What makes the Nokia 5.1 Plus special?
In my opinion, compared to the Nokia 5, a lot has changed. Design, Build quality, form factor, and pricing. Starting with the Nokia 6.1 Plus, we are noticing that HMD Global has changed its approach to phones, at least from design and pricing perspective.
Nokia, Android One, and Android P
Like all the Nokia smartphones of late, the Nokia 5.1 Plus is part of Google’s Android One initiative. While this means they are designed to run Android in its purest form as smoothly as possible, it also ensures you get Android updates for a period of at least two years. Nokia has been keeping its promise for delivering security updates almost immediately. Nokia 5.1 Plus runs on Android Oreo 8.1 with security patch level dated 5th September 2018. HMD says that the Nokia 5.1 Plus is “ready for Android Pie”, but hasn’t disclosed when exactly the rollout will begin.
What are the important specifications of the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
The phone comes with a 5.8-inch edge-to-edge display, 2.5D curvature front and back glass with HD+ (1520 x 720) resolution, 19:9 aspect ratio with limited bezels. It has a pixel density of 287 PPI. The phone is powered by a MediaTek Helio P60 (4 x A73 1.8GHz + 4 x A53 1.8GHz) and comes with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. It has a dual camera setup of 13-megapixel primary (f/2.0) and 5-megapixel secondary lens at the back. You get a front-facing 8 megapixel (f/2.2) camera. Connectivity wise, the phone supports Dual VoLTE / 4G on both SIMs, Bluetooth, and GPS. The battery stands at 3060 mAh without fast charging support (5V / 2A) and USB Type-C port.
What are the different variants of the device?
At the time of writing, only the 3 GB/ 32 GB variant is available. In terms of color options, the Nokia 5.1 Plus comes in Gloss Black and Midnight Gloss Blue, while there is no news of the Gloss White which was launched in China.
What do you think is missing in hardware terms from the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
There are a few missing features considering its price segment. Keeping in mind this is in INR 10K range, and storage is limited to 32 GB, you can only have either 2 SIMs or 1 SIM + microSD card support. Those looking for a budget phone with dual SIM and bigger storage will be disappointed.
What are the available sensors on Nokia 5.1 Plus?
The Nokia 5.1 Plus comes with most of the sensors you normally see in a smartphone at this price range. It includes the Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Accelerometer, Gyroscope, and Fingerprint Sensor.
Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus support FM Radio?
Yes, in fact, all Nokia Phones have them. There is an app named ‘FM Radio’ which allows you to listen to radio over the speaker as well.
How is the display quality on the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
Nokia 5.1 Plus comes with a 5.8-inch HD+ display with 19:9 resolution and comes with big size Notch. It’s an IPS LCD panel with good viewing angles, and it looks crisp for this range. Also, when reading in sunlight, there is no major issue. The adaptive brightness manages to bump up the display.
Is there any issue with screen calibration or proximity/ambient sensor on Nokia 5.1 Plus?
We didn’t find any such issue with the screen calibration or proximity/ambient sensors of the Nokia 5.1 Plus.
What sort of display protection does the Nokia 5.1 Plus have?
Nokia 5.1 Plus comes with 2.5D curvature front and back glass. It comes with NEG (Japanese competitor to Corning Gorilla Glass) which offers glass protection and has optical properties for better readability.
Does Nokia 5.1 Plus support Dual 4G, Dual VoLTE?
Yes, it supports Dual 4G and Dual VoLTE as well out of the box. However, you can either use two SIMs or One SIM with MicroSD card.
How good is the camera?
While we are still testing it, we would say it’s ok-ish for now. Stay tuned for our detailed review of the device. Also, the interface of the camera is of an older version for now. We expect the new interface to rollout soon.
Do the cameras come with optical image stabilization?
No, the cameras on the Nokia 5.1 Plus do not have any sort of image stabilization, neither OIS nor EIS.
How is the low light performance of the cameras on the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
Not really good. The ability to capture a lot of light in a “low-light” situation is really bad, and with no stabilization, there was a fair amount of noise creeping in. Again, wait for our detailed review coming soon.
Can the Nokia 5.1 Plus record 4K videos?
No, the Helio P60 limits the recording to up to a maximum of 1080p.
Can you record slow-motion videos on the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
Yes, you can. Unfortunately, that’s restricted to 720p (HD). You can also record time-lapse videos.
Is the Nokia 5.1 Plus capable of handling high-end gaming?
From what we have seen, it can handle games like Asphalt Legends without significant lags and frame drops (there will be a few, but not of a deal-breaking level). PUBG also played reasonably well, with medium settings. To give you an idea, by default, games like PUBG choose Medium graphics on the Nokia 5.1 Plus.
How long does the battery last?
In my last four days of usage, I would say it lasts about a day with 2 hours of gaming included. I start my day at 6 in the morning, and by around 8 PM, the battery saver kicks in at 15%. It seems Low energy consumption of Helio P60 works well.
Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus come with fast charging?
Nokia claims it comes with Fast Charging support. But the wall charger in the box is the usual 10W (5V 2A) one. Not sure how that can be considered as fast charging. It charges from 0 to 50% in about 30-35 minutes.
Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus have any heating issues?
We have faced no heating issues. The phone gets a little warm while playing high-end games and if you leave the camera running for a while but never uncomfortably so.
Does Nokia 5.1 Plus come with face unlock?
No, it does not. We don’t know why and hope it is added via the software update. But the fingerprint scanner on the back works just fine.
Does Nokia 5.1 Plus support navigation gestures?
No, it does not. However, Nokia is expected to roll this out with an update.
How is the speaker performance on the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
The Nokia 5.1 Plus comes with the bottom-firing single speaker (the second speaker grille on the bottom is just for the design aesthetics). While the audio is clear if you increase the loudness the base doesn’t do well.
Does the Nokia 5.1 Plus has LED notification?
No. You will need to use an Ambient display which displays actionable notifications with the screen locked.
Is there USB-OTG support on the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
Yes, the Nokia 5.1 Plus supports USB OTG out of the box.
Is the Nokia 5.1 Plus waterproof?
No. It doesn’t have any IP certification.
What is the pricing of the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
The Nokia 5.1 Plus is competitively priced at Rs 10,999 (MOP).
When can one get the Nokia 5.1 Plus in India?
The Nokia 5.1 Plus is online exclusive, which means it won’t be sold in the regular retail offline stores. The phone will be sold on Nokia.com/phones and Flipkart starting 1st October 2018. If you are wondering about any offers, Airtel customers will receive INR 1,800 instant cashback and 240 GB data over 12 months on the plans of INR 199, INR 249 and INR 448.
For Rs 10,999, what are the other devices that I can consider? How do they compare with the Nokia 5.1 Plus?
We have some obvious choices from the likes of Xiaomi and Honor, like the Redmi 6 Pro, Redmi Note 5, Redmi Y2 and Honor 9N. Then there is the Infinix Note 5 with Android One and 4500mAh battery at Rs 9,999.
I have a Nokia 5, Do you think I need to upgrade?
I had used Nokia 5 as well and keeping in mind the experience, Nokia 5.1 Plus will feel completely different. If you are looking for an upgrade in a similar price range, you should definitely consider this phone. Is there something you would like to ask about the Nokia 5.1 Plus? Tweet us a query at our Twitter handle @TechPP!
