So far, the reincarnated Nokia with its Android phones has been targeting the low-end and mid-range segment. The company will soon start catering to the premium segment. Citing sources close to HMD Global, India Today reported on Tuesday that the company was gearing up to launch Nokia 3, Nokia 5, Nokia 6, and the new Nokia 3310 worldwide next month. A new report says Nokia 8 would launch around the same time.
Sources told PocketNow that Nokia 8 would hit the stores in June. There have been numerous leaks and rumors about the Nokia 8 and Nokia 9 (another premium device). HMD Global is looking to challenge the Galaxy S8, LG G6, and Apple’s upcoming iPhone 8 with the Nokia 8 and 9 handsets.
Nokia 8 to have a dual-camera system
Not one but two different design sketches in recent weeks have pointed to a dual camera system for the phone. Sketches leaked on Baidu showed vertically placed dual cameras on the back of Nokia 8. The Nokia 9 is also said to feature the dual camera setup, which has become a new standard for premium smartphones since the iPhone 7 Plus launch.
Another design leak by Nokia Power User also featured a vertical dual camera system. The phone is rumored to have “at least” 23-megapixel dual cameras on the back and a 12-megapixel front snapper for selfies. The Nokia 8 is also expected to include LED flash and 4K video recording capabilities.
Interestingly, the sketches leaked on Baidu showed “Zeiss” text in the center where you’d expect the rear camera to sit. Carl Zeiss has had a long association with Nokia. Its lenses were used in devices like Nokia Lumia 800, Lumia 900, Nokia N8, and Nokia 800 PureView. But the new Nokia 5 and 6 don’t sport the Zeiss lens. Things could be different for premium phones, though. The Carl Zeiss lens would be a treat for loyal Nokia fans.
Nokia 8 to run Snapdragon 835 processor
Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 835 chipset powers flagship Android devices such as Samsung’s Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus, and Xiaomi’s Mi 6. HTC’s U11, set to launch on May 11, will also use the same processor. Rumors indicate that Nokia 8 will be powered by Snapdragon 835, which would help it give other Android devices a tough fight.
Previously, a few reports claimed that Nokia 8 could use Snapdragon 660 chipset because a Nokia device was spotted undergoing testing with the same processor. But that device might have been Nokia 7 rather than 8.
Nokia prefers stock Android experience
Most Android smartphone makers add a custom skin on top of the operating system, which slows down the device. On the other hand, phones such as Google Pixel run the stock Android. They get faster security updates and quick upgrades to the latest versions of Android. Nokia has been using pure Android on all its new handsets including the Nokia 3, 5 and 6.
HMD Global is reportedly working with Foxconn and Google to use vanilla Android on most, if not all, Nokia-branded devices. If HMD and Google can figure out a way to push security updates and patches in a timely manner, it would help Nokia differentiate its products from rivals in the crowded market.
Design and other specifications
The leaked sketches suggest that Nokia 8 will have a rectangular form factor. The fingerprint sensor and home button would sit on the front panel. In contrast, Nokia 9 is said to have a bezel-less display and rear-mounted fingerprint scanner. According to reports, Nokia 8 would feature a 5.7-inch Quad HD Super AMOLED display. You can expect it to run Android Nougat out of the box.
Most flagship Android phones released this year have a weird aspect ratio of 18:9 or 18.5:9. Nokia 9 is also said to have the 18:9 aspect ratio. But rumors indicate that the Nokia 8 would stick to the standard 16:9 ratio. It is expected to be equipped with 4GB or 6GB RAM and 64GB/128GB/256GB of internal storage. It would also have a microSD card slot. The device is also rumored to support Google’s Daydream VR platform.
How much is it going to cost?
PocketNow claims that Nokia 8 would be available in two variants. One will be more affordable while the other one will target the premium market. The cheaper one is going to set you back by 4000 yuan (about $580) while the premium one is expected to cost 4500 yuan ($652). Nokia 9, which is expected to launch at the same time as Nokia 8, is rumored to cost $699 in the US market.
Only time will tell if HMD Global can revive the Nokia brand, which once ruled the global mobile phone market. Though the premium phones will be sold worldwide, HMD with its wide range of offerings is specifically targeting the emerging markets in Asia and Africa where Nokia still has a brand appeal. The Nokia 3310 in its new avatar has certainly caught the attention of the masses in countries like India.
