Nokia 8.1: Unboxing and First Impressions


We will be unboxing the new Nokia 8.1 and sharing our initial impressions on the new high-end Android One smartphone from HMD Global which was initially launched back in December. To understand the Nokia 8.1 it is important to first begin with the smartphone it is succeeding or replacing from HMD’s current lineup. In a bid to standardize the naming convention, HMD has decided that the new Nokia 8.1 is actually a successor to the Nokia 7.1 Plus and not the Nokia 8. From this, we can relate that the new smartphone is not the brand’s premiere flagship but a high-end smartphone that sits below the flagship line — which is to be announced soon. We have the device with us and here is our complete unboxing — you can also view our unboxing video on YouTube as well.

The new Nokia 8.1 Plus has been fitted with some great hardware such as minimal-bezel PureView display, Dual Lens ZEISS Camera with AI and a great design. Internally, there is a Snapdragon 710 powering the smartphone, 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage. Further, as Nokia 8.1 is an Android One smartphone, performance should be on par with all competitors. We can’t wait to test it extensively and share our complete review, till then do enjoy this complete Nokia 8.1 unboxing experience.

Nokia 8.1 Unboxing

Beginning from the packaging, Nokia 8.1 is wrapped in a box which has more width than depth, something HMD Global does for all its phones to stand out. The box also features the front silhouette of Nokia 8.1 alongside a large joining hands picture. As for the back, the key hardware details are listed and a complete device illustration is shown. Now, as we begin to unbox and start to remove the top half, we are met with the device on the right side and a cardboard box on the left. There is a plastic wrapping on the phone which also has this bottom tab that helps to take out the phone. Our unit arrived in the stunning Steel/Copper color which has this nice copper trim along its borders.

Setting the phone aside, there is a SIM ejection tool right within the phone’s cardboard holster. After removing the holster, there is the standard set of literature which includes quick usage guides and basic information. That completes it for the right partition and now, we can take out the cardboard box which came with the phone as well. Within this box, there are three accessories: Fast Travel Charger, USB Type-C Cabler and also a standard pair of headphones. Yes, the Nokia 8.1 does come with a headphone jack which is a big plus!

Circling back to the device, Nokia 8.1 surely feels premium and that’s something HMD Global does so well! We had similar to say about the Nokia 6.1 Plus which is a step down from the 8.1. Further, PureView display and ZEISS dual-lens rear camera system with AI are few key features we would be testing thoroughly in our full review. Summing up the initial hardware impressions, this phone nails the design. Without using flashy gradient paintjobs, HMD Global has managed to make the Nokia 8.1 feel premium, classy yet modern at the same time — which we absolutely love!

Nokia 8.1: Unboxing and First Impressions 2

Apart from the hardware, the software is something which is key to the new Nokia Android experience. Due to Android One, we found the system to be quite close to stock, vanilla Android. Further, as the device was running Android 9.0 Pie, it makes it one of the most cheapest offerings available with Pie.

Watch our complete Nokia 8.1 Unboxing Video.

YouTube video

Nokia 8.1 – What’s Inside The Box

Ahead is the complete list of items that ship with the Nokia 8.1.

Gallery:

Technical Specifications:

Find ahead detailed specifications for the Nokia 8.1.

Design:

  • Size 154.8 x 75.76 x 7.97 mm
  • Colors Blue/Silver, Steel/Copper, Iron/Steel

Network and connectivity:

  • LTE Cat. 6, 2CA, L+L
  • WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4GHz&5GHz
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • USB connector: Type-C
  • USB type: USB 2.0

Performance:

  • Operating system Android 9.0 Pie
  • RAM 4 GB
  • CPU Qualcomm 710

Storage:

  • Internal memory 64GB + MicroSD Card Slot

Display

  • Size and Type: 6.18’’ Full HD+ PureDisplay
  • Aspect Ratio: 18.7:9

Camera

  • Primary camera Dual Main: 12 MP 1/2.55’’, 1.4um pixels, OIS 2PD, Dual second: 13 MP FF

  • Front-facing camera 120 MP FF/0.9um

Sensors

  • Ambient light sensor
  • Proximity sensor
  • Accelerometer (G-sensor)
  • E-compass
  • Gyroscope
  • Fingerprint Sensor (on the back)
  • NFC

Battery and charging

  • Battery type 3,500mAh, non-removable (18W Fast Charging Supported)

Now that we have unboxed Nokia 8.1, we will start taking it through its paces and come back with our complete and detailed user review quite soon so stay tuned to this space for that!

Taimur Akmal
Taimur Akmal

Devoted writer, enjoys developing code. Appreciates excellent food, exceptional coffee and great company. He is also into sublime design and nicely built cars.

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