Nokia 7.1 review

GSMArena team, 24 October 2018.

Introduction

They say third time's a charm and indeed HMD did right by Nokia's legacy. Once the behemoth of the whole industry, it deteriorated to oblivion, only to be resurrected by Microsoft, and then fall again. Android One turned out to be the platform for Nokia to thrive once more and the latest Nokia 7.1 is the perfect example of how well things are going.

The first HMD-made Nokia phones had great potential, but there was noticeable room for improvement. And with the second generation of Android-powered Nokias we do get more! The Nokia 7.1 is not only well-prepared for the mid-range with its Snapdragon 636 chip and capable dual-camera, but it does impress with a large HDR display.

In addition to the trending display, the 7.1 also features a very sleek shape enhanced by the glass-sandwich design. The phone has enough battery backup with its 3,060 mAh unit, and we are glad to see fast charging support present.

One of the best features about each new Nokia is the Android One system, of course. The 7.1, just like the Nokias to come before it, runs on vanilla Android Oreo and will receive on-time updates for the next couple of years.

Nokia 7.1 specs

  • Body: Gorilla Glass 3 front, glass back, 6000-series aluminum frame; 159 g
  • Screen: PureDisplay 5.84-inch, 19:9 2280x1080 IPS LCD, 432 PPI, HDR10 compliant
  • Rear Camera: 12MP, f/1.8, 1.28µm, PDAF primary, 5MP B&W f/2.4, 1.12µm depth sensor; 1080p video
  • Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0, 84-degree wide angle; 1080p video
  • Chipset: 14nm Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, Kryo 260 (4x Cortex-A73 @ 1.8GHz + 4x Cortex-A53 @ 1.6GHz), Adreno 509
  • Memory: 3GB/4GB RAM, 32GB/64GB storage + microSD (up to 400GB)
  • OS: Android 8.1 (part of Android One, will be upgraded to Android 9 Pie in November)
  • Battery: 3,060mAh, 18W quick charging
  • Connectivity: 4G, dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.0 aptX, GPS/GLONASS, Wi-Fi Direct, NFC, USB 2.0 Type-C, 3.5mm headphone jack
  • Misc: Fingerprint sensor (on the back)
Nokia 7.1 review

The Nokia 7.1 is touted to be offering the cheapest HDR screen on a mobile phone. And it seems this way - the 7.1 costs about €350 at launch, way less than any current HDR-enabled flagship. And we can't wait to experience it.

Unboxing the Nokia 7.1

The Nokia 7.1 is bundled with an 18W charger and a USB Type-C cable. HMD is also providing a headset in the retail package, but our review bundle is missing this.

Nokia 7.1 review

The contents of the retail box may vary by region, so we recommend checking with your local Nokia website.

Reader comments

  • Nokia phone user
  • 20 Sep 2023
  • 4kx

The only real problem I've had with the Nokia 7.1 is the USB charging & connection port. The port will fail to connect properly after a very few number of connections. However, a replacement port kit can be purchased from Amazon or Newegg fo...

  • Prashant
  • 23 Feb 2023
  • 7kb

Worst phone my humble request to all please do not purchase this phone. Because in two years i experience is battery problem sound problem many time it's hang many times

  • Cris
  • 02 Feb 2023
  • spq

After 3 years I have big problem with charging, regarding the joystick. I could not use this at all. Sadly, I need to change my phone due this serious issue.