Nokia 6

HMD, now responsible for the Finnish phone brand Nokia, brought back the brand after three years off the market with the release of the Nokia 6…

However, this isn’t the Nokia of the past.

Not only does it run a different software, it also doesn’t offer the features many have grown to love such as game-changing cameras and high-end software.

What it provides is an entry-level device with a low price tag.

But is it worth it?

Let’s find out!

The Nokia 6 comes with a solid metal body giving it a premium look and feel according to reviewers. This isn’t common in the lower price brackets.

With that said, reviewers mention the large size and sharp edges made it uncomfortable to hold. Despite this discomfort, they noted the chamfered edges provided a good grip.

At 0.31 inches thick, it is slim enough to slip into pockets as well.

In terms of brightness and color reproduction, experts found the 5.5-inch 1080p LCD panel passable. Though many reviewers weren’t impressed with the blacks.

Still, they note it is one of the better screens in the entry-level market in terms of viewing angles, vibrance and sharpness.

It should be no surprise that budget phones have to cut back in some areas. Nokia cut corners on performance. On paper, the specs sound reasonable – an octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM.

Unfortunately, critics noticed issues.

Trusted Reviews states, “Lag is common and constant, mostly in infuriating instances such as scrolling through websites and image-heavy apps like Instagram.”

While minor tasks like reading emails worked fine, anything remotely media heavy created lag. It only got worse when they had multiple apps open.

The 3000mAh battery didn’t impress critics, but it lasted them for at least a full day’s worth of use. Still, they recommend charging every night. Without quick charging, reviewers found a full charge took them around 2-3 hours.

Another area where Nokia seems to have cut corners is with the camera. The 16MP camera can provide decent pictures in good light. However, critics experienced rapid drop off as light diminished. Even indoor lighting situations would lead to reduced sharpness and noticeable amounts of noise.

Aside from mediocre picture quality, they were more frustrated with how long it took to launch the camera app. It took up to four seconds for the app to load. That won’t work for capturing those quick moments and memories.

Overall, reviewers are conflicted on whether to recommend the Nokia 6 or not.

CNet states, “If you’re after the absolute best smartphone technology then the Nokia isn’t for you, but if you want a great-looking … smartphone that tackles all your essentials and won’t empty your bank account, it’s a great phone to consider.”

Pocket-Lint adds, “If design is important, then there’s quality in the Nokia 6 that few rivals offers at this price point… if you have budget concerns, then the Moto G5 is more wallet-friendly, while the Lenovo P2 is a longer-lasting proposition.”