Nokia made a significant move with the 8.1 Plus by joining the punch-hole camera trend, bringing a cleaner, more immersive display experience to its mid-range lineup. This mobile runs Android 9.0 Pie under the Android One programme, which means a pure, bloatware-free interface that stays fast and receives timely updates without a heavy custom skin slowing things down. The Snapdragon 710 chipset with an Octa-core processor handles daily tasks with confidence, and the choice between 4GB and 6GB RAM configurations lets buyers match the device to their usage needs. The 6.22-inch IPS LCD display with 1080 x 2520 pixel resolution and 441 PPI delivers sharp, well-calibrated visuals protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3.
Camera quality on this mobile is backed by Carl Zeiss optics — a partnership that Nokia has long used to set its imaging apart from the competition. The dual rear setup combines a 48MP primary sensor with an 8MP ultrawide lens, covering a broad range of shooting scenarios from standard portraits to wide-angle landscapes. The 12MP punch-hole front camera keeps the display surface virtually uninterrupted while still delivering clean, detailed selfies. Fast 18W charging via the USB Type-C port, NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, FM Radio, and dual-band Wi-Fi ac round out a well-specified package. At Rs. 74,999, the Nokia 8.1 Plus is a compelling mid-ranger for users who value clean software and dependable camera performance.



Review
Nokia took a meaningful step forward with the 8.1 Plus by embracing the punch-hole camera design, placing a clean 12MP selfie lens inside a small cutout that leaves the majority of the 6.22-inch display completely open. This mobile runs on the Android One programme, meaning pure Android 9.0 Pie without any custom skin, excessive pre-installed apps, or interface clutter — a design philosophy that keeps the experience fast, secure, and easy to use from the very first day. The Snapdragon 710 chipset handles everyday workloads confidently, and the choice between 4GB and 6GB RAM ensures the device scales well from standard users to those who tend to keep many apps running at once. The IPS LCD display at 441 PPI produces sharp, colour-accurate visuals with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection sitting on top to guard against daily wear. Carl Zeiss optics backing the dual rear camera immediately sets this mobile apart from other devices in its category — the 48MP main sensor with f/1.8 aperture and PDAF captures detailed, well-exposed images, while the 8MP ultrawide lens at 13mm extends the field of view dramatically for group shots, interiors, and landscape scenes. Video recording at 4K 30fps with gyro-EIS stabilisation keeps footage smooth even during handheld movement. Fast 18W charging via the USB Type-C port refills the Li-Po battery quickly, and NFC, FM Radio, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi ac cover all standard connectivity needs. The Nokia 8.1 Plus is a thoughtfully assembled mid-ranger that delivers on image quality and software reliability in equal measure.
Pros
- Carl Zeiss 48MP dual rear camera with ultrawide
- Pure Android One — no bloatware or heavy UI
- 18W fast charging via USB Type-C
- Punch-hole display for maximum screen space
- NFC, Bluetooth 5.0, and dual-band Wi-Fi ac
Cons
- Battery capacity not officially disclosed
- microSD uses SIM 2 slot — no true triple tray
- Official weight not listed
- Available only in Blue colour option
- IPS LCD instead of AMOLED at this price
Body & Build
The Nokia 8.1 Plus has a slim, well-proportioned body measuring 156.9 x 76.2 x 7.9mm, striking a comfortable balance between screen size and hand-friendliness. The 7.9mm thickness gives it a sleek profile without compromising on internal component space, and the overall construction feels solid and premium when held. Blue is the sole colour option available, presenting a refined, confident look that suits both professional and casual settings. The Hybrid Dual SIM setup accommodates two Nano-SIM cards, though the second slot doubles as a microSD expansion port, so users choosing to add a memory card will need to decide between dual-SIM operation and extra storage on this mobile.
Body & Build Specifications
| Dimensions | 156.9 x 76.2 x 7.9 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | N/A |
| SIM Slots | Hybrid Dual SIM, Dual Standby (Nano-SIM) |
| Available Colors | Blue |
Camera Features
Imaging Capability
Carl Zeiss optics bring a level of image clarity and colour fidelity to this mobile that few mid-range devices can match. The 48MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and a 1/2-inch sensor size pulls in generous amounts of light, resulting in detailed images with natural tones and good dynamic range. PDAF ensures snappy, accurate focusing that keeps pace with moving subjects and spontaneous shooting moments. The 8MP ultrawide lens at 13mm dramatically expands the frame, making it ideal for architecture, landscapes, and large group compositions where a standard lens simply cannot capture the full scene. Gyro-stabilised 4K video at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps provide smooth, sharp footage, and HDR, panorama, and geo-tagging round out a well-equipped camera suite. The 12MP punch-hole front camera handles selfies cleanly with solid detail retention and accurate skin tone rendering.
| Rear Camera | Dual 48 MP, f/1.8, 1/2″, PDAF + 8 MP, 13mm Ultrawide, Dual-LED Dual-Tone Flash |
|---|---|
| Front Camera | 12 MP Punch-hole |
| Video Recording | 2160p@30fps, 1080p@30fps (Gyro-EIS) |
| Camera Features | Zeiss Optics, Phase Detection, Geo-tagging, Touch Focus, Panorama, HDR |
Software & Speed
Hardware & Software
One of the strongest arguments for choosing this mobile is the Android One software experience it ships with. No custom launcher, no pre-loaded third-party apps, and no altered system settings — just clean Android 9.0 Pie that responds quickly and stays that way over time. The Snapdragon 710 chipset provides reliable processing power for all standard daily tasks and handles moderate gaming without breaking a sweat. RAM options of 4GB and 6GB cater to different usage intensities, with the 6GB variant keeping a noticeably larger number of apps available in the background during demanding multitasking sessions. The combination of efficient hardware and minimal software overhead makes this mobile feel faster and more responsive than many rivals with comparable or even higher specs on paper.
| Operating System | Android 9.0 Pie, Android One |
|---|---|
| Chipset | Qualcomm Snapdragon 710 |
| CPU | Octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 616 |
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Browser | HTML5 |
Display Quality
Screen Details
The 6.22-inch IPS LCD panel on this mobile delivers a bright, sharp viewing experience with a resolution of 1080 x 2520 pixels giving a pixel density of 441 PPI. Text appears crisp and detailed at normal reading distances, and the 16 million colour output keeps images, videos, and app interfaces looking natural and well-balanced. Corning Gorilla Glass 3 covers the front surface, providing a solid layer of scratch resistance for daily handling. The punch-hole cutout for the front camera takes up minimal space, giving this mobile one of the most screen-dominant front panels in its class without resorting to a notch that cuts into the display area more noticeably.
| Panel Type | IPS LCD Capacitive Touchscreen, 16M Colors, Multitouch |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 6.22 Inches |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2520 Pixels (~441 PPI) |
| Colors | 16M Colors, Corning Gorilla Glass 3 |
Memory & Storage
Storage & RAM
Two storage configurations are available for the Nokia 8.1 Plus — 64GB with 4GB RAM or 128GB with 6GB RAM — giving buyers flexibility based on their budget and data requirements. The 128GB variant is the better long-term choice for users who shoot 4K video, download media for offline use, or maintain a large app library. When even more room is needed, a microSD card supporting up to 400GB can be added, though it shares the second SIM slot. The 6GB RAM option keeps this mobile fluid and responsive across extended multitasking sessions, with fewer background app reloads and smoother switching between demanding applications throughout the day.
| Internal Storage | 64 GB / 128 GB |
|---|---|
| RAM | 4 GB / 6 GB |
| Expansion Slot | microSD Card, up to 400GB (uses SIM 2 slot) |
Connectivity Options
Connectivity Specs
Network and wireless performance on this mobile covers a comprehensive range of standards for both local and international use. GSM 2G, HSDPA 3G, and 4G LTE-A bands ensure compatibility with major Pakistani carriers and networks abroad. Dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 ac delivers fast, stable wireless internet on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, and Wi-Fi Direct allows direct file exchanges between compatible devices without a network connection. Bluetooth 5.0 provides energy-efficient, stable wireless audio and data pairing, while GPS with A-GPS, GLONASS, and BDS delivers accurate positioning for navigation. NFC enables contactless payments at supported terminals, FM Radio offers offline audio without data usage, and the USB Type-C 2.0 port handles both fast charging and data transfer on this mobile.
| 2G / 3G / 4G | GSM 850/900/1800/1900 | HSDPA 850/900/1900/2100 | 4G LTE-A |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, Hotspot |
| Bluetooth | v5.0 with A2DP, LE |
| GPS | Yes + A-GPS, GLONASS, BDS |
| USB | USB 2.0, Type-C 1.0 Reversible Connector, USB On-The-Go |
| NFC | Yes |
Integrated Features
Advanced Features
The Nokia 8.1 Plus brings together a practical selection of features that complement its clean software and strong camera. A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor unlocks the device quickly and reliably, while the complete sensor suite — accelerometer, compass, gyroscope, and proximity sensor — handles all standard orientation and automation tasks without issue. Active noise cancellation with a dedicated microphone keeps voice calls clear in noisy public environments, which is a genuinely useful feature for daily commuters and professionals. The 3.5mm audio jack preserves compatibility with wired headphones, and support for MP4, H.264, MP3, WAV, eAAC+, and FLAC formats makes this mobile compatible with a wide range of audio and video file types. A document viewer and editor, photo and video editor, built-in torch, and FM Radio complete a well-rounded everyday toolkit.
| Sensors | Accelerometer, Compass, Fingerprint (Rear Mounted), Gyro, Proximity |
|---|---|
| Audio | 3.5mm Audio Jack, MP4/H.264 Player, MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC Player, Speaker Phone |
| Media Players | MP4/H.264 Video Player, MP3/WAV/eAAC+/FLAC Audio Player |
| Messaging | SMS (Threaded View), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM |
| Extras | Active Noise Cancellation with Dedicated Mic, FM Radio, Document Viewer/Editor, Photo/Video Editor, Torch |

