#SmartphonesFaceoff: Nokia 7.1 v/s Xiaomi Mi A2: Which is better?
What's the story
HMD Global recently launched the Nokia 7.1 smartphone in India. The phone features a full-HD+ notched display, a dual-rear camera setup with ZEISS optics, mid-level internals, and runs stock Android under Google's Android One program.
In India, the Nokia 7.1 will take on Xiaomi's recently launched Android One-based Mi A2.
So, which one is better?
Here's our head-to-head comparison.
Design
At a glance
The Nokia 7.1 sports a notched based display with a prominent bottom chin to boast a near 80% screen-to-body ratio. On the back, the phone gets a glass chassis with a dual rear-camera and fingerprint scanner.
In comparison, the Xiaomi Mi A2 features a conventional notch-free display with an aluminum back panel and around 77% screen-to-body ratio.
Winner: Nokia 7.1 for the trendier looks.
Display
All about the screen
The Nokia 7.1 sports a 5.84-inch full-HD+ (1080x2280 pixels) PureDisplay LCD panel with a 19:9 aspect ratio, HDR10 support, and Gorilla Glass 3 protection.
On the other hand, the Xiaomi Mi A2 features a 5.99-inch LCD display with 1080x2160 pixels, an 18:9 aspect ratio and 2.5D curved Gorilla Glass 5 protection.
Winner: Nokia 7.1 for its HDR10 capabilities and marginally sharper display.
Primary Camera
For the shutterbugs
Nokia 7.1 comes with a dual rear-camera setup comprising a 12MP (f/1.8) primary sensor with autofocus, paired with a 5MP (f/2.4) secondary sensor with fixed focus.
The challenger, Mi A2 sports a dual rear-camera setup comprising 12MP+20MP Sony sensors and an aperture of f/1.75, phase-detection autofocus, and dual-tone LED flash.
Winner: Xiaomi's Mi A2 for better optics.
Selfie Camera
For the love of Selfies
Up front, the Nokia 7.1 offers an 8MP (f/2.0) fixed focus sensor with 84-degree field-of-view. Moreover, the selfie snapper is capable of recording 1080p videos at 30fps.
In comparison, the Mi A2 sports a 20-MP Sony IMX376 sensor with f/1.75 aperture, fixed focal length, LED flash and can also shoot full-HD videos at 30fps.
Winner: Mi A2 for featuring a better sensor.
Internals
All the important stuff
The Nokia 7.1 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 processor, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of inbuilt storage (expandable up to 400GB).
The Mi A2 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 processor with AI engine, paired with 4GB/6GB RAM options and 64GB/128GB of non-expandable internal storage.
Winner: Mi A2 for offering superior chipset.
Sensors & Software
Lifeblood of your smartphone
Both phones come with the standard set of sensors including an accelerometer, ambient light sensor, gyroscope, proximity sensor, electronic compass, and a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
In terms of software, both the Nokia 7.1 and Mi A2 run stock Android Oreo as part of Google Android One program. Further, the latest Android Pie update is also available for both the phones.
Winner: Tie.
Battery & Connectivity
Staying connected
The Mi A2 offers support for dual-SIMs, 4G LTE, Bluetooth v5.0, Wi-Fi802.11a/c, GPS, and USB Type-C.
In comparison, the Nokia 7.1 also has these aforementioned options along with the advantage of NFC, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
Further, Nokia 7.1 packs a 3,060mAh battery with 18W fast charging whereas Mi A2 has a 3,010mAh battery with Quick Charge 4.0.
Winner: Nokia 7.1
Information
Pricing: The key factor
The Nokia 7.1 is priced at Rs. 19,999 for the solo 4GB/64GB variant and will go on sale starting December 7. In comparison, the Mi A2 4GB/64GB model is now available for Rs. 15,999 while the 6GB/128GB variant is available for Rs. 18,999.
Our result
How things stack up!
Nokia 7.1 is a well-made phone with decent internals. However, its price is at a higher side.
The Xiaomi Mi A2, at Rs. 15,999, offers the same features (minus the notched display) as the Nokia 7.1, and that too with better cameras and much more powerful chipset.
Moreover, you can buy the 6GB RAM model and still save Rs. 1,000.
Winner: Xiaomi Mi A2.