HMD Global has launched some unique devices in 2018. Late in the year, the Finnish company launched the Nokia 5.1 Plus and Nokia 6.1 Plus which are the rebranded version of the Nokia X5 and the Nokia X6. More recently, however, HMD Global launched the rebranded version of yet another Chinese release, the Nokia 8.1. Keeping the naming of the phone aside, this new device by Nokia comes with a mid-range price tag and ships some very impressive specifications. The Nokia 8.1 comes as a solid competitor in the mid-range price segment with an impressive camera, performance, design and display. So, without further ado, let’s check out what are the most noteworthy features of the Nokia 8.1.
Design
HMD Global phones have been known to come with a premium, and classy design and the newly launched Nokia 8.1 is no exception to that rule. The new mid-ranger from HMD Global comes with crimson like the dual-tone finish on the rear side. The frame of the phone has been made by 6000-grade aluminium and is sandwiched between glass on the front and back. The glass and the aluminium combined gives a very premium feel to the phone which is evident when we hold the device. In the mid-range price segment, Nokia 8.1 undoubtedly trumps other phones when it comes to design.
Display
Unlike other phones which aim to pack the most specifications inside a not-so-good built, Nokia has seemingly taken a different approach for its devices. The Nokia 8.1 is the perfect example of this, as although it does not come with the most powerful hardware, there is hardly any device in its price segment which competes head-on in the display and design segment. The display on the Nokia 8.1 features the new PureDisplay technology, which offers vivid colours, up to 500 nits of brightness and an incredible 1:1500 contrast ratio. There are also no doubts that the Nokia 8.1 ships the best screen under the Rs 30,000 price segment.
Camera
Another area where the Nokia 8.1 has taken a big leap is in the camera and imaging department. The dual rear camera setup on the Nokia 8.1 comes with a 12MP Sony IMX 363 sensor featuring large 1.4-micron pixels and an optical stabiliser paired with a 13MP depth sensor for Bokeh shots. Although the camera appears to be a bit slow, it snaps excellent photos in well lit and poorly lit conditions alike, and it also comes with cool features like bothie and the pro camera manual mode.
Performance and Hardware
Although the Nokia 8.1 does not match the levels of Snapdragon 845, it can promise similar and comparable performance thanks to the latest mid-range SoC by Qualcomm, the Snapdragon 710. There are Kryo cores and other elements which make the processor comparable to the SD 845 SoC. Paired with a clean stock Android 9 Pie and a 3500mAh battery, the phone comes off to be a very efficient, reliable and impressive performer.
Android One and Quicker Software Updates
Like the other HMD Global phones, the Nokia 8.1 comes with Android One certification meaning that the phone will be very quick to receive the latest Android updates. Not only that, but the phone will also be receiving monthly security updates. The Android One certification also promises two versions of Android, meaning that it will receive Android Q in the future and a subsequent version of Android as well.
