HMD Global Announces Nokia 3.1 Plus With Bigger Display, Dual Cameras

In July, HMD Global released the Nokia 3.1 as a low- to mid-range Android phone. Now, the company has launched a new version of the device, called the Nokia 3.1 Plus, and this new iteration includes some features that were noticeably absent from the original.

The Nokia 3.1 Plus comes with a larger 6-inch display with a tall 18:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 1440 x 720, according to Android Central. The original model arrived with a smaller 5.2-inch display, so the increase of display size should bode well for users who are looking for a bigger mid-range phone. It also looks like HMD was able to shrink the top and bottom bezels on this new “Plus” model, giving the handset a more attractive look.

Inside, the Nokia 3.1 Plus is powered by the MediaTek Helio P22 octa-core processor, which is also an upgrade from the original. The device also has 2GB/3GB of RAM and 16GB/32GB of storage. There’s also a microSD card slot for expanded storage. The battery inside is also larger at 3,500mAh and in some markets, the phone will have support for NFC, according to The Verge.

HMD claims that the Nokia 3.1 Plus is capable of delivering up to two days of battery life. The phone is part of Google’s Android One program which means that it’s running the stock version of the operating system. The phone is running Android 8.0 Oreo and it features Android One’s AI-powered battery saving features to extend the phone’s battery life.

One of the things that was missing from the the Nokia 3.1 was a fingerprint scanner. HMD has resolved that by putting a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor on the Nokia 3.1 Plus. The new model also features dual cameras on its back instead of just one. The main shooter features a 13MP sensor that supports phase detection autofocus, while the secondary camera comes with a 5MP sensor and depth sensing features. The dual cameras are able to produce portrait mode effects that add background blur to images. Up front, it’s also packing an 8MP shooter for taking selfies.

Overall, the Nokia 3.1 Plus is a huge upgrade from the original model and it has a chance of finally convincing some consumers to pick up a Nokia Android phone. The only thing that’s disappointing about this device, however, is that it still has a micro USB port instead of USB Type-C.

The Nokia 3.1 Plus will be available in India first sometime later this month, but HMD is planning to sell it globally. HMD said that the average selling price of the device will be €159 for the 2GB/16GB model and €179 for the 3GB/32GB model.