Nokia (News - Alert) this week unveiled two new handsets designed for consumers who are discerning and place importance on style and function. Both handsets (Nokia 8800 Arte and Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte), for example, include 3G capabilities and boast a graceful, nature-inspired design.

 

Distribution of The Nokia 8800 Arte will begin during the fourth quarter of 2007 with an anticipated retail value of €1,000 (about $1,500) prior to taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte will ship in the first quarter of 2008, retailing for an estimated €1,150  (about $1,700) prior to taxes and subsidies.

 

“These two new handsets set the benchmark for quality and craftsmanship,” said Heikki Norta, Senior Vice President of Nokia’s Mobile Phones division, in a statement. “The high-end materials and seamless surfaces are pleasing to touch while the sophisticated, minimalistic design is equally satisfying to the eyes. An obsessive attention to detail means that the Nokia 8800 Arte and Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte are engineered to last.”

 

On the outside, the phones feature sleek, metal and glass bodies, housing advanced technology. Each features a 2” OLED display, a 3.2-megapixel camera, 1GB built-in memory, a MicroUSB all-in-one port and anti-fingerprint glaze to keep the exterior shiny.

 

Further embellishing the appearance of the Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte is a genuine sapphire gemstone, accented by leather.

 

Both handsets come with a set of accessories, including a Bluetooth headset and a leather pouch with matching desk stand.