After weeks of speculation, HMD Global has finally shown off the Nokia 7.1 to the world. The handset is going to be available in the US and UK at first before moving on to different markets. The company has also announced the True Wireless Earbuds and Pro Wireless Earphones.
HMD Global hasn’t released a ton of phones in the US, so the Nokia 7.1 is a welcome change of pace for those seeking solidly built Android One handsets at an affordable price tag. It’ll cost $349 (roughly Rs 25688) in the country for its 4GB/64GB model. Pre-orders will begin from October 5 via retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Shipping is set to kick off on October 28.
Nokia 7.1 Plus Price
Over in the EU, the Nokia 7.1 will cost €319 (approx Rs 26991) for the 3GB/32GB option and €349 (around Rs 29529) for the 4GB/64GB version. It’ll land on shelves starting from October 17. The phone is going to be sold in Gloss Midnight Blue and Gloss Steel, featuring the same unique dual-tone color scheme seen in the brand’s other handsets.
One of the biggest highlights of the new Nokia phone is its HDR10-supporting display. Not a lot of mid-rangers boast of this feature, allowing users to view content with higher contrast (1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio) and more vibrant colors. Even non-HDR content will be upscaled in real-time through a dedicated 16bit engine.
Also See: Nokia’s next flagship will be called Nokia 9 PureView
Keep in mind, this ‘PureDisplay screen technology’ is on a 5.84-inch LCD panel and not an OLED one, so the difference may not be that noticeable. Notch haters will have to skip the Nokia 7.1 since it has a very prominent cutout at the top. If they’re willing to give it a try, they can look forward to HDR in their photos as well.
The dual 12MP + 5MP Zeiss cameras are capable of capturing HDR photos with a wider range of colors and more details in bright and dark areas, as well as bokeh shots. There’s also a Pro UI camera mode to adjust the white balance, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture. Dual-Sight is still around, letting owners capture images or videos from the rear and front shooters simultaneously.
Specifications of the Nokia 7.1:
– OS: Android 8.1 Oreo with Android One (upgradable to Pie/Android Q)
– Display: 5.84-inch PureDisplay 19:9, 1080 x 2280 pixels
– CPU: Snapdragon 636
– Camera: 12MP + 5MP rear, 8MP front
– Storage: 32GB/64GB, expandable up to 400GB
– RAM: 3GB/4GB
– Battery: 3060mAh
– Weight: 160g
– Size: 149.7 x 71.18 x 9.14mm
– Connectivity: dual-SIM, USB Type-C, Wi-Fiac, 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0, A-GPS, GLONASS, 3.5 mm headphone jack, NFC
Like all recent HMD Global smartphones, the Nokia 7.1 will get 2 years of OS upgrades and 3 years of security updates thanks to Android One. The company has confirmed that an Android 9.0 Pie update is on track for the device and will arrive in November.
HMD Global also took some time out to introduce its Nokia True Wireless Earbuds and Pro Wireless Earphones. The Nokia 7.1 does have a headphone jack, but anyone who wants to ditch the wires anyway can check the accessories out.
The €130 (roughly Rs 11013) True Wireless Earbuds are basically Nokia’s answer to Apple’s AirPods. They weigh in at just 5g each and come with a portable charging case which provides 16 hours of battery life in total. Users are supposed to get 3.5 hours of audio playback from a single charge. They can also make calls using the device.
The €70 (about Rs 5930) Pro Wireless Earphones are for those who prefer a safety neckband on their headphones to make sure it doesn’t fall off, making it ideal for active people. They’ll get 10 hours of usage out of the accessories. The earbuds are magnetic as well, meaning they switch off when stuck together and switch on when separated.
Both Bluetooth headsets are going to hit stores alongside the Nokia 7.1 in October. HMD Global has an event planned on October 11 in India, so perhaps one or all three will show up there.