2763 GPU).
RAM: 512 MB.
Storage: 16 GB internal (expandable via microSD up to 32 GB).
Battery: 1400 mAh Li-Ion (removable), up to 21 hours talk time, 540 hours standby, FM transmitter support.
Camera: 41 MP rear (1/1.2-inch sensor, f/2.4 Zeiss lens, Carl Zeiss optics, LED flash, 1080p video at 30fps, lossless zoom up to 3x); VGA front camera (0.3 MP).
Dimensions and Weight: 123.9 x 60.2 x 13.9 mm, 169 g.
Connectivity: GSM / HSPA (no LTE/5G), Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 3.0, microUSB 2.0, NFC, GPS, FM radio, 3.5mm jack.
OS: Nokia Belle (Symbian OS v9.3, upgradable to Belle Feature Pack 1).
Colors: Black, White, Red.
Other: No expandable storage beyond 32 GB; FM transmitter (88.1-107.9 MHz); HDMI out; 3.5mm jack with TV-out.
Key Features
Camera Innovation: The 41 MP sensor (largest in a phone then) used PureView Pro technology for pixel oversampling—merging 7 pixels into 1 for 5 MP output with superior low-light performance and lossless digital zoom (up to 3x without quality loss). It supported 1080p video, Carl Zeiss optics for sharp focus, and manual controls for exposure/ISO.
Multimedia: Dolby Headphone for surround sound, FM transmitter for car audio, and office document viewers (DOC, XLS, PPT, PDF).
Battery Efficiency: Lasted up to 540 hours on standby, ideal for basic use; removable for quick swaps.
Build and Durability: Gorilla Glass front for scratch resistance; robust aluminum frame; splash-resistant.
Connectivity: NFC for payments; DLNA for media sharing; Flash Lite 4.0 for basic apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Revolutionary camera for 2012 (best-in-class low-light and zoom); long battery life; durable build; expandable storage; unique features like FM transmitter.
Cons: Outdated Symbian OS (limited apps, no Google Play); no LTE/5G; basic processor for modern standards; low RAM for multitasking; discontinued support.
Why It Matters: Legacy and Availability
The Nokia 808 PureView was a photography milestone, influencing sensors in later phones like the Lumia 1020. It won awards for imaging but suffered from Symbian's decline. In 2025, it's a collector’s item—used units on Flipkart/Amazon (₹5,000-10,000). If you want similar nostalgia, check Nokia 105 4G (₹3,000) for basics
Ready to Relive?
Search Flipkart for used Nokia 808—this is your desi camera legend!
What’s the Hype on Nokia 808 PureView?
Launch year?
2012, with 41 MP sensor as the star.
Battery life?
21 hours talk, 540 hours standby on 1400 mAh.
Best for?
Photography fans—lossless zoom, Zeiss optics.
What’s the OS?
Symbian Belle (outdated, no app ecosystem).
Where to buy?
Used on Flipkart/Amazon, ~₹5,000-10,000.
