Nokia 8: Will It Be a Badass Phone?

The Nokia 8 is a solid, well-built flagship that delivers a near-stock Android experience, a capable dual-lens camera, and a premium metal body at a price that undercuts most rivals. It is not the absolute fastest or most feature-packed phone of its generation, but it is genuinely “badass” in build quality and value, and it holds up well for everyday use.

Formula

The calculator works out your average pace and speed for a run, walk, or ride. You enter the total time and the distance covered, and it returns the average time per kilometer (or mile) and the average speed in kilometers per hour (or miles per hour).

The formulas are simple:

• Pace (min/km) = Total time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Total time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Where:

• t = total time in minutes (e.g., 50 minutes)
• d = distance in kilometers (e.g., 10 km)

If you measure distance in miles, the same formulas work: pace in min/mile and speed in miles per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator (t = 50 minutes, d = 10 km):

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

So the calculator returns a pace of 5.00 min/km and a speed of 12.00 km/h. That matches the headline result shown above.

Why the Nokia 8 Was Different

When the Nokia 8 launched in 2017, the smartphone market was dominated by glass-and-aluminum slabs from Samsung, Apple, and Google. Nokia, now licensed by HMD Global, took a different approach: a single block of 6000-series aluminum, a clean Android build with no bloatware, and a promise of fast updates. It was not trying to out-spec the Galaxy S8 or the Pixel 2; it was aiming for buyers who wanted a dependable, no-nonsense flagship without paying a premium for a brand name.

The phone featured a 5.3-inch QHD IPS display, a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 3040 mAh battery. Those specs were top-tier for 2017, and the phone handled gaming, multitasking, and media without issue. The dual-lens camera (13MP color + 13MP monochrome) was a highlight, especially for black-and-white shots and the “Bothie” mode that let you capture from front and rear cameras simultaneously.

How the Camera Performed

The Nokia 8’s camera was a mixed bag. In good light, the color sensor produced sharp, natural images with accurate colors. The monochrome sensor added detail and contrast, and the phone combined both for better low-light shots than many single-lens flagships of the time. However, the camera app was basic, lacked optical image stabilization (OIS), and video stabilization was only electronic, which meant shaky footage in low light.

For most users, the camera was more than adequate for social media and casual photography. It was not a Pixel killer, but it was a clear step up from mid-range phones and a solid choice for anyone who prioritized a clean Android experience over camera gimmicks.

Software and Updates

One of the biggest selling points of the Nokia 8 was its software. It ran Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box, with a promise of two years of OS updates and three years of security patches. HMD Global delivered on that promise: the phone received Android 8.0 Oreo, then Android 9 Pie, and security updates through 2020.

This was a major advantage over many budget and mid-range phones that never see a single update. For users who kept their phones for two or three years, the Nokia 8 remained secure and functional long after many rivals were abandoned. The near-stock interface also meant no duplicate apps, no carrier bloatware, and no aggressive battery management that killed background tasks.

Common Problems and Fixes

Despite its solid build, the Nokia 8 had a few known issues:

• Overheating during charging: Some users reported the phone getting warm while fast charging. This was usually harmless, but if it became uncomfortable, using a slower charger or removing the case helped.
• Camera focus issues: A few units had autofocus problems, especially in low light. A software update improved this, but if the issue persisted, a factory reset often helped.
• Battery drain after updates: Some users noticed increased battery drain after major OS updates. Clearing the cache partition (boot into recovery, wipe cache) often resolved this.
• Screen burn-in: Like many OLED screens, the Nokia 8’s IPS LCD could suffer from image retention if a static image was left on screen for long periods. This was rare and usually temporary.

If you encounter any of these, the first step is to check for software updates, then try a factory reset (after backing up your data). If the problem persists, it may be a hardware fault, and you should contact Nokia support or a repair shop.

Is It Still Worth Buying in 2025?

As of 2025, the Nokia 8 is a five-year-old phone. It is no longer a sensible new purchase for most people, because its battery has likely degraded, its processor is outdated, and it will not receive any more software updates. However, as a used or refurbished device, it can still be a decent budget phone for basic tasks like calls, messaging, web browsing, and light social media.

If you are considering a used Nokia 8, check the battery health (many phones report this in settings or via an app), ensure the screen has no burn-in, and verify that the camera works properly. A price under $100 (or equivalent) is reasonable for a working unit, but for a bit more you could get a modern budget phone with a better camera and longer support.

How to Choose a Phone Like the Nokia 8

If you liked the idea of the Nokia 8—clean Android, solid build, good price—here is what to look for in a current phone:

• Software updates: Check how many years of OS and security updates the manufacturer promises. Aim for at least two OS updates and three years of security patches.
• Build quality: Metal or glass bodies feel premium, but they can be slippery. A good case is essential.
• Camera: Don’t be fooled by megapixel counts. Look for optical image stabilization (OIS), a wide aperture, and good low-light reviews.
• Battery: A battery of 4000 mAh or more is ideal for all-day use. Fast charging is a plus.
• Price: Flagship specs are not always necessary. Mid-range phones like the Google Pixel 6a or Samsung Galaxy A54 offer 90% of the experience at 60% of the price.

If you prioritize a clean Android experience, consider the Google Pixel series or Android One devices. If you want a metal body, look at older flagships from Sony or LG (though LG has exited the phone market).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Nokia 8 have a headphone jack?

Yes, the Nokia 8 has a 3.5mm headphone jack on the top of the phone. This was a welcome feature in 2017 and is still appreciated by users who prefer wired headphones.

Is the Nokia 8 waterproof?

No, the Nokia 8 has no official IP rating for water or dust resistance. It can handle light splashes, but it is not safe to submerge. Keep it away from pools and rain.

Can the Nokia 8 be updated to Android 10 or 11?

No. The Nokia 8 officially received Android 9 Pie as its final OS update. HMD Global did not provide any further OS updates for this device, though security patches continued for a time. Unofficial custom ROMs exist, but they are not recommended for most users.

Does the Nokia 8 support wireless charging?

No, the Nokia 8 does not support wireless charging. It uses a USB-C port with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 for fast wired charging.

How is the battery life on the Nokia 8?

In 2017, the 3040 mAh battery lasted a full day with moderate use. With a used phone in 2025, expect less—maybe 4-6 hours of screen-on time, depending on battery health. You can replace the battery at a repair shop to restore original performance.

Is the Nokia 8 good for gaming?

For games available in 2017, the Snapdragon 835 handled everything smoothly. For modern games in 2025, it will run many titles at low to medium settings, but you may experience frame drops and longer load times. It is not a gaming phone by today’s standards.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2