Main points
- The enthusiast community has released a custom firmware called Reborn for the Nokia N8, which improves performance and adds an updated app store.
- The firmware process requires caution due to possible critical failures, and the physical condition of the devices may be problematic due to their age.
The iconic Nokia smartphone got a second life thanks to enthusiasts / Screenshot from Channel 24
Symbian smartphones have long since disappeared from everyday life, but one of Nokia's most famous models has unexpectedly gotten a chance to make a comeback. Thanks to the work of independent developers, the device, which had been lying in drawers for many years, is once again capable of performing the basic functions of a modern phone and even surprising with its camera capabilities.
Can a smartphone from 2010 be relevant today?
We are talking about the Nokia N8 – a model that in 2010 was considered one of the most powerful in the Finnish brand’s lineup. At the time of its release, it was distinguished by its solid sensor body format, high-quality materials, and its main pride – a 12-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and a xenon flash. Even by modern standards, such a photo module looks solid, and in some scenarios it easily surpasses cheap current smartphones, writes AndroidAuthority.
The main problem of the device was the Symbian operating system. It was created in the era of push-button phones and was poorly adapted to touch control. When the market was quickly captured by the iPhone and Android smartphones, Nokia tried to save the situation with the updated Nokia Belle interface. But this step turned out to be too late – the official servers with updates and applications soon stopped working.
In 2026, the situation suddenly changed thanks to the community of enthusiasts. The Reborn custom firmware project essentially reanimates the Nokia N8. It is based on Nokia Belle – the latest major version of Symbian, but with key flaws fixed. The smartphone now works noticeably faster, the interface has become smoother, and the system no longer looks outdated as critically as it did in the factory state.
How the old Nokia N8 was changed: watch the video
One of the most important changes is the introduction of a revamped app store that actually works, transforming the Nokia N8 from a collector's item to a device suitable for everyday use.
Additionally, the developers have updated HTTPS certificates, without which it is almost impossible to open modern websites today. Symbian's strict restrictions on installing applications have also been removed, which greatly simplifies life for those who like to experiment with software.
But not everything is so good.
However, the revival of the legend has a downside. The firmware process requires caution and experience. Old Nokia tools do not always work correctly on Windows 10 and can lead to critical system crashes or turn the phone into a “brick”, that is, make it completely inoperable, writes Geo News. You can't do without backups and patience here.
Another factor is the physical condition of the devices. Many Nokia N8s are over fifteen years old, so there are worn-out cameras, problematic SIM contacts, or traces of mechanical damage. At the same time, the smartphone is designed quite solidly: Torx screws, a metal frame, and a relatively affordable battery allow you to assemble fully working copies from several donors.
Ultimately, the Nokia N8 in 2026 is not just nostalgia. It's an example of how the community can breathe new life into a technology that the manufacturer has long since written off.