[9][10][11] Lumia 800 shares its design with the previously released MeeGo-based Nokia N9 and it was originally Meego CDMA-variant for Verizon with codename RM-716 Searay.

The improvements are Windows Phone 8, dual core processor, front camera, wireless charging option, exchangeable covers, and bigger screen.

In addition to these applications and services, Microsoft added Office 365, in which the user can edit documents, create spreadsheets, open PowerPoint presentations, and even make OneNote files.

On this diagnostic tool, a user can run tests on the following: Accelerometer, ALS, audio loopback, camera, battery status, DTMF, gyroscope, hardware buttons, headset detection, LCD white, lights, life timer, magnetometer, power source, proximity, speaker, touch and vibration.

[31] To promote the London launch, Nokia and Canadian-based DJ deadmau5 put on a massive music and laser show that illuminated the banks of the River Thames and the Millbank Tower.

The Daily Telegraph reported that "The 118 metre building was turned into a canvas for a state-of-the-art light show during which the London skyscraper seemed to buckle and twist".

[32] The Lumia 800 was a highly important product for Nokia, as it was the first flagship result of its alliance with Microsoft, which had been announced eight months earlier.

[35] The devices for the European and Northern American markets were configured, tested, and packed by Nokia's factory in Salo, Finland.

[42] Their review rated it 5/5, commending that "[t]he Lumia 800 is a massive step forward for Nokia and sits apart in an increasingly crowded market.

Alongside Windows Phone Mango, there's enough inside the Lumia 800 to worry rivals and make iPhone fans jealous.

"[43] Brian Klug of AnandTech in his review wrote: "The Lumia 800 is indubitably the best Windows Phone hardware out there right now," with notable features such as "[a] camera without compromises, hardware build quality that's unique and solid, Nokia's attention to detail..." With regard to the device's shortcomings, Klug mentioned "lack of USB or external storage, a still fledgling application ecosystem, and a few others.

"[45] In an Engadget review, Sharif Sakr wrote: "Nokia's Lumia 800 is a sophisticated and capable smartphone that melds its hardware beautifully with the Windows Phone OS."

"[5] PC World reported that Nokia Lumia 800 has solid guts and shiny looks, and was an "interesting proposal", though they also said it had "nothing extraordinary to offer" when compared to the highest-end models of Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Motorola Droid RAZR, or the more expensive iPhone 4S in hardware and software.

"[49] Ketaki Bhojnagarwala in The Hindu review wrote, "The Lumia 800 isn't perfect, but its one of the best products that Nokia has released in the market in recent months.