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Over the last year or so, HMD Global has ushered in a revival of the Nokia brand with Android stock software under the hood. But perhaps none of the smartphones that it has come out of has been closer to the Nokia in the past than this Nokia 1 – a device that looks like a time machine from the past. Espoo in 2011 to 2018, with a quick detour to Mountain View for a new coat of paint Android 8.1
The Nokia 1 was announced at MWC 2018 with Android Oreo (Go Edition), a small screen low resolution, a slow processor, and 1 GB of RAM. It exists in a world of contradictions where dated material meets new software, and where what feels like an unrestricted experience sometimes encounters unexpected obstacles. This is a good startup smartphone, so all you need to do is call, message, and browse. It could also be an excellent secondary phone if you need something sustainable on all fronts. But after using it for a few days, I have the impression that HMD has made too much of a compromise to achieve that sweet MSRP of $ 85.
Where to buy, what in the box, accessories, and more
The Nokia 1 is not available in the United States, but it is sold unlocked in various European, Latin American and Asian countries. No matter where you live, you can expect to pay the equivalent of $ 75 to $ 95, taking into account the country's currency and its power of purchase. Here are some examples of prices in the world:
Most retailers offer two colors: the dark blue color you see here and the warm red color. The back cover (and battery) is removable, so HMD relies on the return of the famous Nokia Xpress covers to appeal to users who want a custom look. For the Nokia 1, there will be two dual packs available: Azure / Gray and Pink / Yellow. They should cost around $ 10/10 according to third-party sellers on Amazon.de. In addition to the official Xpress covers, there is already a small accessory stage for the Nokia 1 with glass screen protectors and many TPU cases.
The Nokia 1 comes with three accessories: a 5V / 1A USB charger, a MicroUSB cable and a pair of headphones. The latter is the kind of $ 1 headphones that you can take out of eBay and they are painful to wear for more than a few minutes. In-ear headphones are almost as cheap nowadays, so HMD should have spent extra pennies to get something you can at least tolerate in your ears for five minutes.
Camera
. It took me several minutes to figure out that swiping the entire screen switches between photos and videos, but the interface is very easy to use otherwise. It even has HDR, panorama, burst, an embellishment function and a manual mode to adjust the white balance and exposure.
For 5MP photos, the result was as repairable as expected. The macro level is OK if you want to take close-ups, HDR makes a difference when shooting dark and light areas on the same shot (check out the last two shots below), and panorama mode is useful when you want a best picture. a landscape. However, there is noise, a faded look if you zoom in, exposure problems and a flagrant lack of detail. In addition, HDR slows down each shot for about one second.
In darker environments, things are worse. The camera is slow, especially when the HDR mode is activated, and the resulting images are grainy and of very poor quality.
From left to right : Good lighting. Dark with flash. Dark with HDR, no flash. Dark, no HDR, no flash.
The front camera is only a 2MP module, so expectations should be lowered when using it. The resulting images have a watercolor effect and very few details, but again, they are usable.
Should you buy one?
Perhaps, perhaps . If you are reading Android Police looking for advice on the Nokia 1, you probably belong to one of the following two groups: you want a second decent phone to insert a SIM card and use one or two applications, or you are looking for for a basic smartphone for a friend or relative. In either case, the Nokia 1 is not a bad choice.
No matter why you are looking for a device like the Nokia 1, I can not help but think that you could be better served with an older device. Used smartphone better performing or refurbished.
True to its form, HMD uses a stock version of Android Go without any modification and no external application next to FM Radio and Nokia Support. This helps performance a lot, which is essential when you only have 1GB of RAM and you do not want unnecessary processes to clog the memory.
Using Android Go was not as frustrating as I thought (especially after seeing Ryne's struggles with his Alcatel 1X), but it's not even close to the convenience of the phone. Complete iteration of Android. The 1GB of RAM certainly hinders the experience here; I've often found rechargeable apps when I left them for a few minutes and I came back. I also frequently saw rasterization when I switched from one application to the other and was waiting for it to open again. Still, most apps work as expected, except for Google Wallpapers and Duo. The first was usable when I got the phone, but after installing a few apps, it always shut down when I opened it and scrolled through a few pictures. The latter was almost unusable and my contacts continued to complain that my video and my voice cut very often.
I have tried using the Nokia 1 without prejudging what a modern smartphone should and should not do. The calls were clear and the WiFi / LTE reception was excellent, the messaging was perfect by SMS or Telegram, and the search or navigation was a little slower but usable with Google Go or Chrome. I've also downloaded some "lite" versions of social media apps, I've used Google Calendar and Keep, and I've played music and videos on Play Music and Youtube. Go. In this basic context, Android Go is decent. Ryne and I are planning a longer, more detailed review of the platform based on our experience with the Alcatel 1X and Nokia 1, so keep your eyes open for that if you want a deeper exploration of Go. [19659002] However, two things I was initially frustrated with the Nokia 1. First, the display is small and my thumbs are touching while I'm typing, but thanks to Gboard ( with themes, emojis 8.1 and integrated Google search), I was able to scan very quickly and avoid typing errors. Secondly, there is no fingerprint sensor and I hated typing my PIN to unlock it, but this was also mitigated by Smart Lock for devices, locations and the detection on the body.
Left : Show visibility in the interior. Right : Outdoors with dazzle. It's better than the picture shows.
These two situations are good examples of how the Nokia 1 creates a troubling world of contradictions where old-fashioned hardware and modern software mix. You will find the API and Autofill applications, notification channels, Do not disturb, customizable quick settings, smart password lock, double-click on Overview to switch between one application to another. the latest versions of Android. But there are also Go versions of several applications, including a Go Go slower, YouTube Go without channel subscriptions, and downright terrible Go Maps without turn-by-turn navigation.
Go apps: Assistant, Files, Google, Maps, and YouTube.
Whatever the reason you are looking for a device like the Nokia 1, I can not help thinking that you could be better served with an older but older smartphone. performing or refurbished. These should have a bigger and better display, more RAM and storage, and probably a fingerprint scanner. But you will probably have to give up frequent security updates and the latest version of Android 8.1. It's a compromise, but I would probably do it if I had only $ 100 in my pocket.
Why buy?
- LTE, applications, and many modern Android amenities.
- One of the least expensive -Pocket smartphones on the market (depending on where you live).
- Robust construction quality, good autonomy, decent performance.
- History of HMD with updates and support.
Why Not?
- Modest specs Compared to other Android Go devices or to old refurbished smartphones of the same price.
- Medium rear camera, terrible front camera.
- A confusing experience with obsolete hardware but modern software.
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