Nokia 5.1, 3.1 and 2.1 hands-on review

Introduction

It's been less than two years since HMD Global was founded. Yet the Finland-based company already has an almost fairytale-like success story unfolding around it. Even though the company still refers to itself as a "start-up", it made it out of a funding round earlier this month, with a $100 million in fresh investments and an impressive valuation of a cool billion dollars.

Spirits are definitely high and ambitions - even higher. After raising the legendary Nokia brand up from the ashes, HMD understandably has every intention to keep the brand expansion going full speed. With devices already selling in 80 countries and used in more than twice that, there seems to be little need for course adjustment either.

Judging by the latest trio of smartphones, unveiled in Moscow, HMD is sticking with what works. Like the somewhat questionable naming convention suggests, the Nokia 5.1, 3.1 and 2.1 build on top of their respective predecessors.

Nokia 5.1 specs:

• Body: Front glass (2.5D curved Corning Gorilla Glass), 6000 series aluminum unibody, 151.1 x 70.73 x 8.27mm
• Screen: 5.5-inch, 18:9, 1080x2160 pixel resolution, IPS LCD, 443 ppi
• Chipset: MediaTek Helio P18, Octa-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53
• Memory: 2/3GB LPDDR3 RAM, 16/32GB, microSD slot (up to 128GB)
• Primary Camera: 16MP, f/2.0, PDAF, dual LED flash, 1080p30 video
• Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0, Fixed-focus, wide-angle (84.6 degree)
• Software: Android 8 Oreo; Android One pure ROM.
• Battery: 2,970mAh
• Connectivity: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), LTE Cat.4, 802.11b/g/n, Dual-band Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (Market dependant), GPS/GLONASS, USB 2.0 (MicroUSB), 3.5mm headphone jack, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, G-sensor, gyro
• Colors: Copper, Blue, Black
• Misc: Fingerprint reader , single loudspeaker

A trendy new extra-tall aspect ratio and the odd control layout change to go with it, seem to be the most notable changes to the 2018 lineup. At its core, the trio is still true to the core HMD principles fans have come to love.

Nokia 3.1 specs:

• Body: Front glass (2.5D curved Corning Gorilla Glass), aluminum frame, polycarbonate back, 146.25 x 68.65 x 8.7mm, 138.3 grams
• Screen: 5.2-inch, 18:9, 720 x 1440 pixel resolution, IPS LCD
• Chipset: Mediatek MT6750, Octa-core (4x1.5 GHz Cortex-A53 & 4x1.0 GHz Cortex-A53), Mali-T860MP2
• Memory: 2/3GB LPDDR3 RAM, 16/32GB, microSD slot (up to 128GB)
• Primary Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, autofocus, single LED flash, 1080p30 video
• Front Camera: 8MP, f/2.0, wide-angle (84.6 degree), Fixed-focus
• Software: Android 8 Oreo; Android One pure ROM.
• Battery: 2,990mAh
• Connectivity: Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), LTE Cat.4, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, NFC (APAC & EMEA SKU only), GPS/GLONASS, USB 2.0 (MicroUSB), 3.5mm headphone jack, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, G-sensor, gyro
• Colors: Blue/Copper, Black/Chrome, White/Iron
• Misc: Single loudspeaker

Nokia smartphones, even entry level ones, still prioritize great build quality and a premium bill of materials first, with internals coming in at a close second. It's a formula that has already proven successful, especially among average users.

Nokia 2.1 specs:

• Body: Front glass (2D Cover Glass), polycarbonate body, 153.6 x 77.6 x 9.67mm, 174 grams
• Screen: 5.5-inch, 16:9, 720x1280 pixel resolution, IPS LCD, 267 ppi
• Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8917 Snapdragon 425, Quad-core 1.4 GHz Cortex-A53, Adreno 308
• Memory: 1GB LPDDR3 RAM, 8GB (6.4GB free), microSD slot (up to 128GB)
• Primary Camera: 8MP, single LED flash, 1080p30 video
• Front Camera: 5MP, Fixed-focus
• Software: Android 8.1 Oreo; Android Go edition pure ROM.
• Battery: 4,000mAh
• Connectivity: Single SIM (Nano-SIM) or Dual SIM (Nano-SIM, dual stand-by), LTE Cat.4, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, GPS/GLONASS/Beidou, USB 2.0 (MicroUSB), 3.5mm headphone jack, proximity sensor, ambient light sensor, accelerometer
• Colors: Blue and Copper, Blue with Silver, Gray with Silver
• Misc: Stereo, front-facing loudspeakers

The second major staple in the Nokia formula - a pure and snappy Android experience is also intact. A quality shell, wrapped around the promise of a current software experience, speedy updates and optimized and secure software. All thanks to Google's great Android One and, in the case of the Nokia 2.1, Android Go programs.

The Nokia formula really seems to tick a lot of boxes for many Android users. A fact, which is evident from all the love the reborn brand is receiving. We got a chance to play around with the latest trio of budget offerings and can't wait to share our initial impressions with you.

So join us on the following pages, as we try to explain what has changed, what is still great about the new Nokia phones and when and where you can get them.

Nokia 5.1 hands-on review

Starting from the top of the newly-unveiled Nokia lineup, there is the Nokia 5.1. Or, if you prefer a more common annotation, we are sure the Nokia 5 (2018) moniker will be equally valid. We can't exactly put our finger on the reasoning behind the whole decimal notation in the first place. We guess it could still catch on in some markets. But, that's really beside the main point here.

It was really interesting to look at the Nokia 5.1 and HMD's overall design choices. Comparing it to the likes of the original Nokia 5 and the Nokia 6 (2018), released a few months back, reveals a clear succession.

Last year's model stuck with a traditional 16:9 aspect ratio display and an even more traditional control layout, complete with capacitive controls and a front-facing fingerprint reader. The latter two are clearly gone in this year's Nokia 6, but the Nokia 5.1 is the one that really has the trendy current look all flushed-out.

It goes for an 18:9, extra-tall aspect on its 5.5-inch display. It's even complete with rounded corners, for some extra 2018 chic. The panel of choice is an IPS LCD - pretty expected on a budget offer. Still, it's native resolution is a cool FullHD+, which adds up to a pixel density of 443ppi. So it has that going for it.

Nokia 5.1

Gone are the capacitive keys, which could be disappointing for some fans. The fingerprint reader has been moved around back, as well. The latter is likely a conscious decision, rather than a space constraint since there is still a very wide empty area underneath the display of the Nokia 5.1.

Speaking of controls, the rest of them don't appear to be rearranged, compared to the older Nokia 5. The power button and volume rocker still sit on the right-hand side, at a pretty convenient hight. Opposite them - a duo of SIM and microSD card trays - also borrowed from the original design.

Nokia 5.1

The same goes for the top and bottom of the phone. The former houses a trusty old 3.5mm audio jack, while the latter - a dated, but still usable microUSB 2.0 port, the main microphone and the Nokia 5.1's single, bottom-firing speaker. Exactly like the original. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

On that note, we can't fail to commend HMD yet again for its stellar build quality and choice of materials. The Nokia 5.1 has a 6000 series aluminum unibody design, with only a pair of plastic antenna inlays breaking the seamless surface apart near the top and bottom of the unit. It feels amazingly solid, like a tank and also quite premium.

We imagine HMD could have easily dialed back a bit on the build and invested that into more potent hardware. But we think that it's exactly this "externals first" approach that really sets the new wave of Nokia devices apart from the sea of competing offers. If pure performance for the buck is what you are after, there are plenty option out there.

Still, the Nokia 5.1, with its MediaTek Helio P18 chipset delivers ample number-crunching power to drive a really smooth Android experience. Navigating the menus, opening apps and games was a real pleasure and no small part of that is thanks to the continuing insistence on a pure Android experience.

Just like it's predecessors and siblings, the Nokia 5 runs a stock Android 8.1 Oreo OS, with only a few minor visual tweaks applied. HMD sweetens the deal further for Android purists as well, offering free unlimited Google Photos storage to prospective buyers. But perhaps, more importantly, as part of the Android One program, the Nokia 5.1 will be receiving platform updates for two years and security updates for three, after it's initial release.

It is expected to start hitting shelves in July in a trio of color options - Black (available a few weeks later), Blue and Copper. The latter really stands out in person. Storage and ram options include 2GB, plus 16GB and 3GB, plus 32GB and are expected to retail at €189 and €219, respectively.

Nokia 3.1 hands-on review

Going by the model numbers alone, the new Nokia 3.1 should technically sit right in the middle ground between the Nokia 5.1 and the Nokia 2.1. However, like the former and unlike the latter, it also employs a trendy new 18:9 form factor. Minus the rounded display corners. Oddly enough, it does so with a 5.2-inch diagonal. That is really small by today's standards.

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HMD markets the Nokia 3.1 as being bigger than the original 5-inch Nokia 3 and thus better for multimedia purposes. While math seems to be on HMD's side, we can't necessarily agree that the new aspect ratio makes it more usable.

The small 5.2-inch diagonal results in a very thin and tall device, almost spaghetti-like. It definitely takes some getting used to, but we can also see certain positives. For instance, at just a bit over 70mm wide, the Nokia 3.1 slides in and out of pockets very effortlessly. Plus, the particular proportions are kind of unique at the moment.

The Nokia 3.1's lower market standing does mean a few hardware sacrifices had to be made. Still, to be honest, we didn't manage to spot any experience-ruining downgrades or omissions. For instance, the thin and tall display, we discussed at length, operates at HD+ resolution. Not ideal, but still plenty sharp at this size.

Also, unlike the Nokia 5.1, the 3.1 employs a lot more polycarbonate in its build. The back is constructed out of it and doesn't really have the same premium feel of its bigger sibling.

Even so, as far as overall durability goes, the Nokia 3.1 feels just as solid. The front is still covered by a layer of Gorilla Glass, tapered nicely around the edges for a 2.5D effect.

An aluminum frame is sandwiched between the front and the back, which leaves no body flex, whatsoever. Plus, its double CNC machined edge, makes for a really good look.

Nokia 3.1

The lack of a fingerprint reader is somewhat of a bummer. Then again, the original Nokia 3 didn't have room in its budget for one either. On the flip side, HMD puts quite a bit of emphasis in its press materials on the full set of sensors, fitted inside the Nokia 3.1. These include a gyroscope, ambient light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, and magnetometer. At the end of the day, this translates to unrestricted access to all sorts of more advanced Android apps and experiences, like games that rely on an array of sensors as input controls.

As a matter of fact, looking, the Nokia 3.1 seems to share quite a few other hardware bits with the more-expensive Nokia 5.1 as well. The battery in the two is nearly identical. And while neither is particularly slim for it, 3,000 mAh, or so, is a decent capacity to work with.

Nokia 3.1

The Nokia 3.1 also borrows a selfie cam from its bigger sibling. While an 8MP, fixed-focus, f/2.0 snapper is unlikely to win any awards, we do appreciate the wide 84.6 field of view. Other things HMD didn't skip on include Dual SIM support, a microSD slot and a trusty 3.5mm audio jack.

Internals are a bit slower here, but the vanilla Android 8 Oreo ROM runs just as well. No hiccups or slowdowns whatsoever. Plus, just like the Nokia 5.1, the Nokia 3.1 comes with the promise of two years of platform updates (likely two major Android versions) and three years of security updates. All delivered on a tight schedule, which HMD has been mostly sticking to so far. As a bonus - free unlimited high-quality Google Photos storage.

The Nokia 3.1 is available in three color combos - Blue with Copper, Black with Chrome and White with Iron. The latter is a somewhat unusual combination, so it might just earn you some extra originality points. However, we should note that the plastic back greases up a bit easier than the metal on the Nokia 5.1.

A little HMD birdie told us that the Nokia 3.1 is already shipping out to retailers, so you can expect to see it really soon (officially, June). A 2GB, plus 16GB unit will set you back around €139 and a 3GB, plus 43GB one - €169.

Nokia 2.1 hands-on review

With the trendy 2018 extra-tall look already trickling down to the lower end of the smartphone market, there seems to be a divide in approaches between manufacturers. The choice whether to go with older display proportions and chassis and invest value in other areas, or pursue the fashion crowd seems to be a major differentiator between ultra-budget models.

Many recent handsets and prime competitors to the Nokia 2.1 seem to be going with the trend, like the Oppo Realme 1, the Xiaomi Redmi 5 Plus or the Moto G6 Play. HMD has clearly gone the other route. This has resulted in the Nokia 2.1 having a nice set of features that kind of has it challenging the Nokia 3.1 in some areas, like multimedia consumption.

The display of choice here is of the now retro 16:9 variety. However, at 5.5-inches, it is not only substantially bigger than the one on the original Nokia 2, but we would also argue, effectively bigger and more practical for videos than the one on the new Nokia 3.1.

There is a pair of front-facing stereo speakers, which are one of the defining features of the Nokia 2.1, not to mention a much better use of the wide top and bottom chins on the device.

The other headlining feature of the Nokia 2.1, HDM is pithing hard is a 2-day battery life, thanks to a big 4,000 mAh battery pack. The PR team even put in the extra effort to explain how the hardware and software are both optimized to ensure optimal battery. Also, casually emphasizing on a 10W charging rate, for "faster top-ups". As any seasoned smartphone fan will tell you, these statements are only partially true.

Starting with the hardware optimization bit. While we do appreciate the apparent upgrade from a Snapdragon 212 from the original Nokia 2, to the Snapdragon 425 in the new model, both chipsets are still quad-core and based on the same 28nm manufacturing process. The Cortex-A53 cores are a bit more efficient, but nothing to really rave about. The same goes for the "faster charging". 5V@2A is a pretty standard affair.

That being said, the bulk of the increased endurance will likely come from the massive battery capacity. Still, we need to give credit where credit is due and appreciate HMD's decision to enroll the Nokia 2.1 in Google's Android Go program. That not only ensures it access to all the Android One update and support benefits but also means a full light app package pre-load, courtesy of Google.

Maps, the Google Assistant - apps that would probably be too demanding to run properly on the Nokia 2.1 in their full version are snappy and responsive in their Go variants. The overall software experience is perfectly fluent and usable. The only part that really needs addressing seems to be the modest 8GB of storage, out of which a little over 6GB are user-accessible. Even remedial users will likely find that restrictive pretty quickly, so a microSD card is a necessity. It remains to see just how well the Nokia 2.1 handles expanding gracefully onto the extra space, once we get it in for a full review.

Nokia 2.1

For now, all we can provide are initial impressions of the budget device. So, how does it feel? Well, just like its sibling, solid as a brick, though not really premium in any way. HMD didn't spent too much effort trying to mask the plastic nature of the Nokia 2.1. No fancy CNC work or polished finishes here. Still, we can't say that we mind that all that much, especially after learning that the back of the phone is made from inherently coloured polycarbonate. What that means is that the color goes all the way through the material. So, even if you scratch the back, you won't get any black or silver shining through.

That doesn't really mean you should be careless with the phone, though, since the specs don't mention ant Gorilla Glass protection on top of the front panel. So, we can only assume that whatever is covering it does not like sharp objects.

Durability concerns and specifics aside, we have to say the Nokia 2.1 fits well in hand. Mind you, all that battery adds up to a substantial girth of 9.67mm. If you're the kind of person that likes some heft to gadgets, at 174 grams, it seems to hit a pretty good sweet-spot. Plus, the curved back helps fay that out nicely in the palm.

The Nokia 2.1 will be available in a total of three color options - Blue with Silver, Gray with Silver and Blue with Copper. HMD seems to know its way around copper accents, so, we would recommend looking at the last one for a unique appearance.

As for pricing and availability, the Nokia 2.1 is said to launch in July 2018 at a global average retail price of $115. And that dollar MSRP figure is not by accident. Unlike the Nokia 5.1 and Nokia 3.1, it's still not quite clear whether and when the Nokia 2.1 will be coming to EU markets. Initially, HMD will be trying to push it in developing countries.

Initial impressions

The 2018 budget smartphone scene is probably the toughest battlefield of them all. You have to be fast, agile and be able to think outside the box to survive. It seems HMD has successfully managed to shake things up and stay relevant with its latest offerings.

That being said, there are no real guarantees for success. We can only keep an eye out on the market to see how things go. The new Nokia trio should be available as follows:

• Nokia 5.1 will be available from July 2018 for a global average retail price of €189/$219.
• Nokia 3.1 will be available from June 2018 for a global average retail price of €139/$159.
• Nokia 2.1 will be available from July 2018 for a global average retail price of €99/$115.

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