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Nokia 6.1

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The Nokia 6.1, also known as Nokia 6 (2018), was a part of Nokia’s revamped lineup under HMD Global, aiming to offer a blend of solid build quality, clean software, and good overall performance. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6.1:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Nokia 6.1 was an upgrade to the previous year’s Nokia 6. It was a part of Nokia’s commitment to offering well-built devices with a clean software experience, thanks to its Android One partnership.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a stock Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 5.5-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM630 Snapdragon 630 Octa-core.
  • Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 16 MP rear camera with Zeiss optics and an 8 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC (in certain regions), and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The Nokia 6.1 boasted an aluminum unibody design, giving it a robust and premium feel.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a stock Android experience, ensuring a bloat-free experience and timely updates.
  • Performance: The Snapdragon 630 chipset provided a decent performance boost over its predecessor.
  • Camera: With Zeiss optics, the camera performance was commendable for its price, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average, with some competitors offering larger batteries in the same segment.
  • Low-light Camera Performance: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, producing grainy images.
  • Design: While the build was solid, the design was considered a bit dated, especially with the industry moving towards taller, bezel-less displays.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Nokia 6.1 faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6.1 was announced in January 2018 and released in April 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker was not the loudest and lacked depth.
  • Slow Charging: Despite supporting fast charging, the device took a considerable amount of time to charge fully.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6.1 was a testament to HMD Global’s commitment to reviving the Nokia brand in the smartphone market. It combined a premium build, clean software, and decent performance at a competitive price point. While it had its shortcomings, the device was well-received by those looking for a balanced smartphone experience with the promise of timely updates. The Nokia 6.1 was a part of Nokia’s broader strategy to regain trust and market share by focusing on build quality and software purity.

Nokia 7 Plus

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The Nokia 7 Plus was a standout device in Nokia’s lineup after its revival under HMD Global. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it was praised for its build quality, clean software, and overall performance. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 7 Plus:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Nokia 7 Plus was a part of Nokia’s commitment to offering well-built devices with a clean software experience, thanks to its Android One partnership. The device aimed to bridge the gap between mid-range and flagship offerings.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 Oreo, under the Android One program, ensuring regular updates and a bloat-free Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
  • Display: 6.0-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2160 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM660 Snapdragon 660 Octa-core.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 13 MP secondary sensor with 2x optical zoom. A 16 MP front camera.
  • Battery: 3800 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Build Quality: The Nokia 7 Plus featured a solid aluminum unibody design with copper accents, giving it a distinct and premium look and feel.
  • Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a near-stock Android experience and was among the first to receive updates.
  • Battery Life: The 3800 mAh battery ensured the phone lasted through a full day of heavy usage.
  • Camera: With Zeiss optics and a secondary lens for optical zoom, the camera performance was commendable for its price.

Cons:

  • Weight: The solid build made the device slightly heavier than some of its competitors.
  • Low-light Camera Performance: While the camera was good in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.
  • Competitive Market: The mid-range segment in 2018 was packed with options, and while the Nokia 7 Plus stood out in many aspects, it faced stiff competition.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Nokia 7 Plus faced competition from various devices in the mid-range segment:

  • Motorola Moto G6 Plus: Offering a glass design, clean software, and Snapdragon 630 chipset.
  • Xiaomi Mi A2: Known for its clean Android One experience, powerful specs, and impressive camera performance.
  • Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018): Samsung’s mid-ranger with a triple camera setup and AMOLED display.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 7 Plus was announced in February 2018 and released in April 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Slow Face Unlock: The face unlock feature, introduced in a software update, was not as fast or reliable as some competitors.
  • Speaker Quality: The single bottom-firing speaker, while clear, wasn’t particularly loud or rich.
  • Occasional Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, though many were addressed in subsequent updates.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 7 Plus was a significant device in Nokia’s revamped lineup, showcasing the brand’s commitment to quality, design, and a clean software experience. It struck a balance between performance, aesthetics, and value, making it a favorite among users looking for a reliable mid-range device. The Android One partnership further enhanced its appeal, promising timely software updates and a bloat-free experience. The Nokia 7 Plus was a testament to Nokia’s legacy of building robust devices and marked a successful phase in the brand’s comeback journey in the smartphone market.

Samsung Galaxy S9

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The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a flagship offering from Samsung in 2018, building upon the design and features of its predecessor, the Galaxy S8. Here’s an in-depth review of the Samsung Galaxy S9:

Overview:

Launched in early 2018, the Galaxy S9 was Samsung’s answer to the evolving smartphone landscape, emphasizing its camera capabilities, design, and performance. It aimed to refine the already impressive Galaxy S8.

Features:

  • Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 Oreo with Samsung’s Experience UI, later upgradeable.
  • Display: 5.8-inch Quad HD+ Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels.
  • Processor: Qualcomm SDM845 Snapdragon 845 (USA & China) or Exynos 9810 (EMEA).
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM with options of 64/128/256 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
  • Camera: 12 MP rear camera with variable aperture (f/1.5-2.4) and Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor. An 8 MP front camera with f/1.7 aperture.
  • Battery: 3000 mAh non-removable battery with fast and wireless charging support.
  • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS.
  • Other Features: IP68 water and dust resistance, stereo speakers tuned by AKG, rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, iris scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  • Camera Capabilities: The variable aperture and Super Speed Dual Pixel sensor were highlights, offering impressive low-light performance and super slow-motion video recording.
  • Design: The Galaxy S9 retained the sleek and modern design of the S8, with a nearly bezel-less display and a glass back.
  • Performance: Both the Snapdragon 845 and Exynos 9810 chipsets ensured top-tier performance for all tasks.
  • Stereo Speakers: The addition of stereo speakers was a welcome change, offering a richer audio experience.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The 3000 mAh battery was considered average for a flagship, with some competitors offering larger capacities.
  • Bixby Button: The dedicated Bixby button was not universally loved, especially since it couldn’t be natively remapped initially.
  • Price: Being a flagship, the Galaxy S9 commanded a premium price, which was a barrier for some potential buyers.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the Galaxy S9 faced competition from various flagship devices:

  • Apple iPhone X: Apple’s flagship with Face ID, OLED display, and a new design language.
  • Google Pixel 2: Known for its pure Android experience and outstanding camera capabilities.
  • LG G7 ThinQ: LG’s flagship with a focus on audio quality and AI features.

Launch Date:

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was announced in February 2018 and released in March 2018.

Common Issues/Problems:

  • Bixby Limitations: Many users were not fond of Bixby and were frustrated by the dedicated button, especially before remapping options were available.
  • Fingerprint Sensor Placement: While improved from the S8, some still found the fingerprint sensor’s placement next to the camera to be less than ideal.
  • Battery Optimization: Some users reported inconsistent battery life, especially with certain software updates.

Conclusion:

The Samsung Galaxy S9 was a refinement of the Galaxy S8, addressing some criticisms while introducing new features, especially in the camera department. While it faced stiff competition in the flagship segment, the S9 stood out with its design, display quality, and camera capabilities. It was a testament to Samsung’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of smartphone technology, offering users a blend of performance, aesthetics, and features. While it had its challenges, the Galaxy S9 was a worthy addition to Samsung’s flagship lineup, further solidifying its position in the premium smartphone market.

Asus Zenfone Max M1

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The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was part of Asus’s Zenfone series, which aimed to cater to various segments of the smartphone market. Launched in 2018, the Zenfone Max M1 was positioned as a budget device with a focus on battery life. Here’s an in-depth review of the Asus Zenfone Max M1:

Overview:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was designed for users who prioritize battery life in a budget-friendly package. With its large battery capacity and efficient processor, it aimed to provide users with extended usage without frequent charging.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.0 (Oreo) with Asus’s ZenUI skin.
  2. Display: 5.45-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
  4. Memory: Options of 2 GB/3 GB RAM with 16 GB/32 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: 13 MP primary sensor with an f/2.0 aperture. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an LED flash.
  6. Battery: A substantial 4000 mAh non-removable battery.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Battery Life: The 4000 mAh battery, combined with the power-efficient Snapdragon 430, ensured impressive battery life.
  2. Compact Design: Despite its large battery, the device maintained a compact form factor, making it comfortable to hold and use.
  3. ZenUI Features: Asus’s ZenUI skin brought several additional features and customization options.
  4. Value for Money: Given its price point, the device offered a balanced set of features that provided good value.

Cons:

  1. Performance: While the Snapdragon 430 was decent for basic tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful processor in its segment.
  2. Display Resolution: The HD+ resolution was adequate but not the sharpest available in the segment.
  3. Camera Performance in Low Light: While the camera was decent in well-lit conditions, it struggled in low-light scenarios.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Asus Zenfone Max M1 faced competition from:

  • Redmi 6: Offering a 5.45-inch IPS LCD display, MediaTek Helio P22, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Moto E5: Featuring a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 425, and a 13 MP primary camera.
  • Samsung Galaxy J4: With its 5.5-inch Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7570 Quad, and a 13 MP primary camera.

Launch Date:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was announced in February 2018 and became available in various markets shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Updates: Some users reported delays in receiving software updates.
  2. ZenUI Bloatware: While ZenUI offered many features, it also came with a number of pre-installed apps that some users found unnecessary.
  3. Build Quality: The device had a plastic build, which, while expected at this price point, wasn’t the most premium-feeling.

Conclusion:

The Asus Zenfone Max M1 was a commendable offering in the budget segment, especially for those who wanted extended battery life. Its large battery, combined with a decent processor and camera setup, made it a popular choice among users who wanted a reliable day-to-day device without frequent charging. While it had its limitations, especially in terms of performance and camera quality in low light, its overall package was quite compelling for its price segment. For users looking for a device that could last through the day and then some, the Zenfone Max M1 was a strong contender. However, those looking for better performance or a sharper display might have considered other options available in the market at the time.