HMD Global is changing things up in the entry-level market with the latest iteration of the Android One Nokia 3.1 with the Nokia 3.1 Plus which includes a rear fingerprint sensor, long battery life, and NFC payment capabilities in selected markets. Priced from €159 ($260 before GST).
The low-end and midrange market is bustling with plenty of competition, however, this model is a great contender and a big improvement over the Nokia 3.1.
The Nokia 3.1 Plus jumps to a 6-inch HD display, remaining at an 18:9 aspect ratio, but with an added fingerprint sensor to the back.
HMD Global is also claiming that the 3.1 Plus will provide two days of battery life, while this seems like a lofty claim, the larger 3,500mAh battery should provide decent battery life.
The 3.1 Plus is also improved with the newer MediaTek processor, the Helio P22. It’s still paired with 2/3GB of RAM, 16/32GB of storage expandable by microSD (up to 400GB), so this is still very much a budget phone when it comes to its specifications.
The phone features dual rear cameras (13MP + 8MP), allowing it to offer portrait mode effects.
Despite the improvements, the 3.1 Plus still lacks support for 5GHz Wi-Fi and has replaced the Gorilla Glass from the 3.1 with toughened glass.
It’s also part of Android One, which means guaranteed security and OS updates, three and two years respectively. In certain selected markets, the Nokia 3.1 Plus is offering NFC as well.
The Nokia 3.1 Plus is priced from €159 ($260 before GST) for the 2GB/16GB variant and €179 ($290 before GST) for the 3GB/32GB model. No information on whether this model will make its way to Australia.
