Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: What’s Different in Specifications, Features

The Nokia 7.1 is the latest smartphone from HMD Global and it gets compared against the likes of the Nokia 6.1 Plus, a price/performance handset and the more affordable Nokia 5.1 Plus

Mohammed Omer

Published On: Oct 9, 2018 | Last Updated: Oct 9, 2018

With the Nokia 7.1 officially launched, it is only a matter of time before we see the arrival of the Nokia 7.1 Plus, a much more powerful variant of the former. However, before that time comes, we want to see how the newly unveiled smartphone from HMD Global holds up against the Nokia 6.1 Plus (review), as well as the more affordable Nokia 5.1 Plus. Both of these devices are in a class and price of their own, and we will be comparing all three to see which handset is the best in terms of performance, affordability, features and other categories.

Table of Contents

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Build, Display

Surprisingly for the price, the Nokia 7.1, Nokia 6.1 Plus and the Nokia 5.1 Plus feature an astounding design, great build quality, and a taller screen. All three handsets sport a glass back, but that does not mean they provide support for Qi wireless charging. The Nokia 7.1 features a 5.84-inch IPS LCD screen with a 2280 x 1080 resolution and a 19:9 aspect ratio. It is the only smartphone in this comparison, the only device as a Nokia-branded handset and as a mid-ranger to feature an HDR10 display.

What this means is that your content, if it is HDR-capable, will playback in HDR format, increasing image, and video quality as a result. The Nokia 6.1 Plus features a 5.8-inch IPS LCD panel with a 2280 x 1080 resolution and the same aspect ratio as the Nokia 7.1. As for the Nokia 5.1 Plus, it sports the largest screen size, measuring at 5.86 inches, but bears a smaller resolution of 1520 x 720. It goes without saying that if you want to experience the best image and video quality possible on an affordable mid-range smartphone, grab the Nokia 7.1 when it is officially available in India.

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Hardware, Performance

Both the Nokia 7.1 and Nokia 6.1 Plus are armed with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 636, meaning that they will be able to deliver an equal level of performance. The base version of the Nokia 7.1 offers 3GB RAM + 32GB of internal storage, while the top-end model provides 4GB RAM and 64GB of inbuilt memory. The Nokia 6.1 Plus variant that is currently sold in India features 4GB RAM paired with 64GB of onboard storage.

As for the Nokia 5.1 Plus, it features a MediaTek Helio P60 SoC, paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal memory for the version sold in India. It should be noted that all smartphones in this comparison can have their existing storage increased via microSD card slot, so it is not like you are being limited here. However, if you desire performance, you can either get the Nokia 7.1 or the Nokia 6.1 Plus.

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Software

With all three devices part of the Android One program, the Nokia 7.1, Nokia 6.1 Plus and Nokia 5.1 Plus will be running the closest version to stock Android. All three smartphones are running the Android 8.1 Oreo update, with HMD Global stating that an Android 9 Pie upgrade will be rolled out in the near future. A mobile device that is part of the Android One program brings lots of benefits to the table.

You will experience the smoothest form of Google’s mobile OS because it boasts a very clean UI, and the reduced bloatware means that fewer resources such as internal storage, memory and CPU will be used up. Also, these three phones will be receiving timely security and software updates in order to continue working at an optimum level.

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Camera

All three handsets in this comparison feature a dual-camera at the back, but with a different configuration. The Nokia 7.1 features a 12MP+5MP setup at the rear face, along with a single 8MP selfie-shooter at the front. The Nokia 6.1 Plus features a 16MP+5MP configuration at the rear side and it is mated with a single 16MP front-facing unit.

Coming to the Nokia 5.1 Plus, this handset has a 13MP+5MP dual-primary-camera, while the front side houses a single 8MP shooter. The secondary camera on all three smartphones act in the capacity of a depth sensor, where you will be able to capture images with a Bokeh effect by blurring the background and making the subject appear more prominent.

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Battery Life, Connectivity

The Nokia 7.1, Nokia 6.1 Plus and the Nokia 5.1 Plus feature the same 3060mAh battery and they can get charged up using the Type-C USB interface. Unfortunately, no device present in this comparison provides support for Qi wireless charging. However, Both the Nokia 7.1 and Nokia 6.1 Plus get support for fast-charging, but the Nokia 5.1 Plus has been left out here.

Nokia 7.1 vs Nokia 6.1 Plus vs Nokia 5.1 Plus: Conclusion

The obvious victor in this comparison is the Nokia 7.1 thanks to its HDR screen, but that and the camera specifications is about the only difference you will find between this handset and the Nokia 6.1 Plus. If you feel that the HDR feature is not worth the extra money when the Nokia 7.1 officially lands here, it is best to purchase the Nokia 6.1 Plus, which carries a price of Rs. 15,999. If you want ultra-affordability, you can pick up the Nokia 5.1 Plus, which costs Rs. 10,999.

While you are reading this, you can also check out the video below which shows why the Nokia 6.1 Plus is better than the Moto G6 Plus.