The N81 8GB says it’s a music phone, as well as a gaming masterpiece, but can it compete with the N76’s slimline smartphoneyness? We’ve put Nokia’s Dark Destroyer head to head with its Waiflike Wonderphone to see who comes out on top. All together now: Fight, fight, fight!

Musical truth

Both phones have proper headphone sockets, which is a relief to anyone who’s ever tried a pair of Nokia’s ear-dwellers. Uncomfortable is an understatement, as is “jabbed in the ear with a red-hot poker”. They’ve both got dedicated music keys too, although the N81 just edges its dinky rival, thanks to that whopping 8-gig capacity.

Stat clash!

N81 8GB Dedicated music keys, proper headphone socket, whopping 8-gig capacity (as long as you pick the 8-gig model, duh.)

N76 Dedicated music keys, proper headphone socket, max 2-gig capacity (and you’ll need to buy extra cards to achieve it.)

Game on!

There’s no competition here. The N81’s dedicated gaming keys and special sneak preview of N-Gage content make it the only choice for a thumb-tingling experience on the bus, unless you get you hand caught in the door, that is.

Stat clash!

N81 8GB Dedicated gaming keys, 8-gig capacity for storing games, compatible with next-gen N-Gage titles.

N76 No dedicated gaming keys, and no compatibility with next-gen N-Gage titles.

Size matters

Despite its looks, the N81’s a deceptively svelte super phone. It’s narrower and shorter than the N76, although when it comes to thickness the flip phone has it. It’s only a difference of 4.2mm, but when pocket-bulge is at stake, it’s worth considering.

Stat clash!

N81 8GB 102mm long, 50mm wide, 17.9mm thick. 86cc tota volume. 140g.

N76 106.5mm long, 52mm wide, 13.7mm thick. 70cc total volume. 115g.

Beefcake battery

The N81 might come packed with features, but its battery still stands up to a pounding. We’re talking 17 days on standby compared to the N76’s measly 8.5. It’s an easy win for Nokia’s media monster.

Stat clash!

N81 8GB 240 minutes talk time, 17 days standby, 11.5 hours music playback, 6 hours gaming.

N76 165 minutes talk time, 8.5 days standby.

Connectivity corner

The N76 suffers compared to other smartphones in Nokia’s line-up. It doesn’t have Wi-Fi, so its options are limited. Meanwhile, the N81 serves up mobile internet with the best of them downloading music, games and videos in less than half the time of its wafer thin rival.

Stat clash!

N81 8GB Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB 2.0, headphone / AV connector.

N76 Bluetooth, USB 2.0, headphone / AV connector.