Nokia 6

The Nokia 6 marked Nokia’s re-entry into the smartphone market after a hiatus, under the stewardship of HMD Global. Released in 2017, the Nokia 6 aimed to combine Nokia’s legacy of solid build quality with modern smartphone features at an affordable price point. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6:

Overview:

The Nokia 6 was a significant release as it represented Nokia’s comeback into the smartphone arena. With a robust aluminum body and a commitment to stock Android, it sought to appeal to both Nokia enthusiasts and new users looking for a reliable mid-range device.

Features:

1. Operating System: Initially shipped with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat) as part of the Android One program, ensuring regular updates.
2. Display: 5.5-inch Full HD IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 1920 pixels.
3. Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 430.
4. Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD up to 256 GB.
5. Camera: 16 MP rear sensor with an f/2.0 aperture and phase detection autofocus. The front camera is an 8 MP shooter with an f/2.0 aperture.
6. Battery: A 3000 mAh non-removable battery.
7. Other Features: Front-mounted fingerprint sensor, Dolby Atmos sound enhancement, and NFC.

Pros:

1. Build Quality: The Nokia 6’s aluminum unibody design was reminiscent of Nokia’s reputation for building sturdy phones.
2. Stock Android: Being part of the Android One program meant a bloat-free, near-stock Android experience with the promise of timely updates.
3. Sound: The Dolby Atmos sound enhancement provided a better audio experience compared to many competitors in the same price range.
4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

1. Processor Performance: The Snapdragon 430, while decent for basic tasks, was not the most powerful in its class, leading to occasional lags in performance-intensive tasks.
2. Camera Performance: While adequate in well-lit conditions, the camera struggled in low-light scenarios.
3. Charging: The device lacked fast charging, resulting in longer charging times.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 6 faced competition from:

• Moto G5 Plus: Offering a 5.2-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.
• Samsung Galaxy J7 Pro: With its 5.5-inch Full HD Super AMOLED display, Exynos 7870, and a metal unibody design.
• Xiaomi Redmi Note 4: Featuring a 5.5-inch Full HD display, Snapdragon 625, and a metal design.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6 was announced in January 2017 and became available in various markets in the subsequent months.

Common Issues/Problems:

1. Performance Hiccups: Due to the Snapdragon 430, users reported occasional slowdowns, especially when multitasking.
2. Camera Consistency: The camera’s performance was inconsistent, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
3. Speaker Quality: While the Dolby Atmos enhancement was a plus, the single bottom-firing speaker wasn’t the loudest.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6 was a significant device, marking Nokia’s return to the smartphone market. While it had its shortcomings, especially in terms of performance, it offered a solid build quality and a clean Android experience that many users appreciated. It was a promising start for Nokia’s new journey under HMD Global, setting the stage for subsequent releases. For users who valued build quality and software purity, the Nokia 6 was a compelling choice in the mid-range segment.