HMD's range of new Nokia smartphones have typically been great value devices, but not exactly easy on the eyes. It's not like they're unattractive, just a bit blocky and brutalist. This all changes with the Nokia 7.1, a new midrange smartphone that takes its design cues from top tier devices.
You get a mirror-finish glass back, and a big notched display that's very light on bezel. More interestingly, the display is High Dynamic Range ready and supports the same HDR10 standard being used by the likes of Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video for more colourful video. HMD even says the Nokia 7.1 will be able to "upscale" standard dynamic range content to high dynamic range in real time.
Key specifications for the Nokia 7.1 include a 5.8-inch 1080p+ display, Snapdragon 636 processor, 3GB of RAM, 32GB of expandable storage, a 12MP + 5MP dual rear-facing camera configuration, and a 3,060mAh battery.
As most of this year's Nokia devices, the Nokia 7.1 runs Android One - a pure version of Android that is guaranteed two years of major operating system updates and three years of monthly security updates. It will ship with Oreo, but you'll be able to upgrade to Android Pie instantly.
The Nokia 7.1 will be available from October 17 for $499 through JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman in "gloss midnight blue".
JB Hi-Fi will cut the Nokia 7.1's price down to $199 if you sign up to its $65 per month Telstra plan on a two-year contract. While the plan is pretty decent value - $65 for 45GB certainly ain't bad - we'd say it's a not a great idea to commit to a 24-month plan to save $300 on a midrange phone. JB Hi-Fi's Telstra offers are not available to existing Telstra customers.
UPDATE (27/11/18): Android Pie is now available for the Nokia 7.1
Alex Choros
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