Skip to main content

New Nokia 5.1, 3.1, and 2.1 boast updated chipsets, bigger displays

The super-cheap Nokia 2.1 brings two-day battery life to the U.K.

It looks like HMD Global’s Nokia is finally ready to update more of its phones. The company has announced the Nokia 5.1, Nokia 3.1, and Nokia 2.1, all of which boast improved specs over the original devices.

In general, it seems like the devices are very similar to the original phones in terms of design — but that doesn’t mean you should skip over them. Here’s everything you need to know about the Nokia 5.1, 3.1, and 2.1.

Nokia 5.1

Nokia 5.1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

First up is the Nokia 5.1, which sits slightly below the Nokia 6.1 in terms of Nokia’s lineup. The phone keeps the Nokia 5’s overall design, but adds a slightly larger 5.5-inch display, along with a now rear-mounted fingerprint sensor. Under the hood, the phone boasts a MediaTek Helio P18, along with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM and either 32GB or 64GB of storage.

The camera on the phone is also better than last year’s device. The device offers a 16-megapixel camera on the back, while the front-facing camera sits in at 8-megapixels.

Like other Nokia phones, the device offers Android One for its operating system — meaning that Google will take care of software updates, and they should be much quicker.

The Nokia 5.1 is available in Europe for 189 euros, and for 189 British pounds in the U.K. The 3GB RAM/64GB storage model will come at 219 euros, or around $252. Unfortunately, it will not be released in the U.S.

Nokia 3.1

Nokia 3.1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nokia 3.1 is much lower-powered than the Nokia 5.1, but it’s also a whole lot cheaper. The new Nokia 3.1 offers a 5.2-inch display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, along with a HD+ resolution. Under the hood, you’ll find a MediaTek 6750 octa-core chipset, along with either 2GB or 3GB of RAM and 32GB or 64GB of storage.

On the back of the phone, you’ll find a 13-megapixel camera sensor, which is up from the 8-megapixel sensor on the original Nokia 3. Unlike some other phones in this price range, the Nokia 3.1 includes features like an NFC chip for mobile payments.

The Nokia 3.1 is also an Android One phone, so again, it will get timely updates straight from Google whenever they’re made available. It is available in Europe for 139 euros, the U.K. from 149 British pounds, and at Best Buy in the U.S. for $160.

Nokia 2.1

Nokia 2.1
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The Nokia 2.1 is the cheapest of the three phones. It offers a 5.5-inch HD display, along with dual front-facing speakers. Under the hood, the phone features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 processor, which means it should offer far improved performance compared to the original Nokia 2. The major selling point here is the massive 4,000mAh battery, which HMD Global claims will give the device a two-day battery life, and allow you to leave your charger at home.

Another interesting thing about the Nokia 2.1 is that it features Android Go, Google’s lightweight version of the Android operating system. Unlike Android One, updates will still have to come from the carrier, but hopefully the Android 9.0 Pie update for Android Go will come soon. Android Go also comes with pared-down versions of Google’s stock apps to complement the lower power systems. These include Gmail Go, Gboard Go, Maps Go, and so on.

The phone is available in Europe 115 Euros, and in the U.S. for $120. As of October 2018, it is also available in multiple retailers in the U.K., including Argos, Carphone Warehouse, EE, and more — for just 100 British pounds.

Updated on October 11, 2018: We’ve updated this to make sure all the availabilities are up-to-date.

Editors' Recommendations

Mark Jansen
Mark Jansen is an avid follower of everything that beeps, bloops, or makes pretty lights. He has a degree in Ancient &…
The best Nokia 5.3 cases to keep your budget phone protected
hmd global nokia 5 3 review back hand

At $200, the Nokia 5.3 is an excellent choice for a budget phone with a lot of oomph. While its camera may leave something to be desired, the large battery and ample processing power mean it's a great choice for anyone looking for a high-value phone that doesn't leave you out of pocket.

If you want your phone to go the distance, then it's going to need some protection to make sure it gets there in one piece. A protective case is probably the best way to make sure your phone stays as pristine as the day you took it out of its box. Here are some of the best Nokia 5.3 cases you can buy right now.
Mylboo Clear Case

Read more
Nokia’s 8.3 5G is a truly global phone with a cinematic camera
hmd global nokia 83 5g news 8 3 lens

Announcements from smartphone manufacturers continue to arrive, following the cancellation of Mobile World Congress at the end of February, due to concern over spreading the coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, at the time. The latest is HMD Global, the company with the license to produce Nokia smartphones. It has four new phones and an unexpected new service, too.

Meet the Nokia 8.3 5G, the Nokia 5.3, the Nokia 1.3, and the Nokia 5310.
Nokia 8.3 5G
With the Nokia 8.3 5G, HMD Global is living up to its name. The company describes the device as the world’s first “global” 5G smartphone, due to the massive list of 5G compatible bands the modem can use. It can access a 5G signal wherever the service is available, without worrying about the specific implementation the service you're connecting to uses.

Read more
The Nokia 2.3 offers smart camera features at an affordable price
hmd-nokia-210

Nokia is taking its entry-level smartphone lineup to the next level. The company has taken the wraps off of the new Nokia 2.3, boasting improved performance, a low price, and the latest and greatest version of Android.

The phone offers a number of other great features too. Notably, the device has a built-in Google Assistant button, giving users easy access to Assistant without always having to use the "Hey, Google" wake word.

Read more