Nokia 7 Plus Review: A Premium Mid-Range Experience

The Nokia 7 Plus positions itself as a premium mid-range smartphone, blending modern design with reliable performance. This review explores whether the device lives up to its promises and what it offers to users in Nepal.

Design and Build The Nokia 7 Plus features a metallic construction with a ceramic-feel coating on the back, offering a distinctive texture that sets it apart from typical aluminum finishes. The phone carries a satisfying weight and feels sturdy, maintaining the brand's reputation for durable builds. While it can withstand minor drops, careful handling is advised. Overall, it merges classic Nokia durability with contemporary aesthetics.

Display Equipped with a 6-inch IPS LCD panel in an 18:9 aspect ratio, the display boasts vivid colors and sharp clarity. Though the saturation level may occasionally render certain hues, such as reds, unnaturally vivid, the brightness and detail remain top-tier, making it a standout feature for media consumption.

Camera The Nokia 7 Plus houses a dual-camera setup, including a 12-megapixel primary sensor and a 13-megapixel secondary lens with 2x optical zoom, both branded by Carl Zeiss. Photos showcase accurate colors and good detail, with a useful pro mode for manual adjustments. The front 16-megapixel camera delivers sharp selfies, though group shots may exhibit minor skin tone discrepancies. Portrait mode performs well on the rear camera, effectively blurring backgrounds, while the front camera offers mixed results in this regard.

Performance and Software Running on Android 8.0 Oreo through Google's Android One initiative, the Nokia 7 Plus provides a clean, bloatware-free experience. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor paired with 4GB of RAM, the device handles multitasking smoothly without noticeable lag. Benchmark scores place it among the strongest performers in its category, ensuring a responsive user interface.

Hardware and Storage With 64GB of onboard storage expandable via a hybrid SIM slot, users can choose between additional storage or dual SIM functionality. The bottom-firing speaker delivers adequate volume but lacks depth. A rear-mounted fingerprint sensor offers quick and secure unlocking, though the absence of face unlock may disappoint some users.

Battery Housing a 3800mAh battery, the Nokia 7 Plus falls short of expectations in real-world use, providing roughly five hours of screen-on time on a single charge. While quick charge technology enables rapid replenishment, the overall endurance remains merely average.

Verdict The Nokia 7 Plus presents a well-rounded package for those seeking a dependable mid-range device. Its strengths lie in the vibrant display, solid performance, and pure Android experience, though the battery life and pricing are minor drawbacks. At NPR 46,899, it remains a contender worth considering for its balance of features and reliability.