HMD Global officially unveils the Nokia 8.1

HMB Global has officially unveiled the Nokia 8.1 as the successor to the Nokia 7 Plus. The handset is the global variant of the China-exclusive Nokia X7 and aims to dominate the mid-range smartphone offering as a popular option for consumers.

In terms of design, the Nokia 8.1 borrows the classic, elegant design from its predecessor, offering the same two-tone finish with chrome inserts around the frame and the camera housing. The phone is built out of series 6000 aluminum and should be just as durable as the Nokia 7 Plus. However, it doesn't have any added protection from the elements, so it's safer not to use the Nokia 8.1 near a body of water.

The Nokia 8.1 is the second phone from HMD - after the Nokia 7.1 - to feature PureDisplay technology, with its 6.18-inch FHD+ panel certified for HDR10 content. The large notch on the front houses a 20MP camera with four-to-one pixel binning that lets you take detailed shots in low-light conditions.

On the rear, you will find the fingerprint scanner and dual cameras with an LED flash. You have a 12MP f/1.8 sensor (IMX 363) with Zeiss optics and a 13MP shooter that delivers "studio-level" portrait shots. The primary sensor has 1.4-micron pixels, and this time around it offers OIS.

The Nokia 8.1 also features the 'Bothie' feature, which lets you use both cameras to take photos from the rear and front simultaneously.

In terms of hardware, the Nokia 8.1 comes with 64GB of internal storage with microSD support for up to 400GB. You get a 3500mAh battery with 18W fast-charging, Wi-Fi ac, Bluetooth 5.0, FM radio, VoWiFi, VoLTE, NFC, and a 3.5mm jack. The handset is powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 710 paired with 4GB of LPDDR4X RAM.

The Nokia 8.1 is also the first from the company to run Android 9.0 Pie out of the box and should keep receiving the latest Android updates thanks to being a part of the Android One family. Customers will get to savor all the newest features that come with Pie, including Adaptive Battery, App Actions, Digital Wellbeing, and much more.

The new Nokia handset will retail for €399 ($450), and the device will make its way to India and other global markets in the coming weeks. You can purchase it in one of three color options - Iron/Steel, Blue/Silver, and Steel/Copper. While a US release has not been confirmed, there is definitely a possibility.