Nokia 7.1

The Nokia 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s resurgence in the smartphone market under the stewardship of HMD Global. Positioned in the mid-range segment, it aimed to offer a balanced performance with a touch of premium design. Here’s an in-depth review of the Nokia 7.1:

Overview:

Launched in 2018, the Nokia 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s revamped lineup that emphasized build quality, clean software, and regular updates, 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 clean Android experience. It was later upgradeable to newer Android versions.
• Display: 5.84-inch IPS LCD capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1080 x 2280 pixels, supporting HDR10.
• Processor: Qualcomm SDM636 Snapdragon 636 Octa-core.
• Memory: Options of 3/4 GB RAM with 32/64 GB internal storage, expandable via microSD.
• Camera: Dual rear camera setup – 12 MP primary sensor and 5 MP depth sensor. An 8 MP front camera.
• Battery: 3060 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 7.1 boasted a glass back and aluminum frame, giving it a premium feel in its price segment.
• Clean Software: Being a part of the Android One program, the device offered a bloat-free Android experience and was among the first to receive updates.
• Display: The HDR10 support was a standout feature, ensuring better contrast and color reproduction for supported content.
• Camera: With Zeiss optics, the camera performance was commendable for its price, especially in well-lit conditions.

Cons:

• Processor Performance: While the Snapdragon 636 was competent for daily tasks, it wasn’t the most powerful in its segment.
• Battery Life: The 3060 mAh battery was adequate but lagged behind some competitors offering larger batteries.
• Low-light Camera Performance: The camera struggled in low-light conditions, producing grainy and sometimes underexposed shots.

Comparisons to Other Technologies:

In 2018, the mid-range smartphone segment was highly competitive. The Nokia 7.1 faced competition from:

• Xiaomi Pocophone F1: Offering flagship-level specs at a mid-range price.
• Motorola Moto G6: Known for its clean Android experience and good build quality.
• Samsung Galaxy A7 (2018): Samsung’s mid-ranger with a triple camera setup and AMOLED display.

Launch Date:

The Nokia 7.1 was announced in October 2018 and released shortly after.

Common Issues/Problems:

• Software Bugs: Some users reported occasional software bugs, 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 7.1 was a testament to HMD Global’s commitment to reviving the Nokia brand in the smartphone market. It combined a premium design, 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 7.1 was a part of Nokia’s broader strategy to regain trust and market share by focusing on build quality and software purity.