At a recent press conference in central London, HMD Global launched its latest phone dubbed the Nokia 7.1. Along with the phone’s impressive price tag, one feature which makes this Android-based handset stand out is the iPhone X-like notch. The company presented the Nokia 7.1 as the best Android-based alternative to the iPhone X — priced at just $349.
How the Nokia 7.1 display and camera are different
The notch has become a common feature these days, and it has been seen on several flagship handsets, including the OnePlus 6 and Huawei P20 Pro. HMD used the notch on the Nokia 7.1 to fit a 5.8-inch Full HD+ display into a smaller handset. However, the phone still has a hefty bezel on the bottom which is big enough to fit the Nokia name.
The Nokia 7.1 is the first phone to come with the company’s “PureDisplay screen technology.” The tech displays HDR-quality images on the handset’s notched 5.84-inch display. Further, the handset supports HDR 10 and also converts SDR to HDR in real time. Like the iPhone’s TrueTone feature, the new Nokia handset adjusts colors on the screen to go well with the surrounding ambiance.
“Almost two-thirds of videos around the world are viewed on mobile, which is why we’ve introduced our PureDisplay screen technology, to give everyone a premium viewing experience on a smartphone,” HMD Global Chief Product Officer Juho Sarvikas said in a statement.
The handset runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 636 processor and features a dual-lens camera with 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensors. The lenses support the Nokia-branded “Bothie” photos, in which both the front- and rear-facing cameras can take a photo simultaneously. The front camera on the phone has an 8-megapixel sensor.
The phone also offers a Pro Camera Mode, which provides more control over the ISO, shutter speed, white balance and focus. The front camera also has AI enhancements such as 3D personas, masks and filters.
Other specs of the Nokia 7.1
The Nokia 7.1 runs on Android Oreo out of the box but will upgrade to Android Pie in November. Google’s Android Pie comes with an adaptive battery feature which will help boost the battery life. The latest Nokia handset features a 3,060 mAh battery and uses a USB-C port for charging.
HMD claims 50% of the battery can be charged in about half an hour. There is no wireless charger with the handset even though the Nokia 7.1 has a glass back which supports wireless charging. It also has a 3.5 mm headphone jack. The handset comes with 3 GB of RAM, while there will be two storage options: 32 GB and 64 GB, which are expandable via a microSD card.
Like many other handsets in the Nokia lineup, the Nokia 7.1 also falls under Google’s Android One program. It means that the handset will continue to get OS updates for two years and security updates for three years. Users will also be able use Google’s AI-powered Lens system on the handset.
HMD is offering the new Nokia handset in two finishes: Gloss Steel and Gloss Midnight Blue. According to the company, both variants feature “dual-anodised diamond-cut colored edges.”
“Applying design techniques found in jewellery and high-end timepieces, the Nokia 7.1 exhibits aesthetically pleasing contrasts between different metal finishes that come seamlessly together and capture small, controlled bright highlights,” HMD said in a press release.
HMD is releasing the Nokia 7.1 in the U.S., the U.K. and Europe for now. The handset is now available for preorder from Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H. It will start shipping Oct. 17 in the U.K. and Oct. 28 in the U.S. For U.K. buyers, the price starts at £299, while the price for European customers will vary by region, but will be between €299 and €349.
Two wireless headsets announced as well
In addition to the Nokia 7.1, HMD also announced new wireless earbuds called the TrueWireless Earbuds. Nokia’s Bluetooth earbuds weigh only 5 grams each and can run for 3.5 hours in a single charge. These waterproof earbuds can get three charges from the wireless charging case.
HMD also announced the Nokia Pro Wireless Earphones, which are connected to a neckband and offer up to 10 hours of playback.
“The Nokia Pro Wireless Earphones are perfect for our active on-the-move fans,” HMD says.
Both new accessories can answer calls independently so there’s no need to get your phone out to answer. They will be available in European markets starting in November. The Nokia Pro Wireless headset costs €69, while the True Wireless Earbuds will come with a €129 price tag.
