The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro and Nokia N8 were flagship smartphones from 2010, both boasting impressive cameras for their time. But which one truly delivered the better experience? This in-depth comparison will break down their strengths and weaknesses, helping you understand why one might have edged out the other.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Nokia N8 ultimately wins due to its superior camera versatility (video recording), brighter display, and generally more robust build. While the Vivaz Pro offered a decent experience, the N8’s overall package and iconic status make it the preferred choice for enthusiasts.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 900 / 2100 | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 |
| Speed | HSPA 10.2/2 Mbps | HSPA 10.2/2 Mbps |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA | GSM / HSPA |
| | HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100 | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2010, February. Released 2010, May | 2010, April. Released 2010, October |
| Status | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Body |
|---|
| Dimensions | 109 x 52 x 15 mm (4.29 x 2.05 x 0.59 in) | 113.5 x 59.1 x 12.9 mm, 86 cc (4.47 x 2.33 x 0.51 in) |
| Keyboard | QWERTY | - |
| SIM | Mini-SIM | Mini-SIM |
| Weight | 117 g (4.13 oz) | 135 g (4.76 oz) |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Scratch-resistant glass | Corning Gorilla Glass |
| Resolution | 360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~229 ppi density) | 360 x 640 pixels, 16:9 ratio (~210 ppi density) |
| Size | 3.2 inches, 28.2 cm2 (~49.8% screen-to-body ratio) | 3.5 inches, 33.8 cm2 (~50.3% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors | AMOLED |
| | Handwriting recognition | - |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | 720 MHz, PowerVR SGX GPU | 680 MHz ARM 11 |
| GPU | - | Broadcom BCM2727 |
| OS | Symbian Series 60, 5th edition | Symbian^3, upgradable to Nokia Belle Refresh |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDHC (dedicated slot), 8 GB included | microSDHC (dedicated slot) |
| Internal | 75MB | 16GB 256MB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash | Carl Zeiss optics, Xenon flash, ND filter |
| Single | 5 MP, AF | 12 MP, 1/1.83", AF |
| Video | 720p@24fps | 720p@25fps, 720p@30fps (via SW update) |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Single | - | VGA videocall camera |
| | No | - |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes | Yes |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 2.1, A2DP | 3.0, A2DP |
| Positioning | GPS, A-GPS; Wisepilot navigation | GPS, A-GPS; Ovi Maps 3.0 |
| Radio | Stereo FM radio, RDS | Stereo FM radio, RDS; FM transmitter |
| USB | microUSB 2.0 | microUSB 2.0, OTG |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA | Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, UPnP technology |
| Features |
|---|
| Browser | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML (NetFront) | WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, Adobe Flash Lite |
| Sensors | Accelerometer | Accelerometer, proximity, compass |
| | Facebook and Twitter apps
WMV/RV/MP4/3GP player
MP3/WMA/WAV/RA/AAC/M4A player
TrackID music recognition
TV out (VGA resolution)
Organizer
Document viewer
Voice memo
Predictive text input | TV-out (720p video) via HDMI with Dolby Digital Plus sound
Anodized aluminum casing |
| Battery |
|---|
| Music play | - | Up to 50 h |
| Stand-by | Up to 430 h (2G) / Up to 440 h (3G) | Up to 390 h (2G) / Up to 400 h (3G) |
| Talk time | Up to 12 h 30 min (2G) / Up to 5 h 10 min (3G) | Up to 12 h (2G) / Up to 5 h 50 min (3G) |
| Type | Removable Li-Po 1200 mAh battery | Non-removable Li-Ion 1200 mAh battery (BL-4D) |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Black, White | Dark Grey, Silver White, Green, Blue, Orange, Pink, Bronze |
| Price | About 150 EUR | About 140 EUR |
| SAR | - | 1.09 W/kg (head) 0.85 W/kg (body) |
| SAR EU | 1.03 W/kg (head) | 1.02 W/kg (head) |
| Tests |
|---|
| Audio quality |
Noise -88.0dB / Crosstalk -88.7dB |
Noise -89.9dB / Crosstalk -90.9dB |
| Camera |
Photo |
Photo / Video |
| Display | - |
Contrast ratio: 2.144:1 (sunlight) |
| Loudspeaker |
Voice 69dB / Noise 65dB / Ring 72dB |
Voice 75dB / Noise 66dB / Ring 82dB |
Sony Ericsson Vivaz pro
- Slightly faster processor
- Compact size
- Decent photo quality
- No video recording
- Lower contrast display
- Less durable build
- Smaller screen
Nokia N8
- Excellent camera with video recording
- Bright and high-contrast display
- Durable build quality
- Larger screen
- Better battery life
- Slightly slower processor
- Symbian OS (aging)
Display Comparison
The Nokia N8 takes the display crown. While both phones featured respectable screens for their era, the N8’s contrast ratio of 2.144:1 (particularly impressive in sunlight) provided significantly better visibility and image quality compared to the Vivaz Pro's likely lower contrast ratio. The N8 also had a slightly larger screen size (3.5 inches vs Vivaz Pro's 3.2 inches).
Camera Comparison
The Nokia N8’s camera was a standout feature. It boasted a 12MP sensor with Carl Zeiss optics, capable of both photo and video recording (720p). The Vivaz Pro’s camera, while decent for photos, lacked video recording capabilities. The N8’s superior optics and larger sensor generally resulted in better image quality, especially in low light.
Performance
The Vivaz Pro's 720 MHz processor and PowerVR SGX GPU gave it a slight edge in raw processing power compared to the N8's 680 MHz ARM 11 processor. However, in real-world usage, the difference was often negligible. Both phones could handle basic tasks and some light gaming, but neither was a powerhouse.
Battery Life
The Nokia N8 generally offered better battery life than the Vivaz Pro. The N8's larger battery capacity (1200 mAh vs Vivaz Pro's 1500 mAh - *note: actual battery capacities varied slightly depending on the source*) and more efficient processor contributed to longer usage times between charges.
Buying Guide
Who should buy Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro? Collectors of Sony Ericsson devices or those seeking a compact phone with a decent camera. Who should buy Nokia N8? Photography enthusiasts, users prioritizing a bright display, and those appreciating a durable and well-regarded device.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ What operating system did these phones use?
The Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro ran Symbian, while the Nokia N8 also used Symbian, specifically Symbian^3. Both operating systems were considered outdated by modern standards.
❓ Which phone was more popular?
The Nokia N8 was significantly more popular and critically acclaimed than the Sony Ericsson Vivaz Pro. It became an iconic device for Nokia and is still fondly remembered by many.
