Nokia 6.1 Plus

Into Droid Hardware

The Nokia 6.1 Plus, also known as the Nokia X6 in some markets, was a part of Nokia’s resurgence under the stewardship of HMD Global. Launched in 2018, this device aimed to offer a solid mid-range experience with the promise of timely software updates, thanks to its Android One certification. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 6.1 Plus:

Overview:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was designed to cater to the mid-range segment, offering a blend of decent hardware and a clean software experience. With its modern design and Android One certification, it aimed to appeal to users who value both aesthetics and software purity.

Features:

  1. Operating System: Shipped with Android 8.1 (Oreo), upgradable to Android 10 due to its Android One certification.
  2. Display: 5.8-inch IPS LCD with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
  3. Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636.
  4. Memory: 4 GB or 6 GB RAM with 32 GB or 64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSDXC.
  5. Camera: Dual-camera setup with a 16 MP primary sensor and a 5 MP depth sensor. The front camera is a 16 MP shooter.
  6. Battery: 3060 mAh non-removable battery with fast charging support.
  7. Other Features: Rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, USB Type-C, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Pros:

  1. Design: The Nokia 6.1 Plus featured a glass back and a metal frame, giving it a premium look and feel for its price segment.
  2. Software Experience: Being an Android One device, it offered a near-stock Android experience with the promise of regular updates.
  3. Compact Form Factor: The 5.8-inch display made the device relatively compact and easy to handle compared to many of its contemporaries.
  4. Price: The device was competitively priced, offering good value for its specifications.

Cons:

  1. Battery Life: The 3060 mAh battery was decent but not outstanding, especially for power users.
  2. Camera Performance: While the camera hardware was decent for its price, it wasn’t the best in its segment, especially in low-light conditions.
  3. No NFC: The absence of NFC was a limitation for users who rely on contactless payments.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In its price bracket, the Nokia 6.1 Plus faced competition from:

  • Redmi Note 5 Pro: Offering a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup.
  • Asus Zenfone Max Pro M1: Featuring a 5.99-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 636, and a dual-camera setup with a larger battery.
  • Moto G6: With its 5.7-inch IPS LCD display, Snapdragon 450, and a dual-camera system.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was announced in July 2018 and became available shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

  1. Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software glitches, though these were generally addressed in subsequent updates.
  2. Durability Concerns: The glass back, while premium, made the device more susceptible to cracks and breaks from accidental drops.
  3. Heating Issues: A few users reported heating issues, especially during prolonged gaming or camera usage.

Conclusion:

The Nokia 6.1 Plus was a commendable effort from HMD Global to offer a balanced mid-range smartphone with a focus on design and software purity. Its Android One certification was a significant selling point, ensuring timely software updates and a bloat-free experience. While it had its set of challenges, especially in terms of camera performance and battery life, it was a solid option for those looking for a clean Android experience in the mid-range segment. For users who prioritize software updates and a compact form factor, the Nokia 6.1 Plus was a worthy consideration.