Samsung won’t be unveiling its Galaxy S8 beast at MWC this year, which leaves the coast clear for other Android OEMs like LG to shine. Apart from the LG G6, we also expect to see Nokia (and HMD) unveil a pair of flagship phones known so far as the P1 lineup.
The devices have been rumored for months now, although the rumor mill doesn’t seem to be able to reach a consensus regarding their specs. Anyway, in this article we have compiled all that we know so far about Nokia’s comeback premium handsets, so come MWC 2017 you will be prepared.
Design
- Metal unibody
- Slim bezels
We don’t know much about how Nokia’s upcoming flagship smartphones will look like. Based on the few leaked pictures we have seen so far the phones will come metal bodies. We can also assume the two P1 models will feature skinny bezels on the sides, in accordance with this year’s smartphone design trend.
It’s quite possible the phones will come with a physical home button, so if you don’t like the idea that the Galaxy S8 is ditching it, you can always turn to Nokia.
Display
- 5.3-inch display
- QHD resolution
- Gorilla Glass 5
The most recent rumors seem to indicate that the Nokia P1 will feature a 5.3-inch display with QHD resolution (2560 x 1440 pixels) and Gorilla Glass 5 protection. We don’t have any info on the larger variant though.
Previously we heard that Nokia’s comeback flagships might take advantage of a 5.2-inch and 5.5-inch displays with the same premium resolution. It remains to be seen which of these rumors turns out to be true.
Internals
- Snapdragon 821
- Up to 6GB of RAM
- 64GB/128GB/256GB storage options (with microSD card slot for memory expansion)
Recent hearsay would have us believe Nokia should be releasing two P1 variants, one with Snapdragon 835 and one with Snapdragon 821. However, given the fact that Samsung is said to have reserved the initial Snapdragon 835 supply for its Galaxy S8 flagship, it’s quite unlikely Nokia and HMD will announce a P1 variant with said chipset. Our best guess is that the high-end version will have a Snapdrag2on 821, while the lower-end alternative will probably take advantage of a Snapdragon 820.
The premium model will probably be the beneficiary of 6GB of RAM, while the standard version is probably going to make-do with just 4GB of RAM (like the Galaxy S7).
As for storage, customers will be able to have their pick at 64GB/128GB of internal storage. Some sources claim a 256GB version will also be offered.
Cameras
- 22.3MP main camera
- Unknown selfie shooter
We expect the main camera to be one of the Nokia P1’s strong points. If rumors are true, then the premium P1 model should come with a Carl Zeiss-curated 22.3MP sensor with optical image stabilization and electronic image stabilization.
So far we don’t know much about the selfie snapper, but if Nokia wants the P1 to compete with the best selfie phones out there, it will add a 16MP self-portrait secondary camera in the vein of OnePlus 3T.
Other features
- IP57 certification
- Google Daydream VR ready
- 5mm headphone jack
- Viki virtual assistant
Word on the street claims that the Nokia P1 is actually going to be based on the Sharp Aquos Xx3 smartphone, but will come with better specs. The handset will have IP57 certification for water and dust resistance.
VR is going to be big in 2017, so Nokia’s comeback flagships are expected to be Daydream ready. On top of that, like most top tier phones launching today, the P1 will probably take advantage of the services of a proprietary virtual assistant dubbed Viki.
OS
- Android 7.0 Nougat
There is no doubt here that the Nokia P1 will launch with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, although we don’t know whether the Z-Launcher System UI will be onboard this time or not.
Battery
- 3,500 mAh battery with Quick Charge
According to current rumors, the Nokia P1 will take advantage of a 3,500 mAh battery, but we’re not told whether the juice box is of a removable variety or not. We’ll just have to wait and see.
When will I be able to get it and for how much?
While Nokia is expected to unveil the P1 at MWC 2017, we don’t really know when the phone will be available for purchase to the masses. As for prices, the flagship won’t come cheap. According to the latest information, the 128GB model will cost around $800, while the 256GB model will sport a huge $950 price-tag.
