Nokia 1 Review

• Overview
• Design and Build Quality
• Display
• Performance
• Software and User Interface
• Camera
• Battery Life
• Connectivity and Networking
• Additional Features
• Comparison with Other Related Phones
• Pros and Cons
• Conclusion

Overview

The Nokia 1 is a budget-friendly smartphone that offers an entry-level Android experience. With its compact design and affordable price tag, it aims to cater to those looking for a simple and reliable device. Featuring a 4.5-inch display, 1GB of RAM, and a quad-core processor, it may not offer the highest performance, but it gets the job done for everyday tasks. The Nokia 1 runs on Android Oreo Go edition, optimized for low-end devices, ensuring smooth usage even with limited resources. Priced at $85 / £79.99 / AU$149, the Nokia 1 is an attractive option for those on a tight budget.

Design and Build Quality

The Nokia 1 features a simplistic and compact design that is reminiscent of the classic Lumia smartphones. With its white plastic rim and thick borders above and below the display, the phone evokes a sense of nostalgia. While the overall aesthetic may not be the most eye-catching, the Nokia 1's physical appearance is clean and uncluttered, making it easy on the eyes.

The phone is made entirely out of plastic, which may not give it a premium look and feel, but it does make it lightweight and comfortable to hold. The build quality is decent, and the phone feels sturdy and durable, as it was able to withstand a few accidental drops without any damage.

In terms of ergonomics, the placement of the power and volume buttons is convenient and they provide good feedback when pressed. The top of the phone houses a 3.5mm headphone jack, while the bottom has a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer.

While the Nokia 1 may not boast sleek design elements or premium materials, it does offer a robust and reliable construction. The compact form factor and lightweight design make it highly portable and easy to carry around. The back panel is removable, allowing access to the battery, microSD card slot, and nanoSIM card tray.

Overall, the Nokia 1 may not be the most visually striking smartphone, but its functional design, durability, and ease of use make it a practical choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option.

Display

The Nokia 1 features a 4.5-inch display with a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels. The screen size is on the smaller side, which may not be ideal for those who prefer larger displays for media consumption or gaming. The display uses LCD technology, which is common in budget smartphones.

In terms of color accuracy and vibrancy, the Nokia 1's display is average. It provides decent color reproduction but lacks the richness and depth found in higher-end smartphones with OLED technology. The brightness levels of the display are adequate for indoor use, but it may struggle with outdoor visibility in bright sunlight.

The touch responsiveness of the Nokia 1's display is sufficient for everyday use, although it may not be as smooth and responsive as higher-end smartphones. The display does not have any specific protection like Gorilla Glass, so it is recommended to use a screen protector to prevent scratches.

The pixel density of the Nokia 1's display is modest, resulting in slightly less sharpness compared to higher-resolution screens. The viewing angles of the display are decent, allowing for comfortable viewing from various angles.

Overall, the display of the Nokia 1 is suitable for basic tasks such as calls, messaging, and web browsing. However, for those who prioritize a high-quality display with vibrant colors and sharpness, they may need to consider higher-end smartphones with better display technology.

Performance

The performance of the Nokia 1 is modest, catering to the basic needs of users without offering any significant power or speed. Equipped with a 1.1GHz quad-core MediaTek MT6737M chipset and 1GB of RAM, the Nokia 1 is not designed for intensive multitasking or demanding applications.

In terms of CPU benchmarks, the Nokia 1 performs adequately for its price range, but it falls short when compared to higher-end smartphones. The processor efficiency is decent, ensuring smooth navigation through the user interface and app loading speeds. However, it may struggle with more resource-intensive tasks and may experience occasional lag or slowdowns.

The GPU benchmarks of the Nokia 1 also reflect its budget nature. While it can handle basic graphics tasks and casual gaming, it is not suitable for heavy gaming or graphic-intensive applications. The gaming experience on the Nokia 1 is limited, with lower graphics scores and less impressive gaming capabilities compared to more powerful devices.

In terms of system optimization, the Nokia 1 benefits from running on the Android Oreo Go edition, a lightweight version of Android specifically designed for low-end devices. This helps to optimize performance and storage usage, providing a smoother user experience despite the limited hardware.

Thermal management on the Nokia 1 is decent, with the phone remaining relatively cool during regular usage. However, it may heat up slightly during more demanding tasks or extended periods of usage.

It is worth noting that specific benchmark tests and scores were not provided for the Nokia 1, limiting our ability to provide a comprehensive performance analysis. However, based on its specifications and overall budget nature, it is clear that the Nokia 1 is not intended for heavy usage or high-performance tasks. It is best suited for basic functions such as calls, messaging, and web browsing, while casual gaming and multimedia consumption may be possible but with limitations.

Software and User Interface

The Nokia 1 runs on the Android Oreo Go edition, which is specifically designed for budget smartphones. This lightweight operating system ensures that the Nokia 1 performs efficiently and optimizes storage usage. With this version of Android, users can expect a smooth and user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate through the phone's features and settings.

One advantage of the Nokia 1's software is the ability to customize the device according to your preferences. The phone offers various options for personalization, including interchangeable back covers, allowing you to add a touch of style to your device.

In terms of pre-installed apps, the Nokia 1 comes with a selection of essential apps to get you started, such as Google Maps, YouTube Go, and Google Assistant Go. These apps are designed to be lightweight and optimized for low-end devices, ensuring smooth performance and minimal bloatware.

Overall, the software experience on the Nokia 1 is satisfactory for its price range. While it may not offer the latest and most advanced features, it provides a reliable and user-friendly interface that is suitable for first-time smartphone users or those seeking a basic device.

Camera

The Nokia 1 comes with a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 2-megapixel front-facing camera. The rear camera has a fixed-focus lens and an LED flash, allowing for decent image quality in well-lit conditions. It is suitable for capturing everyday moments and basic photography needs. However, due to the low megapixel count, the level of detail and sharpness in the photos may not be as high as in devices with higher-resolution cameras.

In terms of camera features, the Nokia 1 lacks advanced modes like portrait mode or HDR. It also doesn't have a pro mode or AI scene recognition. However, it does offer basic camera functionalities like panorama mode and can record videos in standard formats.

The camera performance of the Nokia 1 is better suited for daylight photography and outdoor scenarios where there is ample light. In such conditions, it can capture photos with natural colors and acceptable sharpness. However, in low-light situations, the camera struggles to produce good results due to the lack of image stabilization or low-light sensitivity. Noise reduction is also not very effective, resulting in grainy photos.

Video recording capabilities of the Nokia 1 are limited, with no support for 4K video or advanced video stabilization features. It can record standard videos and offers basic functionalities like slow-motion video and time-lapse.

Overall, while the Nokia 1's camera is functional for basic photography needs, it lacks the advanced features and image quality found in higher-end smartphones.

Battery Life

The Nokia 1 is equipped with a 2150mAh battery, which offers decent battery life for its budget price range. The phone's power efficiency is optimized by its Android Oreo Go edition operating system, helping to extend battery usage. While the battery capacity may not be the highest, it is still sufficient for basic day-to-day usage. The Nokia 1 does not support fast charging or wireless charging options, so users will have to rely on traditional charging methods. The phone's battery performance is average, providing a reasonable amount of screen-on time and standby time. Battery management features such as battery saver mode are available to help conserve power when needed. Overall, the Nokia 1's battery delivers satisfactory performance, but it may not have the longevity or endurance of higher-end smartphones.

Connectivity and Networking

When it comes to connectivity options, the Nokia 1 offers a range of features to keep you connected. It supports 4G LTE for fast data speeds and network compatibility with various carriers. You can stay connected to the internet through Wi-Fi, which supports the latest Wi-Fi standards. Additionally, Bluetooth is available for wireless file transfer and connecting to other devices. The Nokia 1 also has GPS for accurate navigation and location services.

In terms of physical connectivity, the Nokia 1 features a Micro-USB port for charging and data transfer. It does not have a USB-C port, which is a newer and faster standard, but the Micro-USB is still widely used and compatible with many accessories.

The Nokia 1 also supports dual SIM functionality, allowing you to use two SIM cards simultaneously. This can be useful for separating work and personal contacts, or for traveling and using local SIM cards.

Overall, the Nokia 1 offers a good range of connectivity options, including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and dual SIM support. While it may not have the latest advancements like 5G or wireless charging, it covers the essentials for staying connected in a budget-friendly package.

Additional Features

Comparison with Other Related Phones

When it comes to budget smartphones, the Nokia 1 faces tough competition from other devices in the market. One of its main competitors is the Xiaomi Redmi Go, which offers similar specifications at a similar price point.

In terms of design, both the Nokia 1 and the Xiaomi Redmi Go feature plastic bodies, but the Redmi Go has a slightly larger 5-inch display compared to the Nokia 1's 4.5-inch screen. This gives the Redmi Go a slight advantage in terms of screen real estate.

In terms of performance, both devices are powered by quad-core processors, but the Nokia 1 lags behind with its MediaTek MT6737M chipset, while the Redmi Go features a Snapdragon 425 processor. This results in smoother multitasking and better overall performance on the Redmi Go.

When it comes to camera capabilities, both devices offer 5-megapixel rear cameras, but the Redmi Go has an advantage with its 8-megapixel front camera compared to the Nokia 1's 2-megapixel front camera. This makes the Redmi Go a better choice for selfie enthusiasts.

In terms of software, the Nokia 1 runs on Android Oreo Go edition, while the Redmi Go runs on the lighter version of MIUI based on Android 8.1 Oreo. Both devices offer optimized software for low-end hardware, but the Redmi Go's MIUI offers a more feature-rich experience.

When it comes to pricing, the Nokia 1 is priced at $85, while the Redmi Go is priced slightly higher at around $90. This makes the Nokia 1 a more affordable option for those on a tight budget.

Overall, while the Nokia 1 offers good value for money with its affordable price and durable design, it falls short in terms of performance and camera capabilities compared to the Xiaomi Redmi Go. However, if you're looking for a basic smartphone with a compact design and a budget-friendly price, the Nokia 1 is still a decent choice.

Pros and Cons

Conclusion

Conclusion:
The Nokia 1 is an ultra-affordable smartphone that offers basic functionality at a budget-friendly price. While it may not have the best screen quality or performance, it excels as an entry-level device for those on a tight budget or first-time smartphone users. The phone's rugged and durable design, along with its long-lasting battery life, makes it a reliable choice for everyday use. However, if you can stretch your budget a bit, there are better options available with improved performance and features. Overall, the Nokia 1 is a decent choice for those seeking a simple and affordable smartphone experience.