Nokia 8.1: The Verdict
The Nokia 8.1 isn't exactly a standout device, but it's a good value handset that won't break the bank. There's no major flaws, but nothing overly exciting either. It's just a phone, but it's a good one.
What we love
- Good value
- Slick design and solid build
- Great performance
What could be improved
- Auto brightness tends to be too low
- Camera can be slow to shoot
- Larger than average notch
The essentials
- Performance: Reliably zippy.
- Battery: About a day-and-a-half.
- Screen: Lovely, but a bit dull when using auto brightness.
- Camera: Pretty decent, but a little show to shoot. Autofocus can be unreliable.
80/100
$699
HMD Global sure knows how to pump them out. It launched ten Nokia smartphones last year, and we're expecting to see the Finnish start-up bring a similar amount of new devices to market in 2019. Not only is there a Nokia smartphone for every budget, there's two for some.
The sheer number of Nokia phones on the market makes them feel a little less special, especially given the ideology behind them. They're built to feel solid, they run clean Android, and they’re priced competitively.
This all holds true for the Nokia 8.1; it's just a phone. There's nothing that makes it stand out. It's clearly a device that's been built to hit a price-point, and in turn, has the kind of features you'd expect for that price-point. No more, no less. That's not a bad thing though - at $699, the Nokia 8.1 offers solid bang-for-buck.
No Surprises
- 6.18-inch 1080p+ display
- Snapdragon 710
- 64GB storage, 4GB RAM
- 12MP + 13MP rear-facing camera
- 3,500mAh battery
The Nokia 8.1 is an all-round pretty good phone, in terms of both looks and performance. It doesn't necessarily exceed expectations, but it delivers on both counts. In terms of design, the 8.1 utilises the same two-tone aesthetic we've seen on quite a few recent Nokia devices. You can pick from blue with silver or accents, or silver with copper accents. In both cases, they're a nice flourish. The Nokia 8.1 is touch heavier than you'd expect, but overall, has a good feel to it.
As you might expect from a 2019 smartphone, the Nokia 8.1 has a notched display. The notch itself is fairly sizeable, which may explain why it's hidden by default. Out of the box, the real-estate on either side of the notch is blacked out, and just used to display battery life, notification indicators, et al. The screen and bezel blend pretty well, so the look is seamless at the least.
When it comes to day-to-day performance, the Nokia 8.1 is almost flagship fast. Gaming and 3D prowess isn't quite up there with top-end devices, but in many cases, you might not even be able to tell the difference between the Nokia 8.1 and a phone that costs twice as much.
Unfortunately, this isn't the same story when it comes to photos. The Nokia 8.1 has a decent camera, but there are a few issues that make getting a good shot harder than it should be. Auto-focus is inconsistent and the camera app itself is slow to shoot (which can result in motion blur and missed moments). It's not like you can't get a good snap using the Nokia 8.1 - I got plenty - it just might take a few attempts, especially in low-light environments.
Pure Android
As with all recent Nokia smartphones, the Nokia 8.1 runs Android One. Android One is a pure version of Android that Google plays a hand in maintaining. All Android One smartphones get security updates every month for a minimum of three years, and two major operating system updates. This will see the Nokia 8.1 through to Android R, which is a big plus.
This is a major point of difference for Nokia phones in comparison to other affordable and mid-range smartphones, which often get left behind when it comes to software updates and security. Security patches can be infrequent, and in some cases, devices never see a single update.
Post-purchase software support should be a given when it comes to cheaper smartphones, but unfortunately it's often not. This alone makes it worth considering the Nokia 8.1.
Who is the Nokia 8.1 for?
The Nokia 8.1 doesn't necessarily punch above its price-tag, but at $699, it represents good value. You don't get wireless charging, water resistance, or a top-tier camera, but the rest of the package is great. You get good performance, solid battery life, a nice design, and guaranteed software updates. For the price, what more could you want?
Nokia 8.1 camera samples
I don't want a Nokia 8.1, what else can I buy?
OPPO R17 Pro
If you're after a phone that's a bit more flash, it's worth considering the OPPO R17 Pro. It has a few extra flourishes including a tiny tear-drop notch, facial recognition, and an in-screen fingerprint reader. The R17 Pro has the same processor as the Nokia 8.1, but double internal storage. Not a bad option at $100 more.
iPhone 7
The iPhone 7 might be over two years old now, but it's still a great device. It doesn't have the same bells and whistles as newer phones, and at $749, it's the cheapest current iPhone you can get outright. We're expecting Apple to continue to support the iPhone 7 with updates for at least another two or three years, so you're not sacrificing security or missing out on upcoming iOS features just because you opted for an older phone.
Nokia 7.1
If you're looking for something on the cheaper side, the Nokia 7.1 isn't a bad option. It will set you back $200 less than the Nokia 8.1, but is still a solid performer with similar looks. It is however worth noting that the battery life isn't quite as good and that there's less storage out of the box.
Alex Choros
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