HMD has launched a brand new device. The Nokia 7.1 is coming exclusively to the United States at the moment, and has been priced at a relatively modest $349. The device is actually one of the better smartphones released at that price point, and comes with an extruded aluminum body.
The device packs a Snapdragon 636 SoC. While not the top-end chip in the market, the 636 is still a very well-balanced piece of silicon. You also get 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Nokia 7.1 is powered by a 3060mAh battery.
Coming to size, Nokia 7.1 packs a 5.8-inch, 2280×1080 LCD with a 19:9 aspect ratio. There is an 8MP camera on the front and a 12MP camera at the back. Interestingly, HMD has managed to pack two 12MP sensors at the rear of the device, which will allow users to create bokeh effects. You also get all other regular bells and whistles, including a headphone jack, USB-C port, rear fingerprint reader, MicroSD slot.
The one disappointing aspect of the device is it’s display. Please note that the word ‘disappointing’ is used very relatively. In fact, it is used mainly because HMD appeared to be very excited about a feature that will allow people to convert normal videos to HDR. However, with the 7.1’s LCD display, you won’t be able to make the most out of the feature. With that said though, the LCD still does the trick most of the time. Also, since we are talking about disappointments, the device has a glass back which serves no purpose whatsoever, and in fact, detracts from the otherwise all-metal design.
Software wise, you will be getting Android Oreo, and the company promises to update your device to Android Pie by the end of this month. You will also receive all major android updates for as long as two years, while security patches will be covered for 3 years. All in all, the Nokia 7.1 is a pretty decent piece of hardware for $349, and as long as you don’t expect flagship level performance, you can’t really go wrong with it. Pre-sales are slated to start on the 5th of October, with deliveries taking place near the wan end of the month.
Check out the device at it’s official website.
