Nokia’s Best Android Flagships: A Comprehensive Review

Nokia Flagship Android Smartphones: 9 PureView, 8.3 5G, 8.1 (X7), X30 5G, X50 5G

Definition

This lineup represents Nokia’s premium Android flagship and upper-mid-range devices released by HMD Global between 2018 and 2023. Positioned to compete with Samsung Galaxy S/A series and Google Pixel, these phones blend Nokia’s legacy of durability and clean software with modern hardware, including advanced camera systems, 5G connectivity, and stock Android with long-term updates. Targeted at photography enthusiasts, Android purists, and users seeking balanced performance, the series emphasizes Carl Zeiss optics, IP-rated water resistance, and 3+ years of OS/security support—a hallmark of HMD Global’s Nokia devices.

Core Model Differentiation Overview (English)

Feature	Nokia 9 PureView (2019)	Nokia 8.1 (X7, 2018)	Nokia 8.3 5G (2020)	Nokia X30 5G (2022)	Nokia X50 5G (2023)
Launch Date	February 2019	October 2018	March 2020	June 2022	September 2023
Key Chipset	Snapdragon 845 (10 nm)	Snapdragon 710 (10 nm)	Snapdragon 765G (7 nm)	Snapdragon 695 5G (6 nm)	Snapdragon 778G 5G (6 nm)
Display	5.99-inch QHD+ OLED, 60 Hz	6.18-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 60 Hz	6.81-inch FHD+ IPS LCD, 60 Hz	6.43-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 90 Hz	6.67-inch FHD+ AMOLED, 120 Hz
Rear Camera	5×12 MP (Penta-lens, Zeiss, OIS)	12 MP + 13 MP (Zeiss, OIS)	64 MP + 8 MP + 5 MP + 2 MP (Zeiss, OIS)	50 MP + 13 MP (Zeiss, OIS)	50 MP + 13 MP (Zeiss, OIS)
Front Camera	20 MP (Zeiss)	20 MP (Zeiss)	24 MP (Zeiss)	16 MP	32 MP
Battery/Charging	3320 mAh, 18W wired	3500 mAh, 18W wired	4500 mAh, 18W wired	4200 mAh, 33W wired	4800 mAh, 33W wired
Water Resistance	IP67	IP52	IP52	IP67	IP67
Launch Price (Global)	~$699	~$399	~$499	~$449	~$499

Detailed Hardware Specifications

1. Display

Model	Panel & Resolution	Refresh Rate & Brightness	Key Features
9 PureView	5.99-inch QHD+ (2880×1440) OLED; 538 ppi	60 Hz; 550 nits peak	HDR10+; Gorilla Glass 5; 19.5:9 aspect ratio
8.1 (X7)	6.18-inch FHD+ (2246×1080) IPS LCD; 403 ppi	60 Hz; 500 nits peak	Gorilla Glass 3; 19:9 “notch” design
8.3 5G	6.81-inch FHD+ (2400×1080) IPS LCD; 386 ppi	60 Hz; 500 nits peak	Gorilla Glass 3; large 20:9 display
X30 5G	6.43-inch FHD+ (2400×1080) AMOLED; 411 ppi	90 Hz adaptive; 1000 nits peak	HDR10+; Gorilla Glass Victus; 20:9 ratio
X50 5G	6.67-inch FHD+ (2400×1080) AMOLED; 395 ppi	120 Hz adaptive; 1200 nits peak	HDR10+; Gorilla Glass 5; punch-hole design

2. Processor & Memory

Model	Chipset & CPU Architecture	RAM & Storage	Performance Metrics
9 PureView	Snapdragon 845; 8×Kryo 385 (4×2.8 GHz + 4×1.8 GHz); Adreno 630 GPU	6/8 GB LPDDR4X; 128 GB UFS 2.1	AnTuTu ~300,000; flagship gaming performance
8.1 (X7)	Snapdragon 710; 8×Kryo 360 (2×2.2 GHz + 6×1.7 GHz); Adreno 616 GPU	4/6 GB LPDDR4X; 64/128 GB UFS 2.1	AnTuTu ~180,000; smooth multitasking
8.3 5G	Snapdragon 765G; 8×Kryo 475 (1×2.4 GHz + 1×2.2 GHz + 6×1.8 GHz); Adreno 620 GPU	6/8 GB LPDDR4X; 64/128 GB UFS 2.1	AnTuTu ~280,000; 5G sub-6 GHz support
X30 5G	Snapdragon 695 5G; 8×Kryo 660 (2×2.2 GHz + 6×1.8 GHz); Adreno 619 GPU	6/8 GB LPDDR4X; 128/256 GB UFS 2.2	AnTuTu ~350,000; energy-efficient 5G
X50 5G	Snapdragon 778G 5G; 8×Kryo 670 (1×2.4 GHz + 3×2.2 GHz + 4×1.9 GHz); Adreno 642L GPU	8/12 GB LPDDR5; 128/256 GB UFS 3.1	AnTuTu ~550,000; flagship-level mid-range performance

3. Camera System (Carl Zeiss Optics)

Model	Rear Camera Configuration	Front Camera	Video Capabilities
9 PureView	5×12 MP (Penta-lens: 2×color, 3×monochrome; f/1.8, OIS, PDAF); Zeiss Tessar optics	20 MP (f/2.0, PDAF)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@60 fps; OIS stabilization
8.1 (X7)	12 MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) + 13 MP (f/2.6, telephoto, 2× zoom); Zeiss optics	20 MP (f/2.0, PDAF)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@60 fps
8.3 5G	64 MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) + 8 MP (ultra-wide, 118° FOV) + 5 MP (depth) + 2 MP (macro); Zeiss optics	24 MP (f/2.0)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@60 fps; AI scene detection
X30 5G	50 MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) + 13 MP (ultra-wide, 123° FOV); Zeiss optics	16 MP (f/2.4)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@60 fps; Night Mode
X50 5G	50 MP (f/1.8, OIS, PDAF) + 13 MP (ultra-wide, 123° FOV); Zeiss optics	32 MP (f/2.0, autofocus)	4K@30 fps; 1080p@120 fps; Cinematic Mode

4. Battery, Charging & Connectivity

Model	Battery Capacity	Charging	Key Connectivity
9 PureView	3320 mAh Li-Po	18W wired (USB-C); no wireless charging	4G LTE; Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.0; NFC; USB-C 3.1
8.1 (X7)	3500 mAh Li-Po	18W wired (USB-C); no wireless charging	4G LTE; Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.0; NFC; USB-C 2.0
8.3 5G	4500 mAh Li-Po	18W wired (USB-C); no wireless charging	5G (sub-6 GHz); Wi-Fi 5; Bluetooth 5.0; NFC; USB-C 2.0
X30 5G	4200 mAh Li-Po	33W wired (USB-C); no wireless charging	5G (sub-6 GHz); Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; USB-C 2.0
X50 5G	4800 mAh Li-Po	33W wired (USB-C); no wireless charging	5G (sub-6 GHz); Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.2; NFC; USB-C 2.0

5. Build & Software

Model	Build Material & Dimensions	OS & Update Support
9 PureView	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass 5 front/back; 155×75×8.2 mm; 172 g	Android 9 Pie → Android 12; 3 years of security updates
8.1 (X7)	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass 3 front; plastic back; 154.8×75.7×7.9 mm; 176 g	Android 9 Pie → Android 11; 3 years of security updates
8.3 5G	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass 3 front; plastic back; 171×78.6×9.3 mm; 220 g	Android 10 → Android 13; 3 years of OS updates; 4 years of security updates
X30 5G	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass Victus front; recycled plastic back; 158.9×73.9×7.9 mm; 185 g	Android 12 → Android 15; 3 years of OS updates; 4 years of security updates
X50 5G	Aluminum frame; Gorilla Glass 5 front; recycled plastic back; 161.2×74.6×7.9 mm; 190 g	Android 13 → Android 16; 3 years of OS updates; 4 years of security updates

Core Innovations & Series Highlights

1. Nokia 9 PureView: Penta-Lens Camera Revolution

The world’s first penta-lens smartphone camera system, co-developed with Carl Zeiss and Light. It combined 2 color sensors and 3 monochrome sensors to capture 12-bit RAW photos with exceptional dynamic range and detail.
Featured 5x optical zoom and Zeiss T anti-reflective coating* for reduced glare and improved low-light performance.
A landmark device for computational photography, though its complex software led to slower processing speeds.

2. Nokia 8.3 5G: First Nokia 5G Flagship

HMD Global’s first 5G-enabled smartphone, supporting sub-6 GHz networks for faster download speeds and low latency.
Its large 6.81-inch display made it ideal for media consumption, while the 64 MP main sensor delivered sharp, detailed photos.
One of the few mid-range 5G phones with 3 years of OS updates at launch.

3. Nokia X30 5G & X50 5G: Sustainable Flagships

Both models use 100% recycled aluminum frames and recycled plastic back panels, emphasizing HMD Global’s commitment to sustainability.
The X50 5G’s 120 Hz adaptive AMOLED display marked a significant upgrade over the X30’s 90 Hz panel, delivering smoother scrolling and gaming.
4 years of security updates—a rarity in the upper-mid-range segment—ensured long-term device safety.

4. Stock Android & Long-Term Updates

All models run clean, bloatware-free stock Android, with direct updates from HMD Global (no carrier delays).
The X30 and X50 extended update support to 3 OS versions and 4 years of security patches, aligning with Google Pixel’s standards.

Market Positioning & Reception

1. Target Audience

9 PureView: Photography enthusiasts and early adopters seeking innovative camera technology.
8.1 (X7): Budget flagship users wanting balanced performance and Carl Zeiss optics.
8.3 5G: 5G early adopters looking for an affordable entry into next-gen connectivity.
X30/X50 5G: Eco-conscious users prioritizing sustainability, display quality, and long-term software support.

2. Critical Reception

Strengths: Praised for Carl Zeiss camera quality, stock Android experience, durable build, and long update support. The X50’s 120 Hz AMOLED display and Snapdragon 778G performance were standout features.
Weaknesses: Criticized for slow charging speeds (33W max), lack of wireless charging, and mid-range chipsets in “flagship” branding. The 9 PureView’s complex camera software was deemed sluggish by reviewers.