The new 8.1 swaps out the 7 Plus’ Snapdragon 660 for a Snapdragon 710, and it includes a notch and HDR10 support for its 2160 x 1440 resolution display.
The rest of the internals are exactly what we have come to expect from the given price-point. That is 4GB of RAM coupled with 64GB of onboard storage, that is expandable by an SD-Card up to 400GB. Powering this beauty is a 3500mAh battery and thankfully, it supports fast-charging. We have seen the general death of the 3.5mm headphone jack, especially in 2018, and devices coming with this port are quickly becoming the minority. Thankfully, the Nokia 8.1 still spots one of these.
Software
The Nokia 8.1 runs Android Pie out-of-the-box. Thanks to the Android One program, the 8.1 spots a stock build of Android. The Android One badge that this device carries also comes with the promise of regular and timely security updates straight from Google. The Nokia 8.1 will also enjoy timely updates to the next two versions of Android.
Build
The Nokia 8.1 is machined out of series 6000 aluminum and should be as durable as the Nokia 7 Plus. However, it doesn’t come with any, it doesn’t offer any protection from the elements, and as such you’re better off not using the Nokia 8.1 near a water body.
Availability
The Nokia 8.1 will be available in three colour combinations, Blue/Silver, Steel/Copper, Iron/Steel, starting mid-December and will retail for an average global retail price of 399 €, exclusive of taxes and subsidies.
