Nokia to Launch 9.2 PureView 5G, Skipping 9.1 Model
Key Takeaways
- The Nokia 9.2 PureView will feature the Snapdragon 865 for 5G support
- It replaces planned Nokia 9.1 PureView, which would have used Snapdragon 855
- Expect a bezel-less design with a high-resolution front camera and enhanced photography features
- Launch expected within six months, potentially at MWC 2020
Nokia Shifts Focus to 9.2 PureView 5G
When HMD Global introduced the Nokia 9 PureView at Mobile World Congress in 2019, it made waves as the first phone to feature a five-camera setup. However, its use of the year-old Snapdragon 845 chipset drew criticism, especially since users wanted to see the more powerful Snapdragon 855 in action. Reports later suggested that HMD was preparing a Nokia 9.1 PureView with the Snapdragon 855, but that plan has now been abandoned in favor of the Nokia 9.2 PureView.
Challenges Faced by the Nokia 9 PureView
Despite its impressive penta-camera array, the Nokia 9 PureView struggled due to the limitations of the Snapdragon 845. This chipset could only reliably manage triple-camera configurations, prompting Nokia to incorporate Light’s Lux Capacitor chip to enable the five-camera setup. This workaround reportedly complicated future software updates for the device.
The Nokia 9.1 PureView That Never Was
The Nokia 9.1 PureView was intended to address these shortcomings by equipping the device with the Snapdragon 855. However, as 2020 approaches and 5G begins dominating the market, a phone with the Snapdragon 855 would struggle to compete against new flagships powered by the Snapdragon 865. Consequently, HMD has decided that launching the Nokia 9.2 PureView makes more sense.
What to Expect From the Nokia 9.2 PureView
According to Nokia Power User, the Nokia 9.2 PureView will debut within the next six months, likely at Mobile World Congress 2020. The device is expected to run on the Snapdragon 865, ensuring full 5G capability. While details on the rear camera setup remain scarce, it is anticipated to retain the penta-camera configuration but without the need for the Lux Capacitor chip. The phone may feature a bezel-less display with either a 32MP or 48MP front camera and could eliminate the traditional audio jack.
Upcoming 5G Device at MWC 2020
Towards the end of 2019, Nokia announced plans to unveil a 5G phone powered by the Snapdragon 765 at Mobile World Congress 2020. Juho Sarvikas, Nokia’s Chief Product Officer, emphasized that the priority for 2020 is to make 5G more accessible with an affordable, premium experience. This device will include a Pure Display, a triple-camera setup with ZEISS imaging, side-mounted fingerprint sensor, 4K video recording, and long-lasting battery life. Rumors also suggest Nokia might introduce a new wearable and wireless charging pods at the same event.
