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Nokia 6.1 Plus: Everything we know

Nokia 6.1 Plus arrives in India; is a U.S. release on the horizon?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

On the heels of the Nokia 6.1, one of our favorite budget phones of 2018, it looks like HMD may be preparing for a global release of its Nokia X6, aka the Nokia 6.1 Plus, in the coming months. The XL version offers some of the best features of its pint-sized predecessor with upgraded specs and a larger display.

While we’re already privy to many of the details for the Nokia 6.1 Plus, there are still a few surprises in store. Here is everything we know about the Nokia 6.1 Plus.

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Release date and price

We are thrilled to bring you the Nokia smartphones event for one of the most awaited phones on Tuesday 21st August. Stay tuned for more! #Nokiamobile #BringItOn pic.twitter.com/LXgnzguDvm

— HMD (@HMDdevices) August 16, 2018

We’re not entirely sure if the Nokia 6.1 Plus will ever make its way to the U.S., but it’s a definite possibility. After launching the phone as the Nokia 6X in China earlier this year, HMD officially kicked off the global launch of the Nokia 6.1 Plus in India. We expect the phone released to other regions in the near future.

Since the phone has yet to launch in the U.S., pricing has not been announced.  In India, however, the 6.1 Plus comes in at Rs 15,999 which is about $230.

Design and display

Most of the Nokia handsets released this year have a similar design aesthetic, and the Nokia 6.1 Plus is no exception. The 6.1 Plus will feature a glass-over-aluminum chassis with the fingerprint sensor centered below the camera module on the back of the phone. And while it won’t be as durable as the all-aluminum design on the Nokia 6.1, the Gorilla Glass 3 body should provide adequate protection with a case.

If you love the current top-notch trends, the Nokia 6.1 Plus may be right up your alley. On the phone, you will find a 5.8-inch FHD LCD display. Aspect ratio comes in at 19:9, while the screen resolution is 1,080 x 2,280.

Specs and battery:

Key Specs

  • CPU: Qualcomm Snapdragon 636
  • Memory: 4GB/6GB
  • Storage: 32GB/64GB
  • MicroSD storage:  Yes
  • Screen size: 5.8 inches
  • Resolution: 2280 x 1080
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery: 3,060mAh
  • Size: 8.59 mm x 70.98 mm x 147.2 mm
  • Weight: 5.40 oz
  • Operating system: Android 8.1 Oreo

For a budget phone, the Nokia 6.1 Plus features some pretty impressive specs. There are two versions of the Nokia 6.1 Plus, with both featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor. One version will feature 4GB of RAM along with 32GB of storage while the other will have 6GB of RAM with 64GB of storage. You will also find a MicroSD slot for additional external storage.

While the Nokia 6.1 Plus may have a bigger screen than its smaller sibling, the battery capacity comes just ever so slightly larger at 3,060mAh. You will also find an 18W charger that reportedly adds 50 percent capacity in just 30 minutes.

Software and special features 

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Like all current Nokia phones, the 6.1 Plus is part of the Android One program.  The Nokia 6.1 Plus ships with Android 8.1 Oreo, but we expect to see an update to Android 9.0 Pie in the coming months.

Android One phones run a stock version of Android and feature Google’s artificial intelligence-powered innovations like Google Lens baked in. Additionally, you get monthly security updates as well as a streamlined Android experience.

Camera

Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’re looking for a dual-camera setup, there is no need to buy a flagship smartphone. The budget-priced Nokia 6.1 Plus includes a dual- camera module on the rear. The primary lens comes in at 16 megapixels with an f/2.0 aperture, while the secondary lens is 5 megapixels with an f/2.2 aperture. On the front, you will see a 16-megapixel selfie camera with an f/2.0 aperture.

In addition to interesting camera hardware, the Nokia 6.1 Plus also has some exciting software features. There’s an A.I. camera app for object detection and improved images as well as facial recognition for dynamic stickers, as well as face unlock.

Updated on August 21: HMD announces the release of Nokia 6.1 Plus in India. 

Steven Winkelman
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Steven writes about technology, social practice, and books. At Digital Trends, he focuses primarily on mobile and wearables…
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