HMD Global, the new home for Nokia phones, announced the Nokia 8.1, its newest addition to its value flagship range. As with other Nokia smartphones in the same category as the Nokia 7 plus, the Nokia 8.1 boasts of extraordinary imaging achieved by its ZEISS Optics and Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Additionally, its proprietary PureDisplay screen technology with HDR 10 support ensures viewing experiences even in bright sunlight. Lastly, the chipset ensures smooth performance for up to two days per charge.
Running the latest Android software, Android 9 Pie, the Nokia 8.1 promises to deliver the best Android experience with the latest innovations right out of the box.
At the global launch, Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global said, “We’ve seen great success in the value flagship category with each of our smartphones in this class consistently introducing new premium experiences to our fans. With the Nokia 8.1, we are further pushing the boundaries in this segment. We offer accelerated performance with a first-class processor architecture, dual cameras with an industry-leading sensor, OIS and ZEISS Optics for great low light imaging, and our new PureDisplay HDR screen technology.
“As well as delivering the meticulous craftsmanship and build quality of the renowned Nokia smartphone design, we have also brought the Android 9 Pie experience to our fans, so they can enjoy the latest Android innovations including new Digital Wellbeing features. Our fans are at the heart of every design and engineering decision. We want to give them premium experiences – we hope they agree that the Nokia 8.1 embodies engineering excellence at great value.”
The Nokia 8.1 features a 12MP main camera with ZEISS Optics with a 1/2.55-inch super sensitive sensor with large 1.4 micron pixels for better light capture. With a combination of Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS) technology and quick autofocus, the 8.1 makes sure that shaky hand issues will be a thing of the past. The wide aperture lens also ensures sharper pictures in low light conditions, and allows longer exposure times that can be manually controlled with the Pro Camera mode.
The 20MP adaptive front camera also captures night-time selfies by combining four pixels into one super pixel. You can also shoot movies with 4K video with high fidelity Nokia spatial audio stereo surround sound recording.
The bokeh effect claims to provide a shallow depth of field coupled with its secondary 13MP depth sensor. Bothie also makes use of AI-powered 3D personas, masks and fun filters in photos and videos, all of which you can livestream directly without leaving your camera app.
The Nokia 8.1sports a 6.18-inch Full HD+ edge-to-edge display and is the second Nokia smartphone to sport the PureDisplay screen technology for enhanced viewing experience. Visuals with HDR 10 promise to deliver higher contrast, great clarity, and over a billion individual colours for accuracy, be it in a dark room or bright sunlight.
Using a Snapdragon 710 Mobile Platform, the Nokia 8.1 promises 35% faster graphics and 20% higher performance than the previous generation, the Snapdragon 660. It also has twice the AI power — thanks to a multi-core AI Engine which combines a brand-new architecture for efficient performance. Qualcomm aptX audio support also means music lovers can enjoy high quality sound wirelessly over Bluetooth.
The Nokia 8.1 also has AR core support. Through apps like Human Anatomy, Magic Plan, and Jenga AR, you can visualise and learn about the nervous system in 3D, create a floor plan for your next remodel just by walking around the house, and stack blocks on your dining room table with no need to tidy up after your tower collapses.
The Nokia 8.1 is designed with a 6000-series aluminium frame and a diecast centre for efficient use of materials. It sports a curved glass, polished metal and the sand-blasted finish for a unique two-tone design.
The Nokia 8.1 will be the first Nokia smartphone to launch with Android 9 Pie out of the box. It joins the comprehensive line-up of Nokia smartphones in the Android One family, which means the best version of Android innovations and software experiences with three years of monthly security patches and two major OS updates.
The Nokia 8.1 is available in three colour combinations, Blue/Silver, Steel/Copper, Iron/Steel, starting from mid-December and will retail for an average price of EUR 399. The India price and availability is yet to be revealed.
